1979 Profile: Ron Davis

"Acquired from the Cubs last year for Ken Holtzman, Ron immediately impressed as a relief pitcher at West Haven, going 9-2 with five saves and a 1.50 ERA in 21 appearances. He came up for four games at the end of last year.
A native of Houston, Texas, he is a big (6-4, 205 pounds) right-hander."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"When you are asked to replace Goose Gossage as the number one relief pitcher on the best team in baseball, you are being asked to do a job that no one else could handle. If that means throwing ninety-mile-an-hour fastballs to some of the best hitters in the game, then hurl you must. So Ron Davis zips the fastball with the authority of a 10-year veteran ... and some of the best in the game take that long walk back to the bench.
After coming over from Chicago for Ken Holtzman in 1978, Ron Davis worked at West Haven and posted a 9-2 record with a 1.50 ERA. His talents were far beyond those needed at the Double-A level, so he was inserted in four games at the end of '78. At the start of the '79 campaign he went back, but this time to Columbus at the Triple-A level. In the thick of the pennant race, you can be sure he'll be at the Stadium doing what he knows he has to do: save those cliffhangers!"

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Davis joined the Yankees last season as payment for Ken Holtzman. He was sent to West Haven, where he was used strictly in relief, winning nine of 11 decisions with a 1.50 ERA and five saves, appearing in only 21 games. His .818 winning percentage was the best in West Haven's history. He saw some action with the Yanks, appearing in four games as a reliever.
Ron was the Cubs' number three selection in the January 1976 Free Agent Draft. He completed 12 of 17 starts for Pompano Beach in 1976, his first year in pro ball. He was used both as a starter and a reliever in the Cubs' organization but has been strictly a reliever with the Yanks.
Davis played baseball and basketball at Milby High in Houston. He was a National Junior College Athletic Association All-American at Blinn Junior College in Brenham, Texas. Ron pitched before 46,000 people in his first big league game- it was Old Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium.
He enjoys hunting and fishing."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide