Original SF Giant Jim Davenport dies

Original SF Giant Jim Davenport dies

In a 13-year career in MLB, "Davvy" never played with any team other than the San Francisco Giants. He spent three years in the minors while the Giants were in NY, but made the club just after they and the Dodgers fled to California. Although a rookie, he was installed as the lead-off hitter on opening day in 1958, making him the first man ever to bat in a San Francisco Giants uniform. He struck out that first time up, but in the third inning became the first San Francisco Giant ever to bat in a run, which started the Giants on their way to an 8-0 opening day victory over Don Drysdale. He was also the first major leaguer to bat in the L.A. Coliseum (he singled off Carl Erskine). His 1958 rookie card is pictured below.

He was considered a defensive wizard at third base, but was an average hitter at best. He did, however, play an important offensive role on the Giants' 1962 NL champions. Mays, McCovey, Felipe Alou and Cepeda did the heaviest lifting, but Davenport did his share, batting .297 with 14 homers.