Former NY Giants Second Baseman Davey Williams Passes Away At 81

Davey Williams was born on November 2, 1927 in Dallas, Texas. The right handed Second baseman made his debut late in September in 1949. He went 12 for 40 in 16 games and hit his 1st career HR. That off season the Giants acquired the pesky Eddie Stanky and he secured the second baseman job for the next two seasons, landing Williams in the minors. He reappeared during the 1951 comeback stretch, as the Giants caught the Dodgers winning the pennant in a three game playoff. Williams hit .266 in 30 games driving in 8 runs & hitting 2 HRs. He got a pinch hit appearance in the last game of the World Series going 0-1. Stanky went to finish his career in St. Louis & Williams became the Giants regular second baseman. Williams was a free swinger but didn’t strike out much. In his first full season he had career highs in HRs (13) doubles (26) & RBIs (55) but batted only .254. In 1953 his power numbers dropped (3 HRs- 11 doubles) but he hit a career high .297, making his only All Star appearance. The Giants Championship season of 1954 proved to be Williams last full season, playing in 142 games, he only hit .222 with 9 HRs 46 RBIs & 18 doubles. In the World Series he went hitless in all four games. He suffered from spinal arthritis and a collision with Jackie Robinson while covering first base cut his career short.

In a game where pitcher Sal Maglie, hit a few Dodgers including Jackie Robinson again, Jackie layed down a bunt on the first base line. Maglie, was too slow getting off the mound so Williams came over to cover 1st base. Robinson wanted Maglie but he said since Williams was a Giant he had to get knocked down. Williams was injured on the collision and never recovered. Although he batted .251 through August he lost his job to Wayne Terrwilliger, and was released ending a six year career. A lifetime NY Giant he hit .252 with 32 HRs & 163 RBIs in 1785 games. At second base, he recorded a .978 fielding percentage with 52 errors in 2323 chances.

He was a Giants coach for the 1956-1957 seasons, then managed at the minor league level. Williams was elected to the Texas Hall of Fame in 1998. He passed away this week on August 19th at his home outside Dallas, he was 81.