By Chris Miracle
Staff Writer
HOLYOKE Second year Holyoke Giants pitcher and Ludlow native Jon Davis took time out at a recent practice to speak with The Holyoke Sun, reflecting on the season thus far.
Davis, who recently picked up his first save against Danbury, has worked six and one third innings, striking out five while allowing three hits, three walks, and one unearned run. He was recently marked throwing 91 miles per hour on the radar gun.
A graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield, Davis plays his collegiate ball at Springfield College where he will be a senior majoring in exercise science this fall. Davis was 4-4 with a 3.18 ERA in nine starts this spring for The Pride. In 51 innings pitched, he allowed 52 hits, 11 walks, and struck out 49.
This is his second stint with the Giants.
How is this season going, compared with your first season
with the Giants?
"On a whole, I think our team is better from top to bottom. I think our defense is probably the most improved. Our hitters are doing a much better job, taking walks and not chasing a lot of bad pitches. Our pitchers are going right after people and throwing strikes. And with the better defense, that gives me a lot more confidence in knowing I can attack the hitters and be confident that my team will make the plays behind me.
What is the best pitch in you repertoire?
³Pretty much my two best pitches, I go fastball and slider. I just use one set-up, depending on the day. Sometimes my fastball is doing a little better, sometimes itıs my slider. Those are my two main pitches.²
What do you love most about the sport of baseball?
³I started playing when I was three years old. The thing I love best is that you constantly have to think. Every pitch, every play you have to be alert. I have played other sports, but baseball is my favorite.²
Any goals for this second season as a Giant?
³Obviously I want to do better than last year. I want to play the game to the best of my ability and whatever happens, happens.²
How is it adjusting from the college season to the talent
level in this league?
³It is a lot better. From top to bottom, everyone is going to be better. The hitters you face are better; and like I said before, the defense is better behind you. I think the wood bat is the greatest advantage because you can pitch inside on a guy. Anytime you play with better players, itıs going to raise your own level of play.²
What is your best performance so far this season?
³The best outing would probably be my last game when I picked up the save (against Danbury). I pitched one inning in that game. It was only my third game. I think I have thrown the ball well in all of my games this year. Itıs a little different than last year. Last year, I had a little trouble getting ahead in the count. I think I have done a much better job this year and hopefully I can keep it going. There were certain mechanical issues I needed to work on, and at the end of this college season, I kept working at it.²
How has it been fitting as a local player with talented players from around the country?
³It has been a great experience. These guys can play. You see a lot of guys who will get drafted. Our first baseman, Brian Sabbatella, went in the ninth round (of the Major League Baseball amateur draft), I think. You see those guys getting opportunities and it gives you confidence knowing you can play at that level with the best of them.²
Is making it in the draft one of your goals down the
road?
³Definitely. I think everyone who plays in this league hopes they can move on and play at the next level, but I am not one who sets a lot of goals. I work hard and play as best that I can and whatever happens, happens. I just take things one step at a time. I think every player in this league could have a shot at getting drafted. Everyone is deserving. Itıs basically getting seen by scouts at the right moment. You have a good game at the right time and a lot of doors could open up. Some of the best players I thought would get drafted didnıt, and some that didnıt really impress me ended up being picked. You never know what is in your future.²
Any career plans after college?
³I am leaning toward being a strength and conditioning coach, hoping to get involved with a professional sports team or something along those lines. As of right now, that is the area I am looking into.²
What is the best pitcherıs park in this league?
³Holyoke is great because the fences are far back. The infield isnıt too smooth and you get some tough bounces. As far as the best, Sanford (Maine) is up there. As far as the worst, I would say Keene or Danbury. They are like Little League parks. With the wood bats, even with a pop-up, you can give up a home run. It really changes your approach to the game.²
Who is your favorite baseball player or a player you
compare yourself to?
³I think my favorite player would have to be Billy Wagner. I just like how he attacks the hitters. A lot of scouts arenıt too big on the shorter pitchers. He is a guy my size and throws 100 mph. I donıt throw 100 mph, but I think I am similar in that I will come after anyone and let the best player win.²
Favorite baseball movie?
³The Natural.² It wasnıt the most realistic. But it was about baseball with no subplots, and I really liked that. "Bull Durham² wasnıt bad, but I have to take "The Natural" over it.²
Who is your hero?
³The people I look up to the most are my family members. My dad and my grandfather a lot of people set great examples for me. I look up to certain baseball players, but they are just like any other person and they just play a game. People in the military, fighting in the war, those are the people I really look up to. My grandfather served in World War II in the Army under General Patton. We were real close. I really looked up to him and had a lot of respect for him.²
What is the craziest or most memorable happening on a
road trip?
³Itıs great time and you hear a lot of stories on the bus. There are a lot of interesting moments. Nothing jumps to mind, but I have seen a lot of weird things (said with a laugh by Davis and teammates chuckling during batting practice). Just listen to the bullpen conversation.²
* Copyright 2005 Turley Publications, Inc.