Quick – Name all of the batting champions in L.A. Dodgers history.

That’s right, there is exactly one – Dodgers legend Tommy Davis – and he did it twice. He beat out Frank Robinson, he beat out Stan Musial, he beat out Mickey Mantle, he beat out Hank Aaron, he beat out Roberto Clemente – and he did it in consecutive seasons in 1962 and 1963. So when Tommy Davis speaks – even at age 76 – it is wise to listen to what he has to say.

As he has done several times over the past few years, Davis was invited to LoanMart Field in Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday afternoon for a meet and greet with fans attending the Quakes – Stockton Ports game, and he was warmly received.

Dodgers great Tommy Davis signs an autograph for a young fan.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Prior to throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, Davis took the time to walk down to the batting cage and chat with several Quakes players – including rehabbing Dodgers outfielder Scott Van Slyke.

Davis threw out the ceremonial first pitch on Sunday afternoon at LoanMart Field. It was a strike.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

But perhaps the most interesting – if not unusual – Quakes players that the two-time NL batting champion spent time with was 23-year-old right-handed pitcher Jharel Cotton, who was practicing his bunting in the batting cage off of Quakes hitting coach Mike Eylward. What made this unusual is that the California League – even the National League affiliate teams – uses a designated hitter. But this didn’t stop the St. Thomas, Virgin Island native, who has had exactly zero plate appearances in his three-year minor league career, from keeping his bunting skills sharp and, even more so, it didn’t stop Tommy Davis from sharing some bunting pointers with Cotton, who was clearly enjoying the experience.

“I love spending a little time with these kids,” said Davis after the 10-minute session with Cotton. “Maury [Wills] is the guy who should really be teaching this stuff, but I always enjoy helping these kids out if they’re willing to listen.”

Should Quakes right-hander Jharel Cotton ever make it to the big leagues and be called upon to drop down a bunt, chances are he will always remember this moment spent with two-time NL batting champ Tommy Davis. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Although Jharel Cotton won’t need to utilize the one-on-one instruction that he received from Tommy Davis until he reaches the Double-A or Triple-A levels, it’s probably safe to say that he will always remember the time and attention that was given to him by a wiser man.