by Ericka Smith
Staff Writer
Junior shortstop Jonathan (J.D.) Davis from Fayetteville, Ga., was named Appalachian Athletic Conference Player of the Week for his performance in the three game series against University of Virginia College at Wise on Mar. 5 and 6.
“The AAC takes nominations from sports information directors around the conference and then picks the player who had the best statistical week,” Head Baseball Coach Taylor Hasty said.
Davis went 6 for 10 at the plate with a slugging average of .800 and three stolen bases, according to Hasty.
In the last inning of the second game of the series, according to Davis, freshman outfielder Kevin Layne hit a double and then senior catcher Jonathan Brown bunted Layne to third base. Davis then hit the game winning sacrifice fly to right field.
“The games against UVA-Wise were really big for our team because it was our conference opener, and we swept,” Davis said. “Starting the conference off with big wins really helps legitimize our program and earns some respect in the conference.”
He said that he felt like there were other players on the team who also deserved the award for their performance and was grateful for receiving it for the first time.
Davis is currently ranked third in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics with 21 stolen bases. His batting average is .413 with 10 doubles, six home runs and 17 RBIs this season.
Davis has played baseball for 17 years, starting when he was four.
While homeschooled throughout high school, he said he played for the Greater Gwinnett Christian Barons (http://www.gobarons.com/index.php?Itemid=62&id=2&option=com_content&task=section). He did not play shortstop as he does at Bryan but mostly played third base.
Davis said that he is motivated to play for the love of the sport.
“I just love playing baseball,” Davis said. “I know that I will not have the opportunity forever, so I remind myself of the blessing that it is to be able to play.”
Davis has played for three years at Bryan, according to Hasty, who has coached him the entire time.
“I am proud of J.D. and what he has accomplished this season,” Hasty said. “I look forward to watching him finish a strong seaso