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'''Isaac Benjamin "Ike" Davis''' (born March 22, 1987) is a ] ] for the ]. '''Isaac Benjamin "Ike" Davis''' (born March 22, 1987) is a ] ] for the ].


He led his high school team to three straight Arizona state championships as a pitcher/first baseman from 2003-05. He also pitched for the gold medal-winning U.S. Youth National Team in the International Baseball Federation in 2003, and was the MVP of the AFLAC All-American High School Baseball Classic in 2004. He led his high school team to three straight Arizona state championships as a pitcher/first baseman from 2003–05. He also pitched for the gold medal-winning U.S. Youth National Team in the International Baseball Federation in 2003, and was the MVP of the AFLAC All-American High School Baseball Classic in 2004.


Ranked second in the nation as a freshman for Arizona State University by both ''Baseball America'' and ''Collegiate Baseball'', he was named Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and named to the All-Conference Team, as he became the first freshman ever to lead the Pac-10 in RBIs. He hit .353 in his college career, and was a two-time All-American. Ranked second in the nation as a freshman for Arizona State University by both ''Baseball America'' and ''Collegiate Baseball'', he was named Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and named to the All-Conference Team, as he became the first freshman ever to lead the Pac-10 in RBIs. He hit .353 in his college career, and was a two-time All-American.
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Davis was born in ] to Millie Davis and former major league pitcher ], who played 481 games in the majors in his 11-year career.<ref>{{cite web|author=10:08 p.m. ET |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/5122092/ |title=Zilmer: All in the family in 2004 baseball draft |publisher=nbcsports.msnbc.com |date=June 3, 2004 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref><ref name="scout1">{{cite web|url=http://arizonastate.scout.com/2/317391.html |title=Scout.com: Local Baseball Phenom Signs with ASU |publisher=Arizonastate.scout.com |date=November 11, 2004 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> His father pitched from 1978 to 1988 for the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants, and was an American League All-Star in 1981. Davis was born in ] to Millie Davis and former major league pitcher ], who played 481 games in the majors in his 11-year career.<ref>{{cite web|author=10:08 p.m. ET |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/5122092/ |title=Zilmer: All in the family in 2004 baseball draft |publisher=nbcsports.msnbc.com |date=June 3, 2004 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref><ref name="scout1">{{cite web|url=http://arizonastate.scout.com/2/317391.html |title=Scout.com: Local Baseball Phenom Signs with ASU |publisher=Arizonastate.scout.com |date=November 11, 2004 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> His father pitched from 1978 to 1988 for the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants, and was an American League All-Star in 1981.


His mother is ]. A significant percentage of her family, which was from ], was killed in ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/ike-daviss-real-first-name-has-a-history-of-its-own/ | title=Ike Davis’s Real First Name Has a History of Its Own |author=Dave Waldstein |publisher=New York Times | date=April 22, 2010}}</ref> His great aunt on his mother’s side was a ], and he said: "She was the one who knew everything that happened. She was able to come to the United States, and she brought the story with her."<ref></ref> His first name is actually Isaac, as he was named after his mother's grandfather, and his middle name is Benjamin.<ref></ref><ref></ref> "I am really proud of my Jewish heritage," he said.<ref></ref> "I'm glad Jewish kids get to see they can grow up to be professional baseball players."<ref></ref> As a Jewish ballplayer on the Mets, he follows ], ], and ].<ref></ref> When told that Shawn Green used to receive marriage proposals from Jewish mothers, on behalf of their daughters, Davis laughed nervously and said: "I hope that doesn't happen. I'm not ready for marriage."<ref></ref> His mother is ]. A significant percentage of her family, which was from ], was killed in ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/ike-daviss-real-first-name-has-a-history-of-its-own/ | title=Ike Davis’s Real First Name Has a History of Its Own |author=Dave Waldstein |publisher=New York Times | date=April 22, 2010}}</ref> His great aunt on his mother’s side was a ], and he said: "She was the one who knew everything that happened. She was able to come to the United States, and she brought the story with her."<ref name="nytimes1">{{cite web|last=Waldstein |first=Dave |url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/ike-daviss-real-first-name-has-a-history-of-its-own/?src=me |title=Ike Davis’s Real First Name Has a History of Its Own - Bats Blog - NYTimes.com |publisher=Bats.blogs.nytimes.com |date=April 22, 2010 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> His first name is actually Isaac, as he was named after his mother's grandfather, and his middle name is Benjamin.<ref name="nytimes1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/len-berman/top-5-sports-stories_b_549402.html |title=Len Berman: Top 5 Sports Stories |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> "I am really proud of my Jewish heritage," he said.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://web.sny.tv/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100426&content_id=9585810&oid=36018&vkey=9 |title=Everybody likes Ike, now and forever &#124; SNY.tv: News |publisher=Web.sny.tv |date=April 26, 2010 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> "I'm glad Jewish kids get to see they can grow up to be professional baseball players."<ref name="autogenerated1"/> As a Jewish ballplayer on the Mets, he follows ], ], and ].<ref name="nytimes1"/> When told that Shawn Green used to receive marriage proposals from Jewish mothers, on behalf of their daughters, Davis laughed nervously and said: "I hope that doesn't happen. I'm not ready for marriage."<ref name="nytimes1"/>


Davis attended ] in ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/leagues/HS_amateur/040703usaj.html |title=2004 High School Team Of The Year |publisher=Baseball America |date=July 3, 2004 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> where he won three state 4A titles (2003–05).<ref>{{cite web|last=Obert |first=Richard |url=http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/04/23/20100423chaparral-major-league-baseball.html |title=Former Chaparral baseball stars making it big in the big leagues |publisher=Azcentral.com |date=April 23, 2010 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> He hit .425 as a junior.<ref name="scout1"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Brad Falduto, Tribune |url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/41360 |title=Chaparral rolls to third straight state title &#124; Arizona sports, Arizona sports teams |publisher=eastvalleytribune.com |date=May 15, 2005 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> Davis attended ] in ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/leagues/HS_amateur/040703usaj.html |title=2004 High School Team Of The Year |publisher=Baseball America |date=July 3, 2004 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> where he won three state 4A titles (2003–05).<ref>{{cite web|last=Obert |first=Richard |url=http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/04/23/20100423chaparral-major-league-baseball.html |title=Former Chaparral baseball stars making it big in the big leagues |publisher=Azcentral.com |date=April 23, 2010 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> He hit .425 as a junior.<ref name="scout1"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Brad Falduto, Tribune |url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/41360 |title=Chaparral rolls to third straight state title &#124; Arizona sports, Arizona sports teams |publisher=eastvalleytribune.com |date=May 15, 2005 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref>
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==College career== ==College career==
Davis chose to go to ] (ASU), choosing it at the end of the day over Texas.<ref name="scout1"/> In October 2005 he was ranked # 2 in the nation in the freshman class by both ''Baseball America'' and ''Collegiate Baseball''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/101205aaa.html |title=Baseball Recruiting Class Ranked Second In Baseball America Dandy Dozen – ARIZONA STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE |publisher=Thesundevils.cstv.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> He played ], ], and ]. In 2006 he was named ] Freshman of the Year and named to the All-Conference Team, becoming the first freshman ever to lead the Pac-10 in RBIs during the regular season as he hit .329 with 65 RBIs in 240 at bats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=ik7CkgZIitEC&pg=PA394&dq=%22ike+davis%22+baseball&hl=en&ei=VPHrS6SSAcGqlAf-6KW1CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22ike%20davis%22%20baseball&f=false |title=Baseball America 2007 Almanac: A ... – Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=aOTWUl-9LQoC&pg=PA152&dq=%22ike+davis%22+baseball&hl=en&ei=VPHrS6SSAcGqlAf-6KW1CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=24&ved=0CJABEOgBMBc#v=onepage&q=%22ike%20davis%22%20baseball&f=false |title=Day by day in Jewish sports history – Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> He also received First Team Freshman All-American honors. He was a three-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection, and earned Third Team All-American honors during his sophomore season before becoming a unanimous First Team All-American during his junior year.<ref></ref> He hit .353 in his college career, totaling 244 hits, 33 homers and 69 doubles. The 69 doubles is the fifth-most in school history.<ref></ref> Davis chose to go to ] (ASU), choosing it at the end of the day over Texas.<ref name="scout1"/> In October 2005 he was ranked # 2 in the nation in the freshman class by both ''Baseball America'' and ''Collegiate Baseball''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/101205aaa.html |title=Baseball Recruiting Class Ranked Second In Baseball America Dandy Dozen – ARIZONA STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE |publisher=Thesundevils.cstv.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> He played ], ], and ]. In 2006 he was named ] Freshman of the Year and named to the All-Conference Team, becoming the first freshman ever to lead the Pac-10 in RBIs during the regular season as he hit .329 with 65 RBIs in 240 at bats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=ik7CkgZIitEC&pg=PA394&dq=%22ike+davis%22+baseball&hl=en&ei=VPHrS6SSAcGqlAf-6KW1CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22ike%20davis%22%20baseball&f=false |title=Baseball America 2007 Almanac: A ... – Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=aOTWUl-9LQoC&pg=PA152&dq=%22ike+davis%22+baseball&hl=en&ei=VPHrS6SSAcGqlAf-6KW1CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=24&ved=0CJABEOgBMBc#v=onepage&q=%22ike%20davis%22%20baseball&f=false |title=Day by day in Jewish sports history – Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> He also received First Team Freshman All-American honors. He was a three-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection, and earned Third Team All-American honors during his sophomore season before becoming a unanimous First Team All-American during his junior year.<ref name="miamiherald1">{{cite web|last=Fitzpatrick |first=Frank |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/02/v-fullstory/1609335/in-new-york-they-like-ike-davis.html |title=In New York, they like Ike (Davis) – Outdoors Wire |publisher=MiamiHerald.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> He hit .353 in his college career, totaling 244 hits, 33 homers and 69 doubles. The 69 doubles is the fifth-most in school history.<ref name="miamiherald1"/>


In addition to playing the outfield and first base, Davis also pitched for the Sun Devils. He began his career as the Friday night starter and ended it as the Sun Devils closer, totaling a 7–5 mark with four saves and 78 strikeouts in his career. In addition to playing the outfield and first base, Davis also pitched for the Sun Devils. He began his career as the Friday night starter and ended it as the Sun Devils closer, totaling a 7–5 mark with four saves and 78 strikeouts in his career.


Davis won the On Deck Circle Most Valuable Player Award in 2008, was a part of two Pac-10 Championship teams and went to the ] in 2007. He was also named to the ASU All-Decade team, and a 2007 '']'' College First-Team All-American.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/davis_ike00.html |title=ASU bio |publisher=Thesundevils.cstv.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref><ref></ref> Davis won the On Deck Circle Most Valuable Player Award in 2008, was a part of two Pac-10 Championship teams and went to the ] in 2007. He was also named to the ASU All-Decade team, and a 2007 '']'' College First-Team All-American.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/davis_ike00.html |title=ASU bio |publisher=Thesundevils.cstv.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/071707aae.html |title=#1 in College Sports |publisher=CSTV.com |date=July 17, 2007 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref>


==Professional career== ==Professional career==
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Davis was the 18th player taken in the first round of the ], chosen by the ] as compensation for the Mets' loss of ] to the ] in free agency. He was drafted for his power bat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=OsgRQcR8YHcC&pg=PA359&dq=%22ike+davis%22+baseball&hl=en&ei=VPHrS6SSAcGqlAf-6KW1CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22ike%20davis%22%20baseball&f=false |title=Baseball Prospectus 2010 – Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> Davis was the 18th player taken in the first round of the ], chosen by the ] as compensation for the Mets' loss of ] to the ] in free agency. He was drafted for his power bat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=OsgRQcR8YHcC&pg=PA359&dq=%22ike+davis%22+baseball&hl=en&ei=VPHrS6SSAcGqlAf-6KW1CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22ike%20davis%22%20baseball&f=false |title=Baseball Prospectus 2010 – Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref>


After being selected, Davis was assigned to the ] ]. Uncharacteristically, he struggled, batting only .256, without a home run in 58 games.<ref></ref> He said: After being selected, Davis was assigned to the ] ]. Uncharacteristically, he struggled, batting only .256, without a home run in 58 games.<ref name="miamiherald1"/> He said:


<blockquote>it was first time I ever swung wood full time. I was learning how to play pro ball. I had never played every day in my life. That's totally different. . . . You have to learn to conserve your energy. In college, you just left it all out on the field every game. In pro ball, you do that and you'll wear out because you play every single day.<ref></ref></blockquote> <blockquote>it was first time I ever swung wood full time. I was learning how to play pro ball. I had never played every day in my life. That's totally different. . . . You have to learn to conserve your energy. In college, you just left it all out on the field every game. In pro ball, you do that and you'll wear out because you play every single day.<ref name="miamiherald1"/></blockquote>


In 2009, Davis started the year with the ]. He began to turn it around, hitting .289 with seven ]s in 59 games.<ref></ref> He was then promoted to ] ], where he came into his own, hitting .309 with 13 home runs and 41 RBIs in half a season.<ref></ref> After the season the Mets assigned him to the ] of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nyfuturestars.com/players.php?player=ike_davis |title=NY Future Stars |publisher=NY Future Stars |date=April 19, 2010 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> In 2009, Davis started the year with the ]. He began to turn it around, hitting .289 with seven ]s in 59 games.<ref name="miamiherald1"/> He was then promoted to ] ], where he came into his own, hitting .309 with 13 home runs and 41 RBIs in half a season.<ref name="miamiherald1"/> After the season the Mets assigned him to the ] of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nyfuturestars.com/players.php?player=ike_davis |title=NY Future Stars |publisher=NY Future Stars |date=April 19, 2010 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref>


Davis participated in Spring Training with the Mets, and was assigned to minor league camp prior to the start of the season.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2010/03/23/2010-03-23_mets_top_prospect_davis_sent_down_to_minors.html | title=Despite impressive spring, New York Mets top prospect Ike Davis to start season in the minor leagues |author=John Harper |publisher=] | date=March 23, 2010}}</ref> He was assigned to the ], the Mets' ] affiliate. Davis batted .364 with 2 home runs in 10 games with the Bisons. Davis participated in Spring Training with the Mets, and was assigned to minor league camp prior to the start of the season.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2010/03/23/2010-03-23_mets_top_prospect_davis_sent_down_to_minors.html | title=Despite impressive spring, New York Mets top prospect Ike Davis to start season in the minor leagues |author=John Harper |publisher=] | date=March 23, 2010}}</ref> He was assigned to the ], the Mets' ] affiliate. Davis batted .364 with 2 home runs in 10 games with the Bisons.


===Major leagues=== ===Major leagues===
Davis batted .480 with 3 home runs in spring training.<ref></ref> At the same time he sparkled on defense, prompting Jose Reyes to say: "People talk about his hitting, but he is one of the best defensive first basemen you will ever see for a player his age."<ref></ref> Sent down to AAA Buffalo after spring training, he hit .364.<ref></ref> Davis batted .480 with 3 home runs in spring training.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fine |first=Jeremy |url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/the_great_rabbino/item/the_ike_davis_era_begins_20100420/ |title=The Ike Davis Era Begins &#124; The Great Rabbino |publisher=Jewish Journal |date=April 20, 2010 |accessdate=May 13, 2010}}</ref> At the same time he sparkled on defense, prompting Jose Reyes to say: "People talk about his hitting, but he is one of the best defensive first basemen you will ever see for a player his age."<ref name="miamiherald1"/> Sent down to AAA Buffalo after spring training, he hit .364.<ref name="miamiherald1"/>


The Mets purchased Davis's minor league contract on April 19, 2010; ] was optioned down to Buffalo to make room for Davis on the major league roster.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/19/mets-promote-first-baseman-davis/ | title=Mets Promote First Baseman Davis |author=David Waldstein |publisher=New York Times | date=April 19, 2010}}</ref> Davis made his debut at ] on April 19 against the ] and singled in his first at bat.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5113619 | title=Davis gets 2 hits in Mets debut |author=ESPN.com News Services |publisher=] | date=April 19, 2010}}</ref> His first home run was hit on April 23 against the ] and traveled 450 feet onto Shea Bridge at Citi Field.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.northjersey.com/sports/042410_Jose_Reyes_looks_great_batting_third_in_Mets_victory.html | title=Jose Reyes looks great batting third in Mets' victory |author=Steve Popper |publisher=] | date=April 23, 2010}}</ref> He had his first multi home run game on May 7, 2010. The Mets purchased Davis's minor league contract on April 19, 2010; ] was optioned down to Buffalo to make room for Davis on the major league roster.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/19/mets-promote-first-baseman-davis/ | title=Mets Promote First Baseman Davis |author=David Waldstein |publisher=New York Times | date=April 19, 2010}}</ref> Davis made his debut at ] on April 19 against the ] and singled in his first at bat.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5113619 | title=Davis gets 2 hits in Mets debut |author=ESPN.com News Services |publisher=] | date=April 19, 2010}}</ref> His first home run was hit on April 23 against the ] and traveled 450 feet onto Shea Bridge at Citi Field.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.northjersey.com/sports/042410_Jose_Reyes_looks_great_batting_third_in_Mets_victory.html | title=Jose Reyes looks great batting third in Mets' victory |author=Steve Popper |publisher=] | date=April 23, 2010}}</ref> He had his first multi home run game on May 7, 2010.


He said: "I had such nerves the first few days. I didn't even have an approach. It was just see the ball, hit the ball. Only now am I settling in, getting the chance to think about how a pitcher is going to approach me."<ref></ref> But with two multi-hit games in his first four games, and the longest home run of any Met at Citi Field in his fifth game, the Met fans began to treat him like a folk hero.<ref></ref><ref></ref> He said: "I had such nerves the first few days. I didn't even have an approach. It was just see the ball, hit the ball. Only now am I settling in, getting the chance to think about how a pitcher is going to approach me."<ref name="autogenerated1"/> But with two multi-hit games in his first four games, and the longest home run of any Met at Citi Field in his fifth game, the Met fans began to treat him like a folk hero.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref name="miamiherald1"/>


Within a month of his debut with the Mets, he had become a fan favorite, and "I Like Ike" banners began appearing at ], a phrase that harks back to the decades-prior presidential campaigns of ].<ref></ref><ref></ref> Within a month of his debut with the Mets, he had become a fan favorite, and "I Like Ike" banners began appearing at ], a phrase that harks back to the decades-prior presidential campaigns of ].<ref name="nytimes1"/><ref name="autogenerated1"/>


==See also== ==See also==

Revision as of 16:14, 13 May 2010

Baseball player
Ike Davis
New York Mets – No. 29
First Baseman
Bats: LeftThrows: Left
debut
April 19, 2010, for the New York Mets
Career statistics
(through May 9, 2010)
Batting average.316
Home runs3
RBIs9
Stolen bases0
On-base percentage.437
Slugging percentage.544
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Isaac Benjamin "Ike" Davis (born March 22, 1987) is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the New York Mets.

He led his high school team to three straight Arizona state championships as a pitcher/first baseman from 2003–05. He also pitched for the gold medal-winning U.S. Youth National Team in the International Baseball Federation in 2003, and was the MVP of the AFLAC All-American High School Baseball Classic in 2004.

Ranked second in the nation as a freshman for Arizona State University by both Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball, he was named Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and named to the All-Conference Team, as he became the first freshman ever to lead the Pac-10 in RBIs. He hit .353 in his college career, and was a two-time All-American.

Drafted 18th in the nation in the 2008 Major League draft, he batted .288 with a .371 OBP and a .467 slugging percentage in 677 minor league at bats before he was called up to the majors in April 2010.

Early years

Davis was born in Edina, Minnesota to Millie Davis and former major league pitcher Ron Davis, who played 481 games in the majors in his 11-year career. His father pitched from 1978 to 1988 for the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants, and was an American League All-Star in 1981.

His mother is Jewish. A significant percentage of her family, which was from Lithuania, was killed in The Holocaust. His great aunt on his mother’s side was a Holocaust survivor, and he said: "She was the one who knew everything that happened. She was able to come to the United States, and she brought the story with her." His first name is actually Isaac, as he was named after his mother's grandfather, and his middle name is Benjamin. "I am really proud of my Jewish heritage," he said. "I'm glad Jewish kids get to see they can grow up to be professional baseball players." As a Jewish ballplayer on the Mets, he follows Shawn Green, Art Shamsky, and Scott Schoeneweis. When told that Shawn Green used to receive marriage proposals from Jewish mothers, on behalf of their daughters, Davis laughed nervously and said: "I hope that doesn't happen. I'm not ready for marriage."

Davis attended Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he won three state 4A titles (2003–05). He hit .425 as a junior.

In 2003, he pitched for the U.S. Youth National Team in international play, as they won the gold medal in the International Baseball Federation XI "AA" World Youth Championships. In 2004, he was one of 40 players from across the country chosen to play in the AFLAC All-American High School Baseball Classic. He won the MVP Award for the game, hitting the go-ahead home run for his team.

By November 2004 he was already 6' 4" and 194 pounds. As a senior, he had a 91 mph fastball, to complement his changeup and slider, was ranked 12th in the country by Baseball America and was a high school All-American. In 2005, despite having indicated he was going to go to college, he was drafted in the 19th round by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

College career

Davis chose to go to Arizona State University (ASU), choosing it at the end of the day over Texas. In October 2005 he was ranked # 2 in the nation in the freshman class by both Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball. He played pitcher, first base, and corner outfield. In 2006 he was named Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and named to the All-Conference Team, becoming the first freshman ever to lead the Pac-10 in RBIs during the regular season as he hit .329 with 65 RBIs in 240 at bats. He also received First Team Freshman All-American honors. He was a three-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection, and earned Third Team All-American honors during his sophomore season before becoming a unanimous First Team All-American during his junior year. He hit .353 in his college career, totaling 244 hits, 33 homers and 69 doubles. The 69 doubles is the fifth-most in school history.

In addition to playing the outfield and first base, Davis also pitched for the Sun Devils. He began his career as the Friday night starter and ended it as the Sun Devils closer, totaling a 7–5 mark with four saves and 78 strikeouts in his career.

Davis won the On Deck Circle Most Valuable Player Award in 2008, was a part of two Pac-10 Championship teams and went to the College World Series in 2007. He was also named to the ASU All-Decade team, and a 2007 Jewish Sports Review College First-Team All-American.

Professional career

Minor leagues

Davis was the 18th player taken in the first round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft, chosen by the New York Mets as compensation for the Mets' loss of Tom Glavine to the Atlanta Braves in free agency. He was drafted for his power bat.

After being selected, Davis was assigned to the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones. Uncharacteristically, he struggled, batting only .256, without a home run in 58 games. He said:

it was first time I ever swung wood full time. I was learning how to play pro ball. I had never played every day in my life. That's totally different. . . . You have to learn to conserve your energy. In college, you just left it all out on the field every game. In pro ball, you do that and you'll wear out because you play every single day.

In 2009, Davis started the year with the St. Lucie Mets. He began to turn it around, hitting .289 with seven home runs in 59 games. He was then promoted to Double-A Binghamton Mets, where he came into his own, hitting .309 with 13 home runs and 41 RBIs in half a season. After the season the Mets assigned him to the Surprise Rafters of the Arizona Fall League.

Davis participated in Spring Training with the Mets, and was assigned to minor league camp prior to the start of the season. He was assigned to the Buffalo Bisons, the Mets' AAA affiliate. Davis batted .364 with 2 home runs in 10 games with the Bisons.

Major leagues

Davis batted .480 with 3 home runs in spring training. At the same time he sparkled on defense, prompting Jose Reyes to say: "People talk about his hitting, but he is one of the best defensive first basemen you will ever see for a player his age." Sent down to AAA Buffalo after spring training, he hit .364.

The Mets purchased Davis's minor league contract on April 19, 2010; Tobi Stoner was optioned down to Buffalo to make room for Davis on the major league roster. Davis made his debut at Citi Field on April 19 against the Chicago Cubs and singled in his first at bat. His first home run was hit on April 23 against the Atlanta Braves and traveled 450 feet onto Shea Bridge at Citi Field. He had his first multi home run game on May 7, 2010.

He said: "I had such nerves the first few days. I didn't even have an approach. It was just see the ball, hit the ball. Only now am I settling in, getting the chance to think about how a pitcher is going to approach me." But with two multi-hit games in his first four games, and the longest home run of any Met at Citi Field in his fifth game, the Met fans began to treat him like a folk hero.

Within a month of his debut with the Mets, he had become a fan favorite, and "I Like Ike" banners began appearing at Citi Field, a phrase that harks back to the decades-prior presidential campaigns of Dwight D. Eisenhower.

See also

References

  1. 10:08 p.m. ET (June 3, 2004). "Zilmer: All in the family in 2004 baseball draft". nbcsports.msnbc.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "Scout.com: Local Baseball Phenom Signs with ASU". Arizonastate.scout.com. November 11, 2004. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  3. Dave Waldstein (April 22, 2010). "Ike Davis's Real First Name Has a History of Its Own". New York Times.
  4. ^ Waldstein, Dave (April 22, 2010). "Ike Davis's Real First Name Has a History of Its Own - Bats Blog - NYTimes.com". Bats.blogs.nytimes.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  5. "Len Berman: Top 5 Sports Stories". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  6. ^ "Everybody likes Ike, now and forever | SNY.tv: News". Web.sny.tv. April 26, 2010. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  7. "2004 High School Team Of The Year". Baseball America. July 3, 2004. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  8. Obert, Richard (April 23, 2010). "Former Chaparral baseball stars making it big in the big leagues". Azcentral.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  9. Brad Falduto, Tribune (May 15, 2005). "Chaparral rolls to third straight state title | Arizona sports, Arizona sports teams". eastvalleytribune.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  10. "U.S. Youth National Team Now 4–0 in Taiwan". Baseball America. August 13, 2003. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  11. Lawlor, Christopher (August 4, 2004). "All-star baseball event brings top stars". Usatoday.Com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  12. By Nelson Coffin / Special to MLB.com. "High school All-Stars square off | MLB.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  13. "2005 Top 100 High School Players With College Commitments". Baseball America. November 10, 2004. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  14. "Arizona State Baseball Draft Tracker – ARIZONA STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE". Thesundevils.cstv.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  15. "Baseball Recruiting Class Ranked Second In Baseball America Dandy Dozen – ARIZONA STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE". Thesundevils.cstv.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  16. "Baseball America 2007 Almanac: A ... – Google Books". Books.google.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  17. "Day by day in Jewish sports history – Google Books". Books.google.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  18. ^ Fitzpatrick, Frank. "In New York, they like Ike (Davis) – Outdoors Wire". MiamiHerald.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  19. "ASU bio". Thesundevils.cstv.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  20. "#1 in College Sports". CSTV.com. July 17, 2007. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  21. "Baseball Prospectus 2010 – Google Books". Books.google.com. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  22. "NY Future Stars". NY Future Stars. April 19, 2010. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  23. John Harper (March 23, 2010). "Despite impressive spring, New York Mets top prospect Ike Davis to start season in the minor leagues". New York Daily News.
  24. Fine, Jeremy (April 20, 2010). "The Ike Davis Era Begins | The Great Rabbino". Jewish Journal. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  25. David Waldstein (April 19, 2010). "Mets Promote First Baseman Davis". New York Times.
  26. ESPN.com News Services (April 19, 2010). "Davis gets 2 hits in Mets debut". ESPN.com.
  27. Steve Popper (April 23, 2010). "Jose Reyes looks great batting third in Mets' victory". The Record (Bergen County).

External links

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