Follow Friday Q&A with Chase Davis
This is the third installment of the Arizona Baseball 2020 Follow Friday series, in which we will highlight each member of the incoming 2020 class of student-athletes looking to make their mark at Hi Corbett Field. Get to know our newest Wildcats with the below Q&A, and when you're done be sure to follow them on social media to stay connected.
Today's feature focuses on incoming freshman Chase Davis, an outfielder from Franklin High School in Elk Grove, California.
Previous editions of Follow Friday: Jacob Berry | Kyle Casper
Q: What made you choose Arizona?
A: I went to Tucson for a visit in 2018 and was there for a full weekend, Friday through Sunday, and I was in love as soon as I got out of the airport. Being in the Tucson environment with the weather made me feel at home and the food was awesome. Once I got on campus and saw the facilities, how things are run, the people there, the coaching staff, the clubhouse and the baseball field at night, and the campus I really fell in love.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most in your first year at Arizona?
A: Really being able to find a feel for how things are run on the school side, and I'll be able to do that the first couple of weeks. As far as baseball goes, I'm really looking forward to making an impact and making a statement my first year. There's no need to wait a year or two, I can just kick things off and start off hot as a freshman.
Q: What achievement from your baseball career so far are you most proud of?
A: I'm most proud of making Perfect Game All-American and having the chance to be part of those Perfect Game events last summer. It was a chance to play with some of the top guys in the country and face the most elite competition with a field of guys ready to play at the next level.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game?
A: I take lots of pride in my power at the plate and being able to hit the ball far but also at the same time hitting for average. It's not a home run or nothing kind of approach, I'm able to hit the ball all across the field. Also my arm in the outfield, I love being able to throw guys out. So my arm and my power are two things at the same level that I take a lot of pride in.
Q: Who influenced you to get into baseball?
A: It was definitely my dad, and I started playing at four years old. I didn't know much at that age, but my dad and mom really pushed me towards it and then my aspirations to become a Major League Baseball player started in sixth grade. So ever since that point I knew baseball was something I wanted to do with the rest of my life.
Q: If you weren't playing baseball, what sport would you most want to play?
A: Soccer, I actually grew up playing soccer my whole life — I used to be a forward and a keeper. I can't explain how I feel when I'm around it or watching it on TV or at a stadium. I speak Spanish, so being able to communicate and be part of the soccer culture is super awesome.
Q: If you could have one MLB player's skill, what would it be?
A: I would want all my mechanics to stay the same as they are now, but the one thing I would add is Barry Bonds' power.
Q: If you could face one Major League Baseball player right now, who would it be and why?
A: I would face Max Scherzer because he has dirty stuff and I love facing the best. Gas, nasty pitches, you name it and I think Max has it, so I would get into the box against him in a heartbeat.
Q: What are some of your non-baseball hobbies you enjoy spending free time on?
A: So there are two things. First, I'm a big car guy. Here in Sacramento there's a shop called Diamond Autosport that's a supercar customization shop and repair shop. I love going over there and taking pictures and sitting in the cars and getting rides in them. I also go to car shows; there are car shows all over the northern California region and I just love being out there. When I'm not doing that, I love to dance a little bit, I like to break. I stopped a couple years ago but I'm trying to get back on the floor more since I have a little time on my hands.
Q: What does your pregame/gameday routine look like?
A: I wake up and first thing is I like to eat a good breakfast. That's the biggest thing for the whole day because I think of myself as a supercar and the breakfast I eat is premium gas. If I don't get that right then my body is going to be shutting down by game time. I like to eat omelettes with bacon bits and pepperjack cheese. Then I'll head over to the ballpark but on the way I don't like to listen to really hard, lit music. The music I like to listen to is very chill, very light and helps calm my mood and slows me down so that when it comes to game time I can focus and relax and be in the zone.
Quick Hits:
Favorite baseball player: Joc Pederson
Favorite MLB team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Favorite baseball movie: The Benchwarmers
Favorite gameday snack: Blue Powerade and a Snickers
Favorite TV show: The Walking Dead
Favorite movie: Fast & Furious series