Rajai Davis: 'Believe in yourself'

During visits to Oakland-area schools, Rajai Davis delivers an inspirational message.

"It's mainly about dreams and believing in yourself and having a focus, knowing what you want to do and working hard at your craft, whatever you're gifted in," Davis said. "And knowing there's going to be obstacles and it isn't always easy."

Davis is testament to his own words, working his way from a New London High School and UConn-Avery Point star to becoming the starting center fielder for the Oakland A's.

After a breakthrough year, Davis is expected to begin the 2010 season as a starter for the first time in his professional career. He's already received an endorsement from A's general manager Billy Beane.

"He deserves it," Beane told the Oakland Tribune last month. "You think about the connection. When we've played really well, it's usually when Raj has played really well."

In his fourth season in the major leagues, the 29-year-old Davis was Oakland's most productive player after the All-Star break, batting .325 with 24 doubles, one home run, 42 RBI and 30 stolen bases. Overall, he led the team in batting average (.305) and stolen bases (41) while setting career highs in nearly every category.

His play accelerated shortly after the A's traded Matt Holliday and moved Scott Hairston, making Davis the starting center fielder in late July.

But his confidence was growing even before that.

Davis remembers one turning point prior to the All-Star break, a game against then-Cleveland ace Cliff Lee. He went 2-for-2 with a walk.

"It got me to believe even more in what I was doing," Davis said.

Confidence is something that Davis rarely lacks. And that has nothing to do with being cocky. Davis just believes in himself.

Avery Point baseball coach Roger Bidwell compares Davis to John McDonald, an East Lyme native now playing for the Toronto Blue Jays.

"They do what they do because they have a great makeup," Bidwell said. "They have talent, of course, and really have a belief that they can find a way to perform. … Rajai's confidence is off the charts."

Davis's success stems from following a plan. Not just his plan, but also God's plan. He's heavily involved in his church's ministry at Miracle Temple Church in New London. He participates in a men's group twice a week.

His faith gives him faith in his abilities.

"I just want them to understand some of the things that I've gone through and gotten through, believing and having faith in Him, knowing there's a good outcome waiting," Davis said.

Davis will spend the winter working out in the area. He bought a home in Waterford where he lives with his wife Marissa.

He's come along way from being a part-time player when he broke into the major leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006. He also played for San Francisco before coming to Oakland in 2008.

Davis is enjoying the break, but can't wait to get to spring training and looks forward to proving what he can do playing a full season.

"You've always got to keep your mind focused on what's to come and what your plan is for the next day, next week, next month and next season," he said.

Bidwell can't wait to see what Davis does next year.

"Don't underestimate him," Bidwell said.

"It's so easy to do because everybody has his whole career. … If he picks up next year where he left off this year, it's going to be a really big story."