Gary Davison, the pitcher responsible for the Herts Falcons’ greatest playoff upset defeat, is now a member of the team.
The right-hander, who also plays first base and third base, is a member of Team GB and was the 2016 NBL MVP.
Davison — seen above pitching for the Southampton Mustangs — cited the Falcons’ strong ethic as his reason for joining the squad. “[The Falcons] play with heart and never give up,” he said. “Hopefully I can make a positive contribution to win the trophy this year.”
“Gary is a great addition to the team” said manager Cris Hiche. “He has a proven record in the NBL…he’s also a great guy to have in the clubhouse.”
As a member of the Division 1 Burgess Hill Colts, Davison was the key factor in Herts’ dramatic extra-innings playoff loss in 2006.
After rallying back from a 10-6 deficit, the Colts took a 12-10 lead in the ninth against the Premier Division Falcons, who would force the game into extra innings. Down 13-12 in the tenth, with no outs and a runner on third, Herts looked poised to tie the game.
Davison single-handedly ended the inning—and the Falcons’ playoffs—striking out the next three batters. His complete-game victory propelled the Colts into the Premier Division, relegating the Falcons to Division 1.
A true two-way player, the 2016 NBL home run leader represented British baseball as one of ten participants in MLB Battlegrounds’ home run derby in July 2017. He competed alongside 14-year MLB vet Carlos Peña, World Series champion and All-Star Cliff Floyd, as well as England cricketers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales.
The event, which took place in Hyde Park, drew about 12,000 spectators. “It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life, by far!” said Davison.
With the Falcons set to make their continental club competition debut in 2019, Davison’s international playing experience, which includes two European Championships in Pool A, will no doubt be an asset.
“I believe [we] have a chance of winning [the Federations Cup qualifier],” he said, “especially if we just play British baseball as a team and a family.”
That new baseball family is eager to see what Davison can do in a Herts uniform.
He feels the same. “I’m looking forward to playing with you guys instead of against you all the time,” he told the Falcons. “I’ve chosen the right team to play for.”