CAMDEN — By PATRIC FLANNIGAN
Sports editor
Camden native Jonathan Davis has literally traveled the world during his minor league career, but now being a major league baseball player with even more opportunities to travel, one thing is still the same.
There’s no place like home.
Davis will host his first annual JD 3:21 Baseball Clinic this weekend at Camden Fairview High School. The clinic will be for ages 13 and over from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., and for ages 8-12 from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The camp will continue on Sunday with ages 8-12 from 2:30-4:30 p.m and ages 13 and over from 5:30-7:730 p.m.
Davis spent 6 years in the minor leagues working hard on his craft and overcoming injuries. Last year, it all came to fruition as Davis was called up to join the main roster of the Toronto Blue Jays and made his presence felt almost immediately by getting hits on World Series pitcher David Price.
Davis also reached another milestone by marrying the love of his life, Hannah.
While Davis had plenty of excuses to forget about his little town populated at 14,000, he didn’t. In November, Davis visited multiple building in the Camden Fairview School District to share advice and encourage students.
Davis spoke with the Camden News about the upcoming event as he was attending the Rookie Development Camp in Miami.
“Being able to come back home is just special to me simply because its because of Camden that I am even where I am,” Davis said humbly. “My family and friends are there and they all played a part in helping me accomplish my dreams. It’s just awesome to be able to come back.”
When asked what was the most important tool he hopes the campers will leave with, he simply said, “Hope.”
“It takes hope,” Davis said. “We want to tell them that they can accomplish their dreams and be somebody. Not just with baseball but in whatever they want to do. We want them to always strive to be better. We are all going to have a good time. I’m bringing a few of my friends from Little Rock down too.
Those friends include fellow MLB players Dustin Mosley and his Anthony Alford who is also Davis’ brother-in-law. Will Lewis from the MLB and motivation speaker and former Ole Miss student athlete D.T. Shakleford.
Davis said that three customized gloves and memorabilia will be given out and that each camper will receive a shirt and baseball cards.
The cost of the camp is $50 and participants can register on sight the day of the camp or by going online at https://www.jonathanrayshaddavis.com/camp-registration-sponsorship. The proceeds will go toward more educational initiatives to help out students.
“We are encouraging everyone to come out even if they don’t have the money to sign up,” Davis shared. “Just come out anyway and we’ll see what we can do.”
Davis said that he wants everyone to show up and have a great time and thanked God for the opportunity to do the camp.
“Above all I want to give all honor, glory and praise to God for allowing me to do this,” Davis said. “Without him, none of this is possible.”
Campers will need the following items:
• Hat
• Glove
• Tennis Shoes or Rubber Cleats (No Metal Spikes)
• Bat
• Baseball Pants (Optional)