Robinson Was a Voice of Reason to Davis

Jackie Robinson did more for the Dodgers than what appears in the record books. He was also responsible for persuading Tommy Davis to sign with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956. Davis went on to become the lone L.A. Dodger to win a National League batting title. He won it in 1962 and ’63.

According to the recently released book, “Tommy Davis’ Tales From the Dodgers Dugout,” written by Davis with The Times’ Paul Gutierrez, it was a phone call from Robinson that convinced Davis to sign with the Dodgers rather than the New York Yankees.

So what did Robinson say to convince Davis?

“Jackie didn’t have to say anything,” Davis says. “Just the sound of his voice sold me.”

*

Trivia time: When did Robinson retire from Major League Baseball, and why?

*

Leaner and meaner: Shaquille O’Neal returned to play 30 minutes in regulation during the Miami Heat’s 126-119 overtime loss to Philadelphia Thursday night. O’Neal had sat out three games because of a stomach ailment and viral infection that left him unable to eat.

“And here’s a scary thought as Miami nears the playoffs with its big man leaner after a week-plus sidelined with a appetite-killing virus,” wrote Greg Cote in the Miami Herald. “Shaquille O’Neal ... hungry.”

*

Buying a winner: With New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady serving as the host of “Saturday Night Live” tonight, Stephan Pechdimaldji of SI.com made note of other sports figures who have had that role.

Pechdimaldji recalls New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner did his bit on Oct. 20, 1990, minutes after one of his former managers, Lou Piniella, had clinched the World Series with the Cincinnati Reds.

“I just bought the Cincinnati Reds,” Steinbrenner said in his monologue.

*

A real softy: The highlight of Steinbrenner’s appearance, according to Pechdimaldji, came during a skit in which he played a convenience store manager named Carl who couldn’t bring himself to fire underperforming employees.

“Where is it written that if you don’t get results right away, you fire people?” Steinbrenner’s Carl said. “What kind of asinine policy is that?”

*

Looking back: On this day in 1997, the Chicago Cubs set the record for worst start in National League history, extending their losing streak to 12 with a 4-0 loss to the Colorado Rockies. The record of 0-11 was set by the Detroit Wolverines in 1884.

*

Trivia answer: Robinson retired after the 1956 season because he was traded by the Dodgers to the rival New York Giants. According to what Davis wrote in his book, Robinson considered that a slap in the face.

*

And finally: Dodger Manager Jim Tracy, a guest speaker at the Southern California Sports Broadcasters monthly luncheon this week, was asked what he thought of Jeff Kent’s performance so far this season.

“Looking back a few years when I was walking Barry Bonds to get to Jeff Kent,” Tracy said, “I can’t believe I was doing that.”

*

Larry Stewart can be reached at larry.stewart@latimes.com.