Births on March 17

Chris Davis, American baseball player

Christopher Lyn Davis, born on March 17, 1986, and widely recognized by his powerful nickname "Crush Davis," is a formidable American figure in the world of professional baseball. Primarily known for his powerful left-handed batting as a first baseman, his career in Major League Baseball (MLB) saw him don the jerseys of two prominent teams: the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles. While first base was his most frequent position, Davis showcased his versatility by also playing as a designated hitter, third baseman, and even in the outfield during his impressive career.

From Junior College to Major League Dreams

Davis's journey to the big leagues began after attending Navarro Junior College. His talent didn't go unnoticed, and in 2006, the Texas Rangers selected him in the fifth round of the MLB draft. What followed was a swift and successful climb through the Rangers' minor league system. His exceptional performance earned him the title of the Rangers' Minor League Player of the Year in 2007, signaling a promising future for the young slugger.

Major League Debut and Early Years with the Texas Rangers

His impressive minor league tenure paved the way for a call-up to the majors in mid-2008, where he enjoyed a strong initial showing. By 2009, Chris Davis had cemented his place as the Rangers' starting first baseman for 92 games, a season where he launched 21 home runs. Despite this display of power, his early career was also marked by a comparatively low batting average and a tendency to strike out, aspects that left the Rangers somewhat dissatisfied. This led to a period over the next two years where Davis moved back and forth between the minor and major leagues, even being left off their playoff roster in 2010. His time with the Rangers concluded on July 30, 2011, when he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, a move that would prove to be a pivotal moment in his career.

Baltimore Orioles: A Star Emerges and Record-Setting Power

After appearing in 31 games for the Baltimore Orioles in the latter half of 2011, Davis truly found his stride in 2012. Playing in the lineup full-time, he blasted 33 home runs and maintained a solid .270 batting average, playing a crucial role in leading the Orioles to the playoffs for the first time since 1997. However, it was 2013 that etched Chris Davis's name into baseball history. That season, he led all MLB players with an astounding 53 home runs, setting a new single-season franchise record for the Orioles that stands as a testament to his raw power. Beyond the long balls, he also drove in 138 runs (RBIs), earned a coveted selection to the All-Star Game, and finished an impressive third in the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award voting. His performance that year solidified his status as one of the premier power hitters in the game, earning him the nickname "Crush Davis".

A bump in the road came in September 2014, when Davis was suspended for 25 games after testing positive for amphetamine. While he asserted that the positive test resulted from his use of Adderall, for which he had previously held a "therapeutic use exemption," the suspension meant he missed the Orioles' entire seven-game postseason run that year, a significant blow for both the player and the team.

Unprecedented Struggles and Retirement

Following his record-breaking success, Chris Davis's career took an unexpected turn marked by significant struggles at the plate. From 2015 through 2018, he unfortunately led all major league players in strikeouts-per-at-bat, a statistic that highlighted his difficulties in making consistent contact. The 2018 season saw him set an unenviable MLB record for the lowest batting average ever for a qualified player, finishing with a .168 mark. His struggles reached a nadir in 2019, when he set another record for the most consecutive at-bats by a position player without a hit, going 0-for-54. Remarkably, during this hitless streak, he still managed to record a run batted in on a bases-loaded walk, showcasing the unpredictable nature of baseball. After a challenging period, Chris Davis officially announced his retirement from professional baseball on August 12, 2021, concluding a career that spanned incredible highs and challenging lows, leaving behind a complex but memorable legacy in the sport.

FAQs: Understanding Chris Davis's Career

Who is Chris Davis?

Christopher Lyn Davis, also known as "Crush Davis," is an American former professional baseball player who played as a first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles.

What teams did Chris Davis play for?

He played for the Texas Rangers from 2008 to 2011 and the Baltimore Orioles from 2011 to 2021.

What are Chris Davis's major achievements?

Davis had a phenomenal 2013 season where he led all MLB players with 53 home runs, setting an Orioles single-season franchise record. He was also selected to the All-Star Game and finished third in AL MVP voting that year.

What controversial incident was Chris Davis involved in?

In September 2014, he received a 25-game suspension for testing positive for amphetamine, which he attributed to Adderall use for which he previously had a therapeutic use exemption.

What negative records does Chris Davis hold?

He set the MLB record for the lowest batting average ever for a qualified player (.168 in 2018) and the record for the most consecutive at-bats by a position player without a hit (0-for-54 in 2019).

When did Chris Davis retire from baseball?

Chris Davis announced his retirement on August 12, 2021.