Citing ongoing injuries, O’s slugger Chris Davis announces retirement
Baltimore Orioles’ first baseman and home-run hitter, Christopher Lyn Davis, aka “Crush Davis” announced his retirement from the game on Thursday, citing the recent injuries that have kept him off the field for the 2021 season.
“After an extended time dealing with my injury and recent hip surgery, I informed the Orioles about my decision to retire effective today,” Davis said in a statement.
“I want to thank the Orioles partnership group, led by the Angelos family, the Orioles organization, my teammates and coaches, The University of Maryland Children’s Hospital with whom I will continue to be involved following my retirement and, of course, Birdland. Thank you all for the many memories that I will cherish forever. ” ~ Baltimore Orioles / Twitter
During the course of his major league career which began on June 26, 2008, when he was called up from the minors by the Texas Rangers, Davis has served as a designated hitter and also played third base and in the outfield. And although primarily a first baseman, on a few occasions Davis even took to the mound when the Orioles ran out of pitchers; and in both instances he provided stellar performances.
In May 2012 in a game against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, then manager Buck Showalter motioned for Davis to take the mound in the game’s 15th inning after he’d exhausted all of his relief pitchers. Davis ended up pitching two scoreless shutout innings to give the O’s the win over Boston 9 – 6, “in the second-longest game in Orioles history,” according to The Baltimore Sun.
Seven years later in an April 2019 game against the Minnesota Twins, Davis was asked once again to take the mound. With the O’s trailing 16 -7, Davis took the mound in the 9th inning, “in which he was credited with a win, no less,” according to the MLB.
Davis joined the Orioles after being acquired from the Texas Rangers on July 30, 2011. He was an integral part of a five-year stretch that led to three playoff appearances for the Orioles, including the club’s ninth American League East division title, two American League Wild Card appearances, and the most wins in the American League from 2012-2016.
During his tenure in Birdland, he appeared in 1,151 games for the O’s, connected on 253 home runs, was named an All-Star starter, Silver Slugger Award winner, three-time Roberto Clemente nominee, and finished in the top three of MVP voting. He ranks in the top 15 in Orioles history in home runs (253 – 7th), walks (491 – 10th), RBI (656 – 11th), extra-base hits (433 – 12th), runs scored (592 – 14th), and games played (1,151 – 15th).
His 142 home runs at Oriole Park at Camden Yards are the second-most in the ballpark’s history, while his 11 Eutaw Street home runs top all players.
On August 12, the Baltimore Orioles thanked their first baseman and released the following regarding his announced retirement plans.
“The Orioles support Chris Davis as he retires from baseball today. We thank Chris for his 11 years of service to the club, to Orioles fans, and to the Baltimore community.
“Athletes have the power to change lives and better their communities, and Chris and his family have done just that. We admire their dedication to those most in need, with hundreds of hours of community work completed, millions of dollars donated, and countless other charitable efforts performed, often without fanfare.
“For every inning played and home run hit, hour of service completed and amount donated, the Davis family has made an immeasurable impact on our city and on Orioles baseball. We send our best wishes to Chris, his wife Jill, and their daughters Ella, Evie, and Grace, each of whom will forever be part of our Orioles family.”
Chris Davis trivia note: He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.
Ace News Today wishes Crush a “Happy Retirement” and the very best in all his future endeavors.
(Source: MLB)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
