Mark Davis (baseball)

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Mark William Davis (born October 19, 1960 in Livermore, California) is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. From 1980 through 1997, he played for the Philadelphia Phillies (1980-81, 1993 [start]), San Francisco Giants (1983-1987 [start]), San Diego Padres (1987 [end]-1989, 1993 [end]-1994[start]), Kansas City Royals (1990-92), Atlanta Braves (1992 [end]) and Milwaukee Brewers (1997). Davis batted and threw left-handed. He is best known for his years as the Padres' closer. He is currently the pitching coach for the Surprise Royals.

Davis began his career in 1980 with the Philadelphia Phillies, and spent parts of five seasons with the San Francisco Giants, but did not establish himself as a top reliever until being traded to San Diego during the 1987 midseason.

In 1988, Davis became the Padres' closer, earning 28 saves and 44 in 1989, appearing in the All-Star Game in both seasons. He was a Cy Young Award winner in 1989, becoming only the fourth closer so honored in Award history. No closer would win the NL Cy Young again until Éric Gagné in 2003.

Davis signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Royals before the 1990 season. After a brief stint for the Atlanta Braves in 1992, again he pitched with the Phillies and Padres from 1993-94. After going out for two years, he returned to pitch until retiring with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1997. However, he never came close to matching his accomplishments for San Diego, only earning eleven saves over the last eight seasons of his career.

In a 15-season career, Davis posted a 51-84 record with a 4.17 ERA and 96 saves in 624 games pitched.

[edit] See also

• List of Major League Baseball saves champions

[edit] Sources

• Baseball Library - article
• Baseball Reference - statistics and analysis