Ray Daviault facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ray Daviault |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: May 27, 1934 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
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| Died: November 6, 2020 (aged 86) Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, Quebec |
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| debut | |||
| April 13, 1962, for the New York Mets | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 30, 1962, for the New York Mets | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 1–5 | ||
| Earned run average | 6.22 | ||
| Strikeouts | 51 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Raymond Joseph Robert Daviault (born May 27, 1934 – died November 6, 2020) was a Canadian professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher from Montreal, Quebec. Ray played baseball for 11 seasons, from 1953 to 1963. He spent a short time in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1962. During that year, he played in 36 games for the New York Mets. This was the very first season for the Mets, who were a new team. Ray was about 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed 175 pounds.
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Ray Daviault's Baseball Journey
Joining the New York Mets
Ray Daviault was chosen by the New York Mets in the 1961 Major League Baseball expansion draft. This draft allowed new teams to pick players from other teams. Even though Ray had not yet played in a Major League game, the Mets picked him.
In 1961, before joining the Mets, Ray played for the Tacoma Giants. This was a Triple-A team, which is a high level in minor league baseball. He played in 58 games and pitched 105 innings. He had a good record of 10 wins and 9 losses. His earned run average (ERA) was 3.17, which means he didn't give up many runs.
Making His MLB Debut
In 1962, Ray Daviault was part of the first-ever New York Mets team. He made his first MLB appearance on April 13, 1962. This game was special because it was the Mets' first regular-season home game. It took place at the Polo Grounds in New York City.
Ray entered the game in the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets were losing 3–2. He had a bit of a tough start. He gave up a walk and threw a wild pitch. Another wild pitch allowed a runner to score, making the Pirates' lead 4–2. He also walked three batters in the next inning. The Pirates ended up winning the game 4–3.
Ray's Only MLB Win
Ray Daviault earned his only Major League victory on July 7, 1962. This game was also at the Polo Grounds, and the Mets were playing the St. Louis Cardinals. The score was tied 3–3 when Ray came into the game in the eighth inning.
In the ninth inning, a Cardinals player hit a home run off Ray. This gave the Cardinals the lead. But the Mets fought back! In the bottom of the ninth inning, Marv Throneberry hit a two-run walk-off home run. This means the home run won the game for the Mets right then and there. The Mets won 5–4, and Ray Daviault got the win!
The 1962 Mets Season
The 1962 New York Mets team had a very challenging season. They finished with a record of 40 wins and 120 losses. This is still the record for the most losses by a Major League Baseball team in one season in the modern era.
During his time in MLB, Ray Daviault played in 36 games and pitched 81 innings. He allowed 92 hits and 48 walks. He also struck out 51 batters.
A Baseball Field Named After Ray
In August 2017, a baseball field was named after Raymond Daviault. This special field is in Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec. It is now the home field for the Montreal Brewers team. They play in the Ligue de Baseball Majeur du Québec.
Ray Daviault's Life
Ray Daviault passed away on November 6, 2020, at the age of 86. He lived for many years in Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, Quebec. He had three children and six grandchildren.
