COMMUNITY: Mr. Softball -- Patetown's Davis inducted into 2018 SSAA Hall of Fame
By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 5, 2018 3:08 AM
By RUDY COGGINS
rcoggins@newsargus.com
ROSEBORO -- Hands crossed in front, E.C. Davis stood and listened as his daughter Shamra read a list of his achievements that spanned four-plus decades.
One stood out.
In August 2012, Davis suffered a life-threatening stroke that caused his brain to bleed.
Four days later, the doctors released him from the hospital.
The next night he returned to his favorite place -- the softball field in Saulston.
"You cannot stop him at all," Shamra said. "He's my hero. He's the rock of our family."
Neighbors who reside on Patetown Road know him as "Mr. Softball."
A little less spry, Davis remains sharp as a tack at 74 years young.
When he gazes at his collection of trophies that vary in size, he recalls different towns he's visited and former teammates he's shared the diamond with on weekend trips. Each trophy holds a memory that is dear to his heart.
There is one in particular that Davis never thought he'd receive.
The keepsake is a copper eagle with its wings spread as it sits atop a black base. Engraved are the words "SSAA Hall of Fame Inductee."
"I was not expecting anything like that," Davis said.
Davis was part of the 16th class of inductees recently enshrined into the Southern Softball Association of America Hall of Fame. Shamra gathered old newspaper clippings, put together a biography and nominated him for the Hall.
The well-deserved accolade is the culmination of a career that started when the then-14-year-old pedaled 18 miles round trip from his home near Stomp Johnson's Store in the Saulston area to Pikeville Park nearly every afternoon.
A gifted shortstop blessed with speed, Davis played softball during the week and baseball with Eakes Store on the weekends. He was a member of the 1960 New Hope High School team that won the Wayne South championship.
Upon graduation from Charles B. Aycock, Davis joined the National Guard and was shipped to San Antonio, Texas.
It's not certain if his reputation preceded him or not, but Davis quickly made a name for himself on the diamond. The expert marksman displayed cat-like reflexes at shortstop, and either turned two in the middle or zipped throws to first base for the out.
His commanding officers always got him out of class early so he could get proper rest on game days.
Davis' love for the game continued to grow when he returned home.
An avid hunter and billiards player, Davis traveled to softball-crazed communities in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. He enjoyed meeting new people and relished the competition -- particularly battles against the Roanoke Rapids Bombers, Rocky Mount Barbershop and Watson's Electric in Wilson.
Back then, it was easy to find players.
Nobody went to the beach.
"Ball was our life," Davis said. "Every year in December, we'd go to Victory Warehouse and start practicing...running and throwing. We loved it so good, there were about 12 or 13 people who were there [at practice] every time. When softball season came around, all of us were in shape but the rest of the teams won't in shape and we could work them over.
"There isn't anything about softball that I don't like. The ball comes slower and you've got to have a better defensive game than an offensive game. Some people hit the ball real hard on the ground."
Davis managed and played on at least 20 different clubs that combined to win regular-season and tournament championships in Church, Industrial and City League play. Davis guided Wayne Manufacturing to the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) World Series in 1974. The team finished 13th overall.
During his playing days, he worked as a health care technician at Cherry Hospital for a while. Then he managed a parts department at a local car dealership.
His family followed wherever he went.
Shamra and brother, Dolton, grew up on the softball field.
Joan, his wife of 50 years, kept the household in order and supported Davis as he pursued his passion.
"I've got as a good a wife that ever lived," Davis said. "When they made her, they threw the mold away. They don't make any more like her. I wouldn't trade her right now for a new one, you can believe that. She's always been good to me."
Double-knee replacement slowed Davis down.
After the surgery, he played a couple of more seasons before he packed away the glove, ball and bat for good. His trips to Saulston aren't as frequent since his stroke.
Davis continues to visit with former teammates Elvin Herring, Skeet Jones and Dennis Wade. They reminisce about the good 'ole days and talk a little softball.
"I've lived a life of ball," said Davis.
A life that is now immortalized.