Crush, We Just Want to Love You

Chris Davis has not resembled his 2013 alter ego, Crush, in quite some time. A miserable 2014, and a painful start to 2015 have the fans vocal with their frustration. But here’s the thing: I think a lot of fans are like me, in the fact that I really want Chris Davis to do well, because… I like Chris Davis.

He seems like a great dude. Sure there’s the not-so-hard-on-the-eyes southern charm thing. But he also impresses me in interviews, where he seems to answer honestly and thoughtfully as often as possible. He takes responsibility for failures, and spreads credit to his teammates. He’s a guy who’s overcome being a self-proclaimed “hot head” as a young man, and a guy who grounded in faith, appreciates the great opportunities that have been afforded him. He seems to genuinely appreciate Baltimore as the place that allowed his career to flourish – the fan base that accepted him with open arms.

Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t forgotten that Davis selfishly took himself out of a pennant chase with a PED suspension. And he sucked up most of 2014 and this season. I haven’t looked past that. But really, I want Chris Davis to do well as much for the name on the back of the jersey as I do for the one on the front.

Crush is not back. Chris Davis has a long way to go before I am willing to forgive what he’s been so far this season. But tonight certainly didn’t hurt. Come back, Crush. The fans remember you fondly, and we just want to love you.

In case you missed it, Davis treated us to a flashes to old  times with these:

And he flashed a little bit of leather.

He was even standing at the plate when Jimmy Paredes stole home (and our hearts).

Have a night, Chris Davis!