Standing on the pitching rubber, Neal Davis towers over almost every batter he faces. The 6-feet-5, 195-pound Catonsville High senior combines power and control as the Comets? ace pitcher.
Next season the left-hander will develop his pitching skills at the University of Virginia, of the powerhouse Atlantic Coast Conference. “I chose Virginia because it is in a good conference, and I can get a good education and continue my academic interests if baseball doesn?t work out,” he said.
The young prospect is smart enough to realize that pro baseball is not a sure bet. Boasting a 3.96 grade-point average at Catonsville, his academic prowess as well as his baseball skills appealed to colleges.
“He would rank right up there with some of the best pitchers we?ve brought to Virginia,” said Cavalier head coach Brian O?Connor, a former Notre Dame assistant. Davis should probably see a lot of time on the field for the Cavaliers in 2007, because O?Connor believes he has the talent and confidence to start as a freshman.
Davis has a tremendous work ethic, said Catonsville coach Rich Hambor. “When he is by himself, especially in the off-season, he does the extra work,” Hambor said.
It is extra work that allows Davis to have command of three pitches, while being able to consistently hit between 86-88 miles per hour with his fast ball.
Throwing that fast, with control, gave Davis a tremendous junior year. Last season for Catonsville, he had a 7-2 record with a 0.96 earned-run average (ERA), with 128 strikeouts and just 10 walks.
Davis has played in the past for Dean Albany, who has a fall scout team. Albany is also a scout for the Orioles. Davis has drawn some attention from scouts, but it would take a solid pro offer for Davis to turn down a chance to play at Virginia.
Davis will join some solid arms at Virginia: lefty Mike Ballard threw a no-hitter at home Sunday as the Cavs beat Boston College, 5-0. It was believed to be the first no-hitter for Virginia since 1966.
THE DAVIS FILE
Sport: Baseball
Position: Left-handed pitcher
High School: Catonsville
Future College: University of Virginia
Did you know? In his 65.3 innings pitched in 2005, Davis allowed just 38 hits and 17 runs, only nine of which were earned. Davis, in addition to Virginia, also considered Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Tulane and Maryland. Virginia was ranked No. 17 in the country as this week began; the Cavs play at Maryland from April 28-30 in an ACC series in College Park.
