Jim Davenport, one of the original San Francisco Giants and one of three rookies in the team's 1958 opening day lineup when the team played its first game upon arrival from New York, died Thursday night. He was 82.
Davenport spent his entire 13-year playing career with the Giants and was later a scout, coach, minor league instructor, big-league manager and, finally, a special assistant for player development, the Mercury News reported.
Davenport led National League third baseman in fielding percentage three consecutive times starting in 1959 and won the Gold Glove for defensive excellence in 1962.
Davenport and his family lived in San Carlos since 1963, The Mercury News reported.
The Giants released a statement upon Davenport's passing:
"The Giants family was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Davenport last night in Redwood City due to heart failure.
"Davenport, 82, played all 13 seasons of his Major League career in a Giants uniform from 1958-1970. He was a member of the original 1958 San Francisco Giants and spent 51 seasons in the organization, having played, coached and managed at both the Major and minor league levels.
Sports
"The Siluria, Alabama native posted a .258 lifetime batting average in 1,501 Major League contests. He earned All-Star status and a Gold Glove in 1962 and was voted by the fans as the third baseman on the Giants’ 25th Anniversary Dream Team in 1982.
"'The passing of Jim Davenport brings great sadness to our organization,' said Laurence Baer, Giants President & Chief Executive Officer. 'Jim had a wonderful spirit and was a great Giant. We will always remember Davvy. We express our deepest condolences to his family and will have them in our thoughts and prayers.'"
"Davenport is survived by his wife, Betty, daughter Cathy, sons Randy, Ken, Don and Gary."
