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Former Dodger outfielder Willie Davis dies


By WIRE SERVICES

Story Published: Mar 9, 2010 at 5:01 PM PST



BURBANK — Former Los Angeles Dodgers centerfielder Willie Davis was found dead in his home here Tuesday.

Davis, 69, was found about 10:20 a.m. inside his home in the 1900 block of North Victory Boulevard, said Burbank police Sgt. Robert Quesada.
Police believe he died of natural causes, Quesada said.

According to the Los Angeles Times, a neighbor who usually brought breakfast to Davis’ home found the body.

An Arkansas native, Davis moved with his family to Los Angeles when he was still a youngster, and he went on to be a star athlete at Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights.

He joined the Dodgers in 1961 and was a speedy fixture in the team’s lineup for 13 years, appearing in three World Series. Davis stole 20 or more bases in 11 straight seasons and won three Gold Glove awards for his work in the field. In 1969, he put together a 31-game hitting streak, still a club record.

After the 1973 season, the Dodgers traded Davis to the Montreal Expos. He went on to play for the Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and California Angels before retiring after the 1979 season.

“Willie Davis went from a local talent at Roosevelt High School to a world champion centerfielder for the Dodgers in just a few years, and many of his records still stand today,” Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said. “He was beloved by generations of Dodger fans and remains one of the most talented players ever to wear the Dodger uniform.

“Having spent time with him over the past six years, I know how proud he was to have been a Dodger,” McCourt said. “He will surely be missed and our sincere thoughts are with his children during this difficult time.”