Chris Davis

At 38 years old, Chris Davis has this physical status:

Christopher Lyn Davis (born March 17, 1986), nicknamed "Crush Davis," is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Davis played for the Texas Rangers from 2008 to 2011 before being traded to the Baltimore Orioles.

He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.

Davis, who was mainly a first baseman, has also been a designated hitter, third baseman, and outfielder. Davis was drafted by the Rangers in the fifth round of the 2006 MLB draft at Navarro Junior College.

He soared through the Rangers' minor league system, winning the award of Minor League Player of the Year in 2007.

He was called up in the middle of 2008 and got off to a promising start in his major league debut.

He was the Rangers' starting first baseman for 92 games in 2009 and scored 21 runs, but the Rangers were dissatisfied with his low batting average and his tendency to strike out.

Davis was traded back and forth between the minors and the majors over the next two years and was left off the Rangers' playoff roster in 2010.

The Orioles traded him to the Orioles on July 30, 2011. In 2011, Davis appeared in 31 games for the Orioles.

He hit 33 home runs in a full season in 2012, batting.270 and assisting the Orioles in the playoffs for the first time since 1997.

His 53 home runs led all MLB players in 2013 and set a new Orioles single-season franchise record.

Davis had 138 runs batted in (RBIs), was selected to the All-Star Game and placed third in the American League Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) rankings, and came third. Davis led all major league players in strikeouts-per-at-bat from 2015 to 2018.

When he batted.168, he set the MLB record for the lowest batting average for a qualified player ever.

He set the MLB record for the most consecutive at bats by a position player without a hit in 2019, going 0-for-54.

Personal life

Jill Davis, his wife, and their three children live in Baltimore, Maryland, and Flower Mound, Texas. They lived in Arlington, Texas, before that. They married in 2011 and have been married since. He loves bass fishing in the offseason.

Davis is a Christian. As he grew up, his parents took him to First Baptist Church in Longview, but Davis said he didn't "realize" and began reading the Bible daily and not until after his difficult 2010 season.

Compassion International founder Davis and his wife are among those who support Compassion International. They have sponsored children and have supported many major charities through the charity. They pledged $1 million to the charity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source

Professional career

Davis began his minor league career in 2006 with the Spokane Indians of the Single-A short-Song Season Northwest League, splitting time between the outfield and first base. He batted.277 with 70 hits, 18 doubles, 15 home runs, 42 runs batted in (RBI), and 65 strikeouts in 69 games (eighth). Davis struggled with his weight early in his minor league career. He weighed 265 pounds at one time, but he later learned to eat healthier and shed weight.

Davis was the captain of the Bakersfield Blaze of the Single-Advance California League in 2007. He set a record-breaking 35-game winning streak in California and was selected to the Single-Academic All-Star Game. He was born on July 30, 2007 and was drafted by the Frisco RoughRiders of the Double-A Texas League, where he spent the remainder of the season. Despite his call-up, he finished fourth in the California League with 24 home runs and ranked fourth in the league with a.573 slugging percentage, leading Bakersfield in home runs, RBI, and doubles. In the month of August, Frisco had 11 home runs and 25 RBI, earning him the Rangers' Minor League Player of the Month award. Davis batted.297 with 36 home runs and 118 RBI in 2007 in 129 games combined, primarily as a third baseman. He was named Rangers' Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year after the season.

Davis was the second best prospect in the Rangers' organization in 2008, behind Elvis Andrus. Davis was playing first base for Frisco on the season. He batted.333, 13 home runs, and 42 RBI in 46 games before being promoted to the Triple-A Oklahoma RedHawks of the Pacific Coast League. He hit.333 with 37 hits, ten home runs, and 31 RBI in 31 games with Oklahoma. He was accepted to the All-Star Futures Game, but he was unable to participate in it because he was drafted to the Texas Rangers' major leagues. Davis referred to his time with Round Rock in 2008: "I know no one really cares about Triple-A," he said later. Was it really question, 'Was he'll be able to do it at the big league level?' The thing about it was that I could not do it consistently. I couldn't get the bat to the ground. "I was knocking out a astronomical number, but this year it has just been a day in and out, with consistent day in and day out."

The Rangers called Davis from Oklahoma on June 26, 2008, the Rangers' first major league at bat against scar Villarreal.' Davis played his first Major League home run against Clay Condy in 8–7 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on June 27, 2008. He returned home on the next day, becoming the first Texas Ranger to homer in both of his first two Major League starts. At first base, he took over from Frank Catalanotto.

Davis was dubbed "Crush Davis" by local media and fans, in honor of his hot start with the Rangers and his enduring popularity as a batter. (a play on "Crash Davis" from the movie Bull Durham). He played in four straight multi-hit games from July 22 to July 26. Davis played well enough that, after Hank Blalock's return from the disabled list (DL) on August 22, he was moved to third base so he could stay in the lineup. In a 12–1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, he had four hits on September 26.

Davis batted.285 with 84 hits, 23 doubles, 17 home runs, and 55 RBI in 80 games (295 at bats). He struck out 88 times, which was 30% of his at bats. Defensively, he was much more at first base than third, with a.997 fielding percentage at first as opposed to a.962 percentage at third and a higher range factor as well.

Davis slowed a little in 2009 spring training, but he did begin 2009 as the Rangers' first baseman. "I'm not worried about Chris," Rangers boss Ron Washington said. Chris is a little jerk. He had a little spell where he was struggling to get himself together. He's going to have rough times, but what he did tonight is what he's capable of and he'll do enough to make him love you." The Rangers beat the Seattle Mariners 2–1 in the ninth inning, giving the Rangers a 3–2 victory. Davis won by two home runs on May 26 in a 7–3 victory over the New York Yankees after a 1-for-29 slump. In a 9–8 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, he had four hits on June 25, his fourth home run against Esmerling Vásquez in a 12th-inning two-run home run.

Davis was sent back to make room for Josh Hamilton, who was also on the disabled list, on July 5th. Despite having 15 home runs in 258 at bats, he was still leading the American League with 114 strikeouts on June 21, becoming the youngest Major League player to reach 100 strikeouts with just 219 at bats. His batting average stood at.202. "We gave Chris a long amount of time last year" when talking about the Rangers' treatment of another player, Julio Borbon, in 2010. They can start off bad for 100 at bats and then turn it around the next 100 and look exactly like you want them to." Davis, the RedHawks, played in 44 games, batting.327 with six home runs, 12 doubles, and 30 RBI.

After Andruw Jones went on the DL and Blalock fought, Davis was recalled on August 25. In a ten-run victory over the Cleveland Indians on September 8, he had three hits and four RBI, as well as a three-run home run against José Veras. Davis' numbers soared when he returned to the majors, when he hit.318 in September and October, with five home runs and 21 RBIs in the two months. Davis hit.238 in 113 games (391 at bats), 21 home runs, and 59 RBI. Nonetheless, he came in third in AL with 150 strikeouts. He did well defensively, and Washington said after Blalock's demotion, "We can't expect Hank Blalock to be Chris Davis [defensively], but Hank Blalock is a professional." He should play first base," I believe.

After beginning 2010 batting.188 in 15 games (48 at bats), Davis was once more recalled to Triple-A. He was called back on July 9 to play first base for the Rangers. When Justin Smoak was traded with the Seattle Mariners for Cliff Lee, he was able to have a roster spot as well as a spot in the Rangers starting lineup. Mitch Moreland was sent back to the RedHawks on July 29 to make room for him. He had 130 hits, 31 doubles, 14 home runs, and 80 RBI in 103 games (398 at bats) with the RedHawks. He finished second in the league in hitting (.327), behind John Lindsey's.353) and fifth in strikeouts (105). On September 11, he was recalled for the final time, but this time he was used as a back-up corner infielder and pinch-hitter, as Moreland was playing first base. Davis, a 45-game baseball team, batting at.192, one home run, and four RBI. He was left off the postseason roster as the Rangers entered the World Series for the first time ever, but the San Francisco Giants lost in five games to the San Francisco Giants, but the Rangers were unable to advance to the playoffs.

Davis' offense was not helped by the Rangers, who were trying to help Davis expand his batting range. Davis, who was playing in the Dominican Winter League over the offseason, "felt like I fouled a few pitches off that I should not have driven." He grew more stable and brought his feet closer, and he described this as a turning point in his career in 2013.

Davis came from Triple-A to play for the Rangers on April 11, but he didn't recover in 2011 until he broke his humerus bone in his shoulder. However, the Rangers recalled Davis with reluctance; rather, general manager Jon Daniels said, "We talked about another center fielder or a third catcher and we suspect we will investigate it at some point." But we knew Chris was the most deserving of our time because he didn't get regular playing time." Davis played for a part-time position until Hamilton came off the DL on May 23. On June 8, Ian Kinsler was called up for a game where he was already on paternity leave. His 2011 numbers with the Rangers were a.250 batting average, three home runs, and six RBI in 28 games (76 at bats). Davis did a good job with the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate, which had been named the Round Rock Express in 2011. He played in five-RBI games twice twice, but he had a.361 with 10 home runs and 28 RBI in June. Davis finished seventh in the Pacific Coast League with 24 home runs in despite playing just 48 games with Round Rock in 2011.

Davis was traded with pitcher Tommy Hunter to the Baltimore Orioles for reliever Koji Uehara on July 30, 2011. Davis became expendable because the Rangers felt that Moreland was a better option at first base. Davis' general manager Jon Daniels said the day of the trade that he knew it would be a good offensive player, and "we'll live with it." Davis' inability to play a consistent starting role with the Rangers was contested by many. Although one common belief was that it was due to his numerous strikeouts and low batting average, Orioles boss Buck Showalter believed it was due to the presence of Moreland and Adrián Beltré in Texas. Davis said, "I'm excited to have the opportunity to come here," quoting his desire to play every day.

Davis homered for his first Oriole hit against Everett Teaford in an 8–2 victory over the Kansas City Royals in his second game as an Oriole. He received regular playing time but was forced to return to the hospital on August 14 with a right shoulder strain, but the injury caused initially thought to be season-ending but that didn't happen until September 6. He struck out five times over the Yankees in an 11-inning 5–4 victory on September 7, becoming the first Oriole to strike out that many times since Phil Bradley did so precisely 22 years ago. On September 8 and 19, he had three-hit games. In a 6–2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on September 14, he had a season-high three RBI with a three-run home run against Wade Davis.

Davis played 31 games for the Orioles, batting.276/.398 with 34 runs, two home runs, 13 RBIs, and 39 strikeouts in 123 at bats. He batted.266 with 53 hits, 12 doubles, five home runs, 19 RBI, and 63 strikeouts in a total of 59 games with Texas and Baltimore.

Davis saw everyday play action in 2012, starting at first base, at designated hitter, and in the outfield throughout the season. Davis went batless in eight at bats against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 6, but the winning pitcher was still the winning pitcher. His feat was the first of its kind since Rube Waddell's triumph on July 4, 1905. Davis was the designated hitter before being called into action as a relief pitcher in the 16th inning after Showalter depleted the Orioles' bullpen. In his two innings of mound work, he struck out two batters and did not allow a run. He was the first position player in the American League (AL) to pitch in a game since Rocky Colavito on August 25, 1968, and the first to pitch for the Orioles since Manny Alexander on April 19, 1996. Darnell McDonald, the first position players on opposing teams to each work in relief since Ty Cobb and George Sisler in 1925, and the first where both players earned pitching decisions was 1902.

Davis defeated Yankees pitcher Iván Nova in an 11–5 victory after the Orioles faced a five-run deficit. Davis scored his first grand slam in his career on July 31. Davis lost 6–4 to the Toronto Blue Jays in his first three-homer game. His second home run of the season was his 22nd, his highest mark in his career, and it was the first three-homer game for an Oriole since Nick Markakis in 2006. Davis shifted to right field for the remainder of the season and the playoffs after Markakis sustained a season-ending injury on September 8.

He hit six times in the final six games, more than any other Oriole, during a late-season stretch in which he homered six times. He batted.270/.326/.501 with 139 hits, 20 doubles, and 85 RBI in 139 games (515 at bats). Robinson Canó for eighth in the AL, while his 169 strikeouts tied B. J. Upton for fourth, according to his 33 home runs.

For the first time since 1997, the Orioles made it to the playoffs for the first time since 1997, winning one of the AL Wild Card spots and defeating the Rangers in the 2012 AL Wild Card Tournament. Davis had a two-run single against Andy Pettitte of the Orioles in Game 2 of the 2012 AL Division Series (ALDS) against the Yankees. Those were his first RBI of the series; he had four hits in 20 at bats as the Yankees defeated the Orioles in five games.

Davis was named at first base full-time in 2013 and worked on his defense in spring training; later, Oriole coaches and teammates said that this helped Davis' to succeed on the field as well. He set a personal home run goal before the season but decided not to reveal it. Davis set a new Major League record with 16 RBI in the first four games of a season on April 5. He also became the fourth MLB player to reach a home run in the first four games of the season (Nelson Cruz, Mark McGwire, Willie Mays), as well as a grand slam against Tyler Robertson in the fourth game, a 9–5 win over the Minnesota Twins.

With a 6–3 win, he reached his 100th home run of his career, beating Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester in his 100th home run of his career. In a 3–1 victory over the Rangers on July 11, he scored his 34th home run of the season, surpassing his previous season high. With a two-run home run against Mark Buehrle on July 12, he earned his 87th and 88th RBIs of the season; the previous record was 86 by Boog Powell. He then went home with 93 RBIs before the All-Star break. Josh Johnson won his 37th home run of the season on July 14 over the Toronto Blue Jays, tying Reggie Jackson for second most home runs before the All-Star break and the most by an American League player. It was also his 500th home run.

Davis asked Michael Tran in Michigan if he had ever used steroids on June 30, asking him if he had ever used steroids. On the same day, he replied, "No." "I have never taken any PEDs," Davis said in an interview later. Fans may not know that we have the strictest drug testing in all sports, even more than the Olympics. If anyone was going to try to cheat in our game, they wouldn't. It's impossible to beat the system. I've never taken PEDs, no. I wouldn't. Half of the items on the list are words I can't even comprehend. Davis would later say that Roger Maris' 61 home run season was the first single-season home run record, owing to the steroid controversy involving Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire.

Davis was elected to open the 2013 All-Star Game on July 6, his first appearance. With 8,272,243 votes, he was the most popular vote-getter. Davis was also selected by American League captain Robinson Canó to participate in the Home Run Derby for the first time. Davis earned a total of 12 home runs in the second round after being able to advance to the second round. However, a blister broke his hand, leaving him unable to hit enough homers to advance to the third and final round. Davis went 1–3 on the All-Star Game next night, with a fly out, a single, and a strike out. Davis' single against Patrick Corbin pushed Miguel Cabrera to third place, where he would score the game's first run on José Bautista's sacrifice fly.

Davis's home run of the season, which he hit on September 13, tied for the Orioles' record of the most home runs in a single season. After Babe Ruth (New York Yankees, 1921), and Albert Belle (Cleveland Indians, 1995), he became the third player in MLB history to reach 50 home runs and 40 doubles in a single season. On September 17, he had his 51st home run, setting a new Orioles single season record. This was also his 92nd extra-base hit of the season, tying Anderson for a franchise record. In a 5–1 loss to Tampa Bay on September 21, he tied for his first triple of the season against Alex Cobb on September 21. Davis' 28th home run of the season on September 27th, beating Frank Robinson's record of 27 home runs at Memorial Stadium in 1966.

Davis led all MLB batters in home runs (53), runs batted in (138), extra-base hits (96), and total bases (370). The Orioles' new single-season records include his 53 home runs, 96 extra-base hits, and 199 strikeouts. Davis came third in AL Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) voting, third behind Cabrera and Mike Trout, as the Orioles failed to return to the playoffs.

Davis' breakout year earned him kudos from his peers. Adam Jones, a teammate, characterized his style: "Most of his home runs are just line drives that get out." "Obviously he has some moonshots as well." "You can actually tell that he's relaxed and just allowing it to happen," Cliff Lee, Davis' teammate in Texas in 2010. He isn't involved in adding to it. It's just nice and fast, and it's fun to watch. ... In my opinion, He and Miguel Cabrera are the two best power hitters in the game.

Davis played 12 games from April 26, 2014, to May 11, 2014, with a left oblique strain. In a 9–2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 20, he hit three home runs and five RBI. Davis hit a ball to left field with the left field foul pole at Tropicana Field on June 17, facing Érik Bédard with the bases loaded. The umpires changed it to a grand slam after a study, and it was initially decided to be a double. The Orioles carried on to defeat the Rays 7–5. Davis was suspended after a 4-for-36 run on June 23, but the Orioles had a dramatic three-run home run against Ronald Belisario, giving the Orioles a 6–4 victory over the Chicago White Sox. It was the Orioles' first game-ending pinch since Larry Sheets had one on August 24, 1988.

Davis struggled in the first half of 2014, hitting 15 home runs but not batting around.200. As he batted.202 in July and then saw himself fall to seventh in the batting order in August, the slump continued. "It's impossible to keep that pace," Showalter said. He treated us at a very high degree. He wants to get back to it." Despite the Orioles' slump, the Orioles had a seven-game lead in the AL East as August 23.

Davis was suspended for 25 games after testing positive for amhetamine on September 12. Davis said he tested positive due to the use of Adderall, for which he had previously had a "therapeutic use waiver," although he did not have the exemption for the 2014 season. Davis was suspended from the 2014 regular season and the 2014 playoff games for the Orioles.

He batted.196 (the lowest batting average among all qualified MLB batters)/.300/.404 (third in the AL) in 450 at bats for the 2014 season.

During the 2015 season, Davis was given a therapeutic use waiver for Vyvanse, a stimulant drug. On Opening Day, he played in the final game of his suspension.

With 47 runs in 2015, Davis led the majors in home runs with 47. He hit out a big-league record of 36% at the time, batting.362/.562. He led the league in strikeouts (208) and was 2nd in RBIs (2117).

Davis signed a seven-year, $161 million contract to remain with the Orioles on January 21, 2016. The deal was the first in Oriole history. Davis made the year a success with a.221/.459 batting line in 159 games. He batted 38 home runs (8th in the American League), 84 RBIs, 88 walks (4th in the AL), and a career-best 32.9% of the time.

Davis hit.215/.423 on average in the 2017 season. He had 195 strikeouts (3rd in the American League) and batted.303/.326 against left-handers, his highest strikeouts in the league, while hitting 26 home runs.

In his first 57 games, Davis started the 2018 season with a.150 batting average and 86 strikeouts. Davis will be benched and Corban Joseph will be recalled, according to the Oriols on June 15. Davis, who played in 192 games (4th in the American League), died in a big-league-leading 36.8% at bats, and ended his season at 168/.243/.296 (4th in the American League) in 128 games. His $33 million salary was the 10th highest in the league. His.168 batting average,.243 on base percentage, and.296 slugging percentage were all among the lowest of all eligible major league batters, and his.168 batting average was the lowest of all-time for eligible MLB hitters.

Davis began hittingless streak that lasted through his last 21 at bats of the season and into 2019. Davis' streak ended in 2019 with a new Major League record for the most consecutive at bats by a position player without a hit, beating Eugenio Vélez who went 0-for-46 in 2010 and 2011, who was then hitless in the Athletics' match against the Athletics. Davis ended his streak at bats on April 13, a two-run single against the Red Sox, ending the day 2-for-5 in place of the single. Davis had to be physically conditioned by players and coaches after being unable to move after manager Brandon Hyde on August 7. Davis finished the season with a.179 batting average and 12 home runs in 105 games.

Davis played in 16 games for the Orioles in 2020, with no home runs and just one RBI before ending his season early due to a knee injury.

Davis was placed on the 60-day injured list with a lower back strain before the 2021 season began on March 26, 2021. After undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left hip, Davis would miss the entire 2021 season.

Davis resigned on August 12, 2021, just months after his arrival. Davis' production had decreased over the last few seasons as a result of injuries. Davis batted.196/.379, with 92 home runs during the course of his rookie contract in 2016. Davis owed $17 million for the 2022 season, as well as deferred payments extending into the year 2037.

Source