Jody Davis – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jody Davis, the dependable backstop for the Chicago Cubs through most of the 1980s, finally hung up his catcher’s mask in 1990 after an 11-year run in Major League Baseball. Davis wrapped up his pro career with the Detroit Tigers’ Triple-A club after the Atlanta Braves released him in May 1990. That marked the end of a journey that saw him earn two All-Star nods (1984, 1986) and a Gold Glove Award (1986). He kicked off his pro baseball story when the New York Mets drafted him in 1976, but he made his big league debut with the Cubs in 1981.

The Arkansas native quickly became a fan favorite at Wrigley Field, where fans would break out the “Jo-dee, Jo-dee” chant every time he stepped up to the plate. Davis anchored the Cubs’ 1984 division championship team, providing both steady defense and some serious pop with his bat. He showed impressive durability for a catcher, playing in over 140 games three years in a row from 1983 to 1985.

Jody Davis: Baseball Career Overview

Jody Davis carved out a solid career in Major League Baseball from 1981 to 1990. He spent his best years as a catcher with the Chicago Cubs and finished up with a short stint with the Atlanta Braves before calling it quits.

Early Life and Entry into Major League Baseball

Born November 12, 1956, in Gainesville, Georgia, Jody Davis got his shot when the New York Mets picked him in the third round of the 1976 MLB Draft. He played at Middle Georgia State College before jumping into pro ball.

Davis didn’t get a straight shot to the majors. The Mets drafted him, but he spent years grinding through the minors. The St. Louis Cardinals grabbed him in the Rule 5 Draft later on, but he never played a big league game for them.

His break finally came when the Chicago Cubs picked him up in another Rule 5 Draft move—a decision that changed his career. Davis made his MLB debut on April 21, 1981, and that kicked off a major league career that turned out better than most expected.

Breakout Years with the Chicago Cubs

Davis really made his mark with the Cubs, becoming one of the National League’s standout catchers. His glove and power at the plate made him a favorite at Wrigley.

The 1984 season stands out—he made his first All-Star team and helped the Cubs win the NL East. Two years later, he grabbed another All-Star spot, proving he was one of the league’s better catchers.

Davis handled a heavy workload, often catching more than 140 games per year, which is no small feat for a catcher. He had a cannon for an arm that kept runners honest and came through with clutch hits.

He spent eight seasons in Chicago (1981-1988) and earned respect as one of the franchise’s most reliable catchers.

Transition to Atlanta Braves

After his Cubs run, Davis joined the Atlanta Braves for the 1989 season. Coming back to Georgia sounded nice, but it didn’t quite live up to his Chicago days.

With the Braves, Davis mostly backed up behind the plate. He only played in 57 games that year, a big drop from his Cubs workload. Even so, he brought some veteran leadership to a young Braves squad.

Adjusting to a backup role was tough after so many years as a starter. His numbers dipped, which probably reflected both fewer chances and the wear-and-tear of catching for so long.

Retirement in 1990

Davis’s big league career wrapped up in 1990. He started the season with Atlanta, but the team let him go by May. He signed with the Detroit Tigers’ organization but never made it back to the majors.

His last MLB appearance came with the Braves in early 1990, closing out a solid decade in the bigs. Davis finished with 127 home runs and good defensive numbers behind the plate.

After playing, Davis stayed close to the game in various coaching roles. His years as the Cubs’ steady backstop earned him a spot in baseball’s memory as a dependable catcher who brought power at the plate and a steady hand behind it.

Catching Excellence: Position and Playing Style

Jody Davis stood out as one of the Cubs’ most reliable catchers in the 1980s. At 6-foot-4, he was tall for the position, but he made that size work for him both defensively and when working with pitchers.

Defensive Skills as a Catcher

Davis grew into a solid defensive catcher, even with his bigger build. His strong arm became a trademark, and he kept the running game in check throughout his career. During his prime with the Cubs, Davis regularly threw out baserunners at a rate above league average.

In 1986, he grabbed a Gold Glove Award for his defense—proof he was among the best in the National League.

He handled tough pitches well, especially breaking balls in the dirt, and his blocking improved a lot after his early seasons. That made him a trusted receiver for Cubs pitchers.

Teammates often praised his game-calling. He studied hitters closely and used that prep to put himself in the right spot behind the plate.

Relationships with Pitchers

Davis built strong bonds with Cubs pitchers. He communicated well, especially with younger arms, guiding them through tough lineups.

Rick Sutcliffe, the Cubs’ ace back then, often credited Davis for calming pitchers in rough innings. Their battery worked especially well during the Cubs’ 1984 playoff push.

Davis kept mound visits straightforward. Sometimes he’d crack a joke to lighten the mood; other times, he’d get right to the point if a pitcher needed a wake-up.

Manager Jim Frey once said, “Jody has a special way with pitchers. They trust him, and that’s half the battle for a catcher.”

Comparison to Other Notable Catchers

The 1980s had some big-name catchers like Gary Carter and Lance Parrish. Davis built his own reputation as a dependable all-around catcher. Carter was famous for his bat, Parrish for his glove, but Davis offered a nice balance.

He didn’t hit as consistently as Carter or have Rick Dempsey’s defensive rep, but he stayed valuable through reliability and leadership. His caught-stealing numbers stacked up well against his peers.

The ‘80s produced a few power-hitting catchers, and Davis fit right in by slugging double-digit home runs in six straight seasons (1983-1988). That pop, plus his defense, earned him two All-Star selections.

If you look at modern catchers like Jorge Alfaro, you can spot some similarities, though the position has changed a lot since Davis played.

Notable Seasons and Achievements

Jody Davis became one of the Cubs’ most trusted catchers in the 1980s. He had a strong arm and delivered steady offense, which made him a favorite at Wrigley and got him noticed across the league.

All-Star Selection and Impact

Davis hit the big time when he made the National League All-Star team twice. His first All-Star selection came in 1984—a breakout year where he showed off both his bat and glove.

That 1984 All-Star nod wasn’t just about personal achievement—it lined up with the Cubs’ division title run. Davis played a huge part in helping the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 1945.

He made the All-Star squad again in 1986, confirming his spot among the league’s top catchers. During those years, Davis caught over 140 games per season, which is a grind for anyone behind the plate.

Career-Highs and Batting Records

Davis peaked offensively in 1983, blasting 24 home runs and driving in 84 runs. For a catcher back then, those were standout numbers.

In 1984, he posted his top batting average at .256 while still hitting 19 homers. His mix of power and defense made him one of the league’s most complete catchers.

Over his time with the Cubs and Braves, Davis totaled 127 home runs and 490 RBIs. His best stretch ran from 1983 to 1986, when he averaged over 20 homers per season—a rare feat for catchers at the time.

Award Nominations and Gold Glove Consideration

Davis never actually won a Gold Glove award, but he earned plenty of consideration. His best shot came in 1986, when he threw out 78 would-be base stealers, showing off his arm.

Defensive stats back up his value. He often ranked near the top in assists and runners caught stealing. From 1983 to 1986, he threw out more than 40% of attempted base stealers—well above average.

Davis even picked up MVP votes in 1984, finishing 10th. That recognition showed just how important he was to the Cubs’ division-winning team, both with the bat and behind the plate.

Memorable Games and Performances

Jody Davis delivered some unforgettable moments during his career, thrilling fans and showing off his skills as a catcher and power hitter. He came through in the clutch and made plays Cubs fans still talk about.

Postseason Moments

Davis played a key role during the Cubs’ 1984 playoff run, the franchise’s first postseason trip since 1945. In the NLCS against the San Diego Padres, Davis delivered big hits in Games 1 and 2 at Wrigley.

While the Cubs didn’t make it to the World Series, Davis helped steady the pitching staff in high-pressure moments. He caught Rick Sutcliffe’s complete game win in Game 1, putting the Cubs ahead early in the series.

The 1989 NLCS against the Giants gave Davis another shot at the playoffs, though by then he’d moved into more of a backup role.

Impact at Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field was Davis’ stage during his prime with the Cubs. His right-handed power seemed tailor-made for the Friendly Confines, and he sent plenty of home runs out onto Waveland Avenue.

One game that stands out came on June 25, 1983, when Davis smacked two homers against the Cardinals and drove in five runs. The crowd answered with the “Jo-dy, Jo-dy” chant that became his signature.

Davis’s defense got just as much love at Wrigley. He gunned down base stealers left and right, especially on those sunny day games when runners struggled to get a good jump.

Key Matchups with MLB Rivals

Davis faced off with several fierce National League rivals. The St. Louis Cardinals, especially during those mid-1980s NL East races, always brought out his competitive edge. He actually managed a .310 average with multiple home runs against their ace Joaquin Andujar—a stat that still surprises some fans.

The Pittsburgh Pirates probably still remember 1987, when Davis crushed a walk-off grand slam in extra innings and flipped the script on a game the Pirates had controlled early. That blast turned Wrigley Field upside down.

The Los Angeles Dodgers felt Davis’ impact too. In 1983, he homered three times in a four-game stretch at Dodger Stadium. He just seemed to thrive against tough pitching when it mattered most.

Hitting Streaks and Solo HRs

Davis had a knack for dramatic power displays. In 1983, he put together a 12-game hitting streak that helped pull the Cubs through a rough June.

Then there was 1984, when he launched solo homers in four straight games from May 9-13. Even when nobody else got on base, Davis could still light up the scoreboard.

He went on a tear in July 1986, homering in three consecutive games against the Phillies, driving in eight runs, and helping the Cubs sweep the series. Those hot streaks made him a fan favorite and landed him two All-Star nods.

He built his reputation on clutch hits, especially against division rivals. That’s a big part of why Cubs fans still remember him as one of the team’s most reliable bats of the 1980s.

Offensive Contributions and Statistics

Jody Davis became a steady force in the lineup during his decade in the majors. He produced runs while handling the grind of catching, making him a valuable asset for both the Cubs and Braves.

Runs, RBIs, and OPS

Over his career, Davis scored 397 runs and knocked in 490 RBIs in ten seasons. His best year came in 1984—he drove in 94 runs and helped push the Cubs to the playoffs.

Davis posted a career .747 OPS, which was solid for a catcher in that era. In 1983, he peaked with a .798 OPS, 24 home runs, and 84 RBIs.

From 1982 to 1988, he averaged 63 RBIs per year for Chicago. He just kept coming through with runners on base, anchoring the middle of the order.

Noteworthy Home Runs

Davis could really surprise you with his power. He finished with 127 career home runs, and in 1983 he hit 24, making him one of the top power-hitting catchers in the National League that year.

On June 25, 1984, he crushed a grand slam against the Pirates that helped the Cubs chase down the division. He ended that season with 19 homers and 94 RBIs.

In the 1984 NLCS, Davis homered in Game 2, giving Cubs fans real hope for a World Series trip.

Consistency at the Plate

Davis stayed remarkably steady at the plate for a catcher. He hit .245 for his career—not flashy, but respectable, especially given the toll catching takes.

He struck out 757 times in 4,322 at-bats, which actually put him ahead of a lot of power hitters from his era. His patience improved as he went along, and he drew 343 walks in the big leagues.

From 1983 to 1986, Davis played an average of 137 games each season. That kind of durability at catcher is rare. It let him rack up stats and gave the Cubs some much-needed stability.

He always hit lefties well, making him extra valuable in platoon situations.

Legacy Within the MLB and Nostalgia

Jody Davis left a mark on baseball that goes way beyond his stats. His presence still echoes with Cubs fans and baseball lovers even decades after he last played.

Influence on Future Catchers

Davis built a reputation for durability. He caught more than 140 games in several seasons, setting a high bar for future catchers. His work behind the plate became a model for reliability.

Younger catchers picked up tips from Davis—his technique blocking balls in the dirt and his ability to handle a pitching staff became teaching points across the league. Some catchers who came up in the 1990s even pointed to Davis as an influence.

He really set the template for the modern catcher who can both defend and hit for power.

Place in MLB History

In MLB history, Davis stands out as one of the better offensive catchers of the 1980s. From 1983-1986, he put up numbers that held their own against the best at his position, including back-to-back All-Star appearances in ’84 and ’86.

He’s among the top 20 catchers in Cubs history in a bunch of offensive categories. With 122 home runs as a Cub, he’s right up there with the franchise’s power-hitting backstops.

And if you ever heard the “Jody, Jody” chant at Wrigley, you know he became a big part of Cubs culture in the ‘80s.

Recognition by Baseball America and Collectors

Davis still enjoys a certain popularity among collectors. His mid-1980s baseball cards—especially the 1984 Topps and Fleer—are still sought after in the hobby.

Baseball America has featured him in retrospectives about the 1984 and 1989 Cubs, highlighting his leadership and his role on those playoff teams.

Game-used equipment from 1984, in particular, draws high prices among Cubs collectors and baseball historians. Davis’ autograph is still a hit at conventions and fan events, where he’s remembered as a key figure from a nostalgic era of Cubs baseball.

Rivalries and Influential Figures

During his ten years in the majors, Jody Davis matched up with plenty of legends and built some big rivalries that shaped his game and his reputation. Facing elite pitchers and working with fellow catchers led to some memorable moments.

Competitions Against Star Players

Davis went up against a lot of legendary pitchers, but his matchups with Roger Clemens stand out. He managed to put up decent numbers even with Clemens bringing the heat.

Against the Montreal Expos, Davis often squared off with their tough pitching staff, including a few future Hall of Famers. Those games got especially intense as Davis established himself as the Cubs’ primary catcher.

He also performed well against the New York Mets—the team that originally drafted him—especially during those heated NL East battles in the mid-80s. Facing pitchers like Dwight Gooden, Davis showed real tactical savvy.

He had some big moments against Goose Gossage and the Padres in late-season games that helped decide playoff spots.

Comparisons to Hall of Fame Catchers

People often compared Davis to contemporaries like Gary Carter, the Mets’ star catcher. Carter might have gotten more headlines, but Davis earned a lot of respect for his durability and leadership.

His defensive skills, especially that strong throwing arm, drew comparisons to other top NL catchers. Those two All-Star selections in ’84 and ’86 put him in elite company.

He never reached Hall of Fame status like Johnny Bench or Carlton Fisk, but Davis held his own as a complete catcher who managed pitching staffs well. In 1986, his .991 fielding percentage ranked him among the league’s best.

With a .256 career average and 127 home runs, Davis stacked up well against guys like Chris Chambliss when you look at all-around contributions.

Memorable Collaborations and Clashes

Davis and Rick Sutcliffe formed a formidable battery during the Cubs’ 1984 division run. Their trust in each other made them tough to beat.

The rivalry with the Cardinals, especially their catcher Tony Peña, really captured the intensity of Cubs-Cardinals showdowns in the ‘80s. Davis brought the power, Peña the agility—it was always a good matchup.

Manager Jim Frey played a big role in Davis’s growth as a leader. Frey let him call games on his own, which not every catcher gets to do.

When the Cubs played the Detroit Tigers in interleague and exhibition games, Davis matched up with Lance Parrish, giving fans an interesting look at two different offensive approaches from the catcher spot.

Davis and Harold Baines, despite the crosstown rivalry, always showed mutual respect—proof that there’s real camaraderie even among fierce competitors.

Post-Retirement Activities and Influence

After he retired in 1990, Jody Davis didn’t stray far from the game. He found new ways to stay involved and kept building his legacy.

Coaching and Mentoring

Davis jumped into coaching soon after his playing days. He worked as a minor league manager for the Chicago Cubs organization, bringing the same work ethic he showed as a player. In 2006, he managed the Daytona Cubs, their Class A-Advanced team.

He went on to lead the Peoria Chiefs in 2007. Davis believed in hands-on coaching, and several of his catching prospects moved up through the ranks.

“I enjoy working with young players and sharing what I learned during my time in the majors,” Davis said while managing in the Cubs’ system.

Between 2010 and 2016, he took on various coaching roles, including catching instructor, where he passed on his knowledge to the next generation.

Media Appearances and Baseball Advocacy

Davis keeps showing up at Cubs Conventions, where fans love to reminisce about his clutch hits and defense from the ‘80s. Those events always bring out the nostalgia.

He’s appeared in documentaries about the 1984 and 1989 Cubs, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and offering a player’s perspective on those memorable seasons.

On social media, Davis stays connected with fans and promotes baseball at all levels. He’s active in charity events, using his platform to give back to the baseball community.

In interviews, Davis often stresses the importance of good catching technique and veteran leadership in the clubhouse. He’s still helping shape the game, just in a different way now.

Honors and Recognition After Retirement

After hanging up his cleats, Davis got plenty of love for what he meant to Cubs history. The Cubs inducted him into their Walk of Fame, a nod to his spot as one of the team’s most cherished catchers.

The organization even threw a “Jody Davis Day” at Wrigley Field back in the early 2000s. Fans filled the stands and gave him a roaring standing ovation, showing real appreciation for those eight years he spent behind the plate. The old “Jo-dy! Jo-dy!” chant? It made a comeback that day, echoing through the ballpark.

Back in Georgia, Davis landed spots in a few local sports halls of fame. Folks there wanted to recognize not just his MLB career, but also what he’s done for baseball in the area.

He never really got close to the national Hall of Fame, but honestly, Davis still stands out as one of the most popular Cubs of his time. The team hasn’t retired his number 7, but fans who watched him play still see it as something special.