Ike Davis
A power-hitting first baseman whose towering home runs and slick glovework defined his time with the New York Mets.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American baseball player·Birthday: March 22·Millennials
Biography
Isaac 'Ike' Davis emerged from a baseball family—his father, Ron, was a major league reliever—and carved his own path as a formidable presence at the plate and at first base. Drafted by the Mets in 2008, he made a splashy debut in 2010, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his raw power and fearless defense. His 2012 season, where he hit 32 home runs, showcased his potential as a cornerstone player. Injuries, however, became a persistent challenge, altering his trajectory. His career took him through Pittsburgh, Oakland, and a brief stint with the Yankees, where he was valued for his left-handed bat and veteran insight. Davis's story is one of flashes of brilliance and the physical toll of the game, leaving a memorable mark in Queens.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ike was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ike Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ike's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Hit 32 home runs and drove in 90 runs for the New York Mets during the 2012 season.
- Finished 7th in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2010 after a strong debut.
- Led all National League first basemen in assists (84) during his rookie campaign in 2010.
- Recorded a .995 fielding percentage at first base for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2014.
Did You Know?
His father, Ron Davis, was an All-Star relief pitcher for the New York Yankees.
He was a standout pitcher and hitter at Arizona State University before focusing on hitting professionally.
He hit a grand slam in his first career game at Citi Field in 2010.
He is an accomplished magician and has performed card tricks for teammates.
“I loved hitting in big spots at Citi Field, especially with the crowd on its feet.”
