[5] In 1949, the New York Giants attempted to purchase his contract, but Birmingham owner Tom Hayes blocked the deal, believing Davis was too valuable to his team.

[5] The Boston Red Sox later signed Davis as their first black player, but he never played for the team.

[6] Mays credited Davis for teaching him two important lessons about how to play baseball.

Davis encouraged Mays to charge balls hit through the infield, to better position himself to prevent runners from advancing.

[7] To help Mays hit the curveball, Davis told him to stand straighter and face the pitcher more in his stance.