Aug 24, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Former professional baseball player Chris Davis on the field prior to the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame ceremony before the game against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
SARASOTA—Longtime Orioles first baseman Chris Davis, who twice led the major league in home runs, has been elected to the team’s Hall of Fame.
Davis, who was obtained from the Texas Rangers along with pitcher Tommy Hunter in exchange for pitcher Koji Uehara, was one of the most popular players in club history.
In 2013, Davis led the major leagues in home runs with 53, setting a club record and with 138 RBIs. His 47 home runs in 2015 also led the major leagues.
Davis played with the Orioles from 2011-2020 and hit 253 home runs, sixth most in club history. His 1,550 strikeouts are also the most in club history.
On May 6th, 2012, Davis pitched for the most time as a professional, throwing two scoreless innings as the Orioles beat the Boston Red Sox 9-6 in 17 innings. Manager Buck Showalter had used seven relievers and called on Davis, who last pitched in junior college.
Also elected was pitcher Storm Davis, no relation, who was a key starter on the Orioles’ 1983 World Series champions. Davis won Game 4 of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies and pitched six shutout innings against the Chicago White Sox in the decisive Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.
Davis pitched six seasons with the Orioles, from 1982-1986 and in 1992. He was 61-43 with a 3.63 ERA. He had four shutouts and five saves.
Jim Russo, a longtime Orioles scout was elected the winner of the Herb Armstrong Award.
Russo, began his career with the team in 1951 when they were the St. Louis Browns, moved with the team to Baltimore in 1954, remaining with the Orioles until 1986.
He was responsible for signing Jim Palmer, Davey Johnson and Boog Powell, and helped build the 1966 World Series championship team. His scouting reports on the Orioles’ heavily favored opponent, the Los Angeles Dodgers helped the team to a four-game sweep.
Since 2003, the Orioles have annually honored a scout in the organization with an award that bears Russo’s name.
The newest Hall of Fame members will be inducted on August 1st before the 7:05 p.m. game with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com
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