Vanderbilt Commodores: The Official Internet Site of Vanderbilt Athletics

VU's Glenn Davis Drafted in First Round by LA Dodgers

June 3, 1997

Vanderbilt junior first baseman Glenn Davis was drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Major League Baseball Draft on Tuesday.

Davis, who was the 25th pick overall and the 12th college player selected, led the 1997 Commodores in home runs (18) and RBI (64).

A switch-hitter from Aston, Pa., Davis finished his career as the school's second all-time leader in home runs with 43 and fourth all-time leader in RBI with 160.

"This is awesome, a dream come true," said Davis, who celebrated the news with friends and family at his parent's home in Pennsylvania. "I'm just thankful to God for giving me the ability to play baseball and thankful for my family who have always supported me."

Vanderbilt head baseball coach Roy Mewbourne said Davis' great work ethic paid off in the draft.

"(Being a first round pick) is a real compliment to how hard he has worked and how well he has done at Vanderbilt," said Mewbourne. "He will do everything in his power to get to the big leagues."

Mewbourne compared Davis' skills to Chicago Cubs first baseman Mark Grace.

"He can drive the ball the opposite way with power, and he's very smooth at first base. The Dodgers organization will be glad to have him. He will develop into an outstanding talent."

Mewbourne said he expects Davis will begin his Dodgers career at either the Class A or AA level and will receive a sizable signing bonus. In 1996, the Dodgers drafted infielder Damian Rolls, a high school player from Kansas City, and signed him to a contract that included a $895,000 signing bonus.

Davis was originally drafted out of high school in the 18th round by the Minnesota Twins in the 1994 draft after being named Philadelphia Player of the Year at Malvern Prep school as a senior.

He chose instead to attend Vanderbilt where he was a three-year starter who hit .307 in 154 collegiate games.

Davis was one of only three Southeastern Conference players taken in the first round. The others were LSU's Brandon Larson and Mississippi State's Eric Dubose.

The last Vanderbilt player taken in the first round was shortstop Joey Cora, who was selected by San Diego Padres in 1985 and is currently a member of the Seattle Mariners.