[1] Born in Red Bluff, California, Davis was a left-hander who stood 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and weighed 180 pounds (82 kg).

He graduated from Red Bluff High School and served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

[2] He signed with the Boston Red Sox in 1946 and toiled in their farm system for four years before his contract was sold to the Triple-A Seattle Rainiers in 1950.

Davis fanned Hal Smith, Jackie Brandt and Lindy McDaniel in succession; McDaniel reached first base on an error by Cub catcher Hobie Landrith, allowing a run to score but prolonging the frame long enough for Davis to get Don Blasingame on a called third strike.

[3] Davis was traded to the Cardinals (with Landrith) after the 1956 season, and in ten 1957 relief appearances for St. Louis he recorded one save, but pitched ineffectively.