Local Sports Figure "Duke" Davis has Died

A fixture of the local sports scene has passed away.

According to an obituary placed by the family, Ithaca native, Howard “Duke” Davis has died.

Davis played baseball with the Triplets and the Brooklyn Dodgers farm system at Olean, Burlington and Thomasville, North Carolina, as well as semi-pro football and basketball in the Triple Cities and was active in sports at Vestal Central High School. A Memorial service will be held September 18 at Vestal Methodist Church.

The family says Duke Davis was a life member of the Association of Professional Baseball Players of America.

The obituary says Duke requested no calling hours “and because of the COVID-19, we won’t be able to have a doubleheader.”

Those wishing to attend the memorial service at 11 a.m. Friday, September 18 should call the church at (607) 785-3367.