Davis hit .265 with eight home runs and 41 RBI in 2008. Courtesy: South Alabama
FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
Senior outfielder Chris Davis enters his final season at USA as the lone fifth-year senior on the 2009 Jaguar squad. While making 47 starts at three different positions, Davis hit .265 with eight home runs and 41 RBI in 51 games played a year ago.
One of the most versatile players ever to play at USA, Davis spent time at first, second and third bases, and played both corner outfield spots in 2008. Despite playing all over the field, he was consistent at the plate, as evidenced by a streak of 20 consecutive games in which he reached base safely.
Davis’ accomplishments aren’t limited to the baseball field. He graduated fourth in a class of 340 at Daphne High School and received the Presidential Scholarship to USA, which is given to students who graduate with a 4.0 GPA. In addition to being a student and an athlete, Davis is a father and a husband.
A native of Spanish Fort, Ala., Davis sat down to discuss his childhood, life outside of baseball, his four years at USA and the upcoming season.
Q: What baseball team did you root for as a child?
CD: The Atlanta Braves. My dad rooted for them and they were the closest team.
Q: Who were your favorite players at that time?
CD: I liked David Justice and Fred McGriff, but David Justice was probably my first “favorite player.”
Q: If you could go to one ballpark that you’ve never been to, which one would it be?
CD: The old Yankee Stadium
Q: What sports do you like other than baseball?
CD: Basketball and football.
Q: Who are your best friends on the team?
CD: I don’t really have any best friend – I get along with everybody.
Q: What are you studying in school and what are your plans for after graduation?
CD: I’m a Biology major, and I’m planning on going to nursing school.
Q: Have you lived in Spanish Fort your entire life?
CD: No, I moved there in the sixth grade, and before that I lived in Saraland, Ala.
Q: What is something you’d like to see improve at South Alabama:
CD: I’d like to see more students at the games.
Q: What road trip do you most look forward to?
CD: The Baylor tournament.
Q: Do you feel you have a leadership role as a senior?
CD: Yeah, I’ve been there a long time so I pretty much know how to do everything, so I can make sure everybody knows what they’re supposed to be doing.
Q: Being the only fifth-year senior on the team, do you think that gives you an advantage over younger guys?
CD: Maybe a little bit, but if you’ve been here one year then you pretty much know everything because Coach Kittrell is going to tell you.
Q: You started in XXX different positions last year. Do you mind changing positions so much?
CD: No, I don’t mind. It doesn’t really matter what position I play.
Q: Is there anywhere you can’t play on the field?
CD: I’ve never really played catcher, and I’m sure I could get on the mound but I wouldn’t be any good.
Q: You’re the only player on the team who is married. What’s it like trying to balance being a father, a husband, a student and a baseball player?
CD: It’s not too bad. If I need to miss something I can usually just say something to Coach Kittrell and he’ll let me go before other people. I just take a little time for everything and it’s not too bad.
Q: What are your expectations for this year, both for yourself and for the team?
CD: My expectations are just for our team to have a good year. First of all, we need to get back to the NCAA tournament, because we haven’t been there in a couple years. I’d really like to win a Regional, because we’ve never done that, and if we win a regional then we have a chance to go to Omaha.
