The Doug Davis Story

There was a great story in the news on Saturday, May 14 that most of the world missed. A new legend was born, and his name is Doug Davis. He made his debut pitching for the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night and did a great job. He embodies the American spirit and is destined to be a sports legend similar to Dave Dravecky, who fought and overcame cancer and returned to pitch in the major leagues. Then he broke his arm while pitching with the disease. Just like Dravecky, Davis provides us with a message of hope, courage and persistence.

Davis is fighting for a career in the majors after batting two life-threatening illnesses. He missed part of the 2008 season while being treated for cancer of the thyroid. Last year, he was diagnosed with an inflammation of the lining surrounding his heart.. He made one start in July, then his season ended with elbow problems.

The American Spirit

Davis typifies the entrepreneurial spirit that has made America great and is now beginning to fade. As a boy, he dreamed of being a Major League Baseball player and then became one. Even the threat of death could not stop him from continuing his career in the majors. He has been fighting life-threatening illnesses for about three years and he has made a triumphant return to the major leagues.

Roster Moves

The Cubs purchased the contract of the left-handed pitcher from Triple-A Iowa the same day he started his first game. To make room for Davis, the Cubs optioned Justin Berg to Iowa. Chicago also took right-handed pitcher Thomas Diamond off the 40-man roster.

Davis, who is 35 years old, stopped by the Cubs clubhouse and met manager Mike Quade for the first time.
Manager Quade said that Davis was really excited to be pitching again in the major leagues. This is especially impressive when we consider how long Davis has been pitching.

The Game

Davis did a great job in his debut. He pitched five complete innings and gave up four hits, walked one and struck out six. He gave up three runs but only one was an earned run. Unfortunately, he was out-pitched by his opponent, Ryan Vogelsong of the San Francisco Giants, who pitched six scoreless innings. The Giants won the rain shortened game by a score of 3 to 0.

The Nation

I hope the entire nation will join me in saluting Doug Davis on his heroic comeback and in wishing him well in his major league career. Further, I hope everyone will follow the Chicago Cubs as they continue on their noble quest to win their first World Series in more than a century.

Source: The Associated Press, Cubs call up Davis for start vs. Giants, The Citizens' Voice, May 16, 2011.
www.ChicagoCubs.com
http://www.davedravecky.com/