Sports Pro File: Mets First Baseman Ike Davis

It was a warm 60 degrees at Citi Field in New York on April 19 when first baseman Ike Davis strode into the batter's box for the first time in his major league career. The stadium was only two-thirds of the way full, but those on hand were about to get a peek into the future of the New York Mets. Davis would quickly show the fans what all the hype was about as he lined a single to right. Davis would end the night 2-4, with a run batted in that helped the Mets beat the Chicago Cubs 6-1.

Isaac "Ike" Benjamin Davis was born March 22, 1987 in Edina, Minnesota. His father, Ron Davis, is a former relief pitcher, who pitched 11 seasons with the Yankees, Twins, Cubs, Dodgers, and Giants. Ike's mother, Millie, is of Lithuanian decent and many of her Jewish relatives were killed during the Holocaust.

Coming out of Chapparal High School in Glendale, Arizona in 2005, Davis was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 19th round of the 2005 MLB draft. Davis decided to go to college instead and attended Arizona State University. Davis did some pitching himself when he was at ASU. He began as a starter, but would wind up being a closer like his father. Ike also played first base and the outfield and that is where he shined. Scouts would make note of his smooth swing, raw power, and good baseball instincts. Davis was drafted by the Mets in the first round of the 2008 draft with the 18th overall pick.

In 2008 Davis spent the season with the Class A Brooklyn Cyclones of the New York Penn League. He didn't exactly set the NYPL on fire with a batting average of .256 and zero home runs in 239 plate appearances. In 2009 Davis would should his potential in two minor league stops. On the year he batted .298 with 20 home runs and 71 RBI.

When spring training 2010 rolled around Davis just continued to build on his 2009 exploits. He batted .480 with 3 home runs and 10 RBI in just 25 at bats. Although he was sent down to AAA Buffalo, it was clear that it would be just a matter of time until he was up with the big club.

The Mets have improved since Davis was called up and have even managed to spend some time in first place in the National League East. Davis caused more oohs and aahs when he belted his first home run, a shot that traveled an estimated 450 feet. With a nucleus of Davis, David Wright, Jose Reyes, and Carlos Beltran the oohs and aahs at Citi Field may have just begun.