Wednesday, June 10, 2020

God first, family second OSU pitcher kale Davis’ journey has many layers, but it sets him up for success Adam Luther

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God first, family second: The story of Kale Davis S u d ee p Tum m a , Sports Editor, @ Ask tumm a

It was Kale Davis’ first year at Westmoore High School, and the junior pitcher had been dominating every opponent he faced in Oklahoma.

But this was going to be the real test.

Westmoore headed to Mississippi to face DeSoto Central High School, a talented squad with — at the time — the No. 1 freshman in the country and six Division I-bound players.

Westmoore coach Patrick Kenedy said he remembers how impressed everyone was with DeSoto’s talent, but his mind swung in a different direction.

“I was thinking in my head, ‘Well, Kale’s pitching, so we’ll see,’” Kenedy said.

Then Davis took the mound.

“We play this team, and I think we get down 8-0 or 6-0 or something in the first or second inning, and I think, ‘Man, I don’t know how good Kale is,’” Kenedy said.

Davis, the now highly touted freshman OSU pitcher, was frustrated. He had glassed every opponent prior to this game, so going down early came as a shock to him.

Kenedy said it was the first time Davis had to WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020

Kale Davis’ impressive talent and journey started to show at Westmoore High School. deal with adversity that season.

And he did — quickly.

“We turn around and come back and beat them like 9-8 or something,” Kenedy said. “I guess that would be the defining moment that, ‘OK this kid is really good.’”

From there, Davis only got better.

After a successful junior year, he took it a notch higher as a senior with a 9-1 record, 0.36 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 58 innings. He topped it off by being named the Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year in Oklahoma.

Davis was the No. 2-ranked prospect in

the state, according to Perfect game. After mulling over a jump to the MLB, Davis settled on going to OSU where he hopes to further improve his skillset.

The freshman pitcher already has gobs of talent, but there’s more to the picture.

“I’m a man of God, but I’m a person who’s willing to do anything for the people around me,” Davis said. “I think I’m a dog on the field, hard worker, man of my word and somebody who’s going to be remembered for not just my game, but my ability to go out and help others in a positive way, not a negative way.”

Fueling the fire Davis has been playing baseball since he was 3 years old, but even he didn’t envision that as a lifestyle.

“If you had walked up to the people around me my freshman year and said, ‘Hey, Kale is going DI and is going to be one of the top pitchers in the country,’ they would look at you and say, ‘What are you talking about?’”

Davis said.

“That’s just how crazy it was.”

Davis has always loved baseball, but for a majority of his life, it was only a hobby. Now professional baseball appears to be his calling.

It wasn’t just some-

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Kale Davis

thing that happened overnight — Davis credits his work ethic.

“Every day you get up, you got to work at mastering your craft,” Davis said. “That’s what you put in your body, that’s what you do, etc. If you want to be a good baseball player, a good athlete in general, your work ethic needs to be better than anyone else’s.”

Kenedy said Davis puts in a lot of extra work that people didn’t see and that Davis went beyond the norm to be the best he can be.

“Kale is almost a perfectionist, and sometimes that’s hard being an athlete because things don’t

always go the way you want them to,” Kenedy said. “He’s always striving to get better, even though he is good.”

Kenedy talked about how it’s difficult to have that mentality in baseball, given the nature of the sport — pitchers don’t strike everyone out, batters don’t hit every ball.

Getting a hit on one out of every three atbats is considered a success.

Still, Kenedy said that Davis’ perfectionist mentality allows him to handle adversity and fueled that desire to excel.

“The thing that separates me from the others, is the moment I step in the locker room or I step on the field, nobody is taking my spot or changing who I am or telling me I’m someone I’m not,” Davis said. “Because this is me as a person, you’re not going to change the person I am. I’m Kale Davis and you’re not going to change my name.”

Davis has worked tirelessly to get to where he’s gotten, but he’s also got a serious mentality when he approaches baseball.

“It’s kind of bad to say, but I let go of the man I am off the field right there,” Davis said. “I turn around and I say, ‘Alright, look you turn into a

C OVE R S T O RY dog now, this is where you become a different person.’ It’s like you unleash everything you work for, then it’s like you’re trying to kill the batter.

It’s like you’re trying to get him out, no friends, no passengers.”

The pathway wasn’t always so clear, but Davis said words of motivation he got along the way from various coaches who saw his potential helped spark his confidence.

The drive to succeed is evident every time Davis opens his mouth.

“He’s been brought up the right way, to work hard and be humble,” Kenedy said. “It’s hard to do that when you become really good. The staying humble aspect of it and being true to who you are in the way you’re raised.

And his parents have done a really good job of raising him and teaching him between right and wrong.”

The man off the field It’s been quite a journey for the talented pitcher, but his life goes beyond athletics. Even in the sport itself, Davis sees himself as much more than a baseball player.

“My dad’s always told me, ‘You always represent the name on your back,’” Davis said. “Through middle school and high school, I think I’ve always been that even-keeled person, never been too high, never too low. But I mean that’s the biggest thing to me is that for my family. It’s making a name for them, but it’s also representing something bigger than myself.”

Baseball is clearly a priority for Davis, but WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020

C o w b oys Bas e ba l l he said he understands there’s a life beyond the sport.

Davis values academics — evidenced by his 3.78 GPA in high school.

“At the end of the day, baseball can be taken away at the snap of a finger,” Davis said. “I could get my arm shot off or my arm could stop working and everything like that can just fall. The fame, anything like that, it’s in the present now and gone tomorrow. When you wrap yourself up in that, it can really hurt you; it can hurt Davis’ strong passion and loyalty led him to OSU. ated and just as you were ship with his high school your confidence too but raised.” coach that went beyond it can hurt you mentally Family is extremely imjust baseball. Kenedy said because you’re relying on portant to Davis and plays Davis’ personality is what the success or the fame.” a huge role in his life, but allowed for such a strong At OSU, Davis is a there’s only one thing bigrelationship between the sociology major with a ger than that — God. two. minor in journalism. He Davis holds two things When they talked, it said sociology helps him above all else — in one was about more than understand people better, particular order. sports, it was about life. while the journalism route God first, family secEven in class, Davis was to pursue another pasond. showed his true colors. sion — writing a book.

“If I see joy in my “He’s very open and That sociology degree future and I see my game friendly to everybody, runs even deeper. Davis going through God first, regardless of race or said it helps him on a that alone will take me to ethnicity or anything like baseball field. It helps other levels beyond basethat,” Kenedy said. “He him gain perspective to ball,” Davis said. treated everyone equally, separate off the field isDavis has his beliefs and it was pretty neat for sues with how he perand values in line, and he a guy of that caliber, in forms in a game. said it’s important to him terms of how good he was Davis has propelled to be a good friend and at baseball.

You wouldn’t himself on and off the person. He always makes have known that (he was a field to become this a point to be there for really good player) by him person, and he’s had impeople whether they need just sitting in the classmense support from his a ride or just plain old room, treating everyone family, particularly from advice. the same. He’s just a rehis father, Steve, who “Kale has always been ally nice, neat kid.” mentored him and even a big brother to me since Tristen Robb, another coached him. we met junior year,” said friend of Davis, holds him “(My dad) always told Kennethen Khamnguon, in high esteem. me to be humble and a high school friend.

“Kale is a close friend remember the people that “Outside of baseball, he is to me,” Robb said. “He got you there,” Davis said. just like any other person was very humble and “Just always remember that likes to hang out with kind and a good friend to how you did it. Never be friends and family.” have.” bigger than yourself, or be Aside from friends, But even with how bigger than God or bigger Davis had a great relationhighly regarded he was off than how you were creOCOLLY.COM

Kale Davis

the field in high school, Davis’ talent was too large to ignore.

Colin Whittern, who met Davis their junior year of high school, said Davis was looked at as a leader and competitor on the field. Off the field, it was a little different.

“Kale Davis is one of my brothers,” Whittern said. “For the time we’ve known one another it’s felt like years. We fight like brothers and make great memories as brothers.

He’s helped me strengthen my faith, and has been with me through the toughest times in my life.

Not everyone has someone like that in their life.”

The next chapter Davis stands content with his decision to go to college and attend OSU. He said he’s learned a lot and continues to hone his skills on the baseball field.

When Davis was choosing what college he would go to, OSU coach Josh Holliday’s presence was a huge factor in Davis choosing OSU. And Holliday continues to have an

impact on Davis, beyond just coaching.

“He’s a great guy and he’s a father figure in everybody’s life,” Davis said. “He’s pushing you every day to do things that you never have done in your life, and that means growing as a person, on and off the field, but it’s also making you think while you do it too.

“That’s why baseball is the hardest sport to me.

Because you have to learn how to fail more than you succeed. You don’t see that a lot.”

With COVID-19 cutting the season to only 18 games, there wasn’t much time to see what Davis was capable of in 2020.

Although, his work ethic and drive could push him even further.

College is a time to learn, mature and flourish.

For Davis, it’s been the right decision. It’s given him a sense of security as he continues to grow as a player and a person.

At the end of it all, through whatever has happened in the past, Davis is grateful for the journey he’s been through.

“It’s built me as a person because I realize what it’s like when you have nothing,” Davis said.

“I can be fine with that. I feel like that’s what helps me as a person outside of baseball. It’s the fact that if this game goes away, it’ll sting for a little bit. I mean, it’s the game I love, and I’m pretty good at it.

But one day it’s going to end for me. So knowing that I have what I have now, I can sleep at night.”

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Horoscope

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Today’s Birthday (06/10/20). Grow financial strength together this year. Build and grow your educational foundations with steady practice. Solve a puzzle with your partner for a gushing income. Taking a joint venture down a new road this summer inspires introspective planning that lays ground for flowering romance. You‚Äôre building something beautiful.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Adapt to an unexpected team change. Handle basic responsibilities to support your shared endeavor. Experience proves especially useful. Others appreciate your efforts. Collaborate.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Take charge to navigate an unscheduled change at work. A professional opportunity is worth pursuing. Develop options that move your heart. Strengthen infrastructure.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Watch for a pitfall with your investigation. Stay flexible and look sharp. Expand your understanding of a subject you love. Indulge your intellectual curiosity.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — A financial obstacle confronts a shared venture. Gather basic information. Find creative ways to conserve resources.

Check intuition with data. Collaborate to adapt.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Together you can manage this challenge.

Your discipline is admirable. Put aside the small stuff and focus on shared priorities. Love is your superpower.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Prioritize physical health and vitality.

Follow rules and guidelines carefully. Get support when needed. Slow to avoid accidents. Meditate to reduce stress or anxiety. Recharge.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 6 — Romantic ideals don’t always match reality. A challenge affects your inner circle. Things could get awkward. Maintain a sense of humor. Relax and unwind.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Focus on household matters. Order supplies and materials. Budget carefully. Delays and obstacles could hinder a home improvement project. Find creative solutions using stuff you have.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Keep communication channels flowing despite breakdowns or delays. Others appreciate your steady efforts. Follow rules, directions and instructions carefully. Take notes. Research for solutions.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Stay in action. Despite obstacles, you can generate positive cash flow. Keep fulfilling obligations and performing services. Get terms in writing. Get support when needed.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Use your confidence to propel a personal project. Determination and perseverance get through. Avoid risky business or expensive distractions. Take action for what you love.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 6 — Contemplate your next moves.

Revise long-term plans for current realities. Routine provides strength. Peaceful privacy feeds your spirit. Assess this interesting moment. Keep a diary.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020

FOR RELEASE JUNE 10, 2020

Level 1

2

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6/10/20

Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

© 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

ACROSS 1 Tip politely 5 Friendship 10 Approved 14 Taj Mahal locale 15 Longtime work animal 16 Michelin product 17 Competition with runners 18 It may be bid 19 Target Field MLBer 20 Kind of code 22 Tense tennis situation 24 Talons 27 Leveling wedge 28 Rhine whine 30 Opinion 32 Mass media magnate 36 “Harrumph!”

37 Gillette brand 38 Showy 39 Old Testament prophet 41 Strong aversions 43 Clothes closer 44 High-ranking angel 46 Rebuke from Caesar 48 Only NFL team without a helmet logo, on scoreboards 49 Big shot 50 Snorkeling site 51 Half a bray 52 Rock’s mate?

54 Splatter in a puddle 56 Helped remember 60 Diving action 63 Day when 46-Across was spoken 64 Key material 67 Subtle glow 68 Essence 69 More contemporary 70 Bygone despot 71 Night at an inn, e.g.

72 Blokes 73 Conducted, as a meeting

6/10/20

By Joe Schewe

DOWN 1 Like many a cellar 2 Fancy molding 3 Mellophone’s orchestral cousin 4 Like the most serious error 5 Lawyer’s org.

6 Wasp nest component 7 Pupil’s place 8 Beech and birch 9 Inn for traveling students 10 Hassock cousins 11 Fuzzy fruit 12 “__ go bragh!”

13 Bad impression 21 Soap brand 23 Embarkation location 25 Not being forthcoming about 26 Antitoxins 28 Embarrass 29 Hitchcock film trademark 31 With the answer below, dilute ... and a hint to the four longest answers

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

33 Home on the range 34 Clichéd 35 Home on the range 40 Room for vestments 42 Nice saisons 45 Sound prefix 47 Alien craft 53 Flood deterrent 55 Mower’s path

6/10/20

56 Readies for sailing 57 Cut text, e.g.

58 City near Phoenix 59 See the answer above 61 Like some vaccines 62 Oater bro 65 No longer working: Abbr.

66 Mos. and mos.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020

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