DAVIS FELDMAN’S JOURNEY
FARGO-MOORHEAD REDHAWKS 2024Davis Feldman, 27 year old from Warren, MI, is a starting right-handed pitcher for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. He attended 6-years of college at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI, playing a childhood sport that he got connected to from the beginning. Feldman says, “As long as I could remember, I always loved playing it. I was always gravitated to it, that and basketball were like my two... passions.” During his college career, he played both a pitcher and a position player at the D1 level, resulting in an average ERA of 4.26, 129 strikeouts, 54 games pitched with activity in 188 innings, and faced 854 batters. Feldman says, "Being there 6 years, I felt like I was a part of that school. I spent 25% of my life there so, you know, it's kind of a big part of who I am." Feldman had to miss the remainder of his junior and all of the senior year after having Tommy John surgery (operation that repairs a damaged ligament in the elbow). Despite injury, he maintained the motivation to pursue his dream to continue playing baseball. After recovering, his opportunity was unfortunately cut short again due to COVID-19 shutting down the season after only about 10 games. He completed his Master's Degree and closed his college baseball career in 2021 That passion carried him to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks fresh out of college where he pursued his dream playing professional baseball. He played 1-month in 2021, returned in 2022 and won the AAPB Wolf Cup with the team. He got called up to Double-A Affiliate ball under the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023, stating, "It's a life-long dream, but it was kind of sad leaving this place (RedHawks). It made me the pitcher I am and helped me out a lot. I loved every second and I will always be appreciative of the opportunity for sure." He returned to the RedHawks in 2023 and continued playing through the 2024 season, marking 4 years in his professional baseball career.
Feldman was a powerful asset from the beginning to mid-season. Every game he started, the opposing batters struggled to make a strong hit or even make contact with his pitches.
In early July, Feldman was moved to the injured list regarding his pitching arm. For the time being, he rotated as the first-base coach and supporting his teammates through his time in recovery.
He was chosen as one of the RedHawks’ All-Stars and attended the All-Star Break at the end of July in Kansas City, KS.
Over two months, Feldman had restored strength in his throwing arm to come back to the mound at the end of August during a road series game against the Kansas City Monarchs, pitching one inning.
After coming back to Fargo, ND, the RedHawks punched their ticket to the AAPB Playoffs after defeating the Sioux Falls Canaries in game three.
Just one week later, in the AAPB Playoffs Round One, Game Three, against the Sioux City Explorers, he would have his first at-home pitching appearance since late June.
Bottom of the 6th, Davis Feldman prepares himself, unbeknownst to him what is to come.
At the top of the 7th, on the third opposing team’s at-bat, shortly after the dugout photo (previous) was taken, there was a change on Feldman’s face after a wild pitch. With his throwing arm to the side, people watching recognized something had gone painfully wrong. Feldman, fully aware of the situation, used an unfathomable amount of strength to remain as composed as possible before being walked off the field, knowing full well in that moment… his night was over.
Feldman did not remain in the dugout after walking off the field, and understandably so. The game continued and in the end, the RedHawks would finish victorious, defeating the Sioux City Explorers 2-1 in the series to advance to the Semi-finals of the AAPB Playoffs.
Feldman was the winning pitcher of the evening, totaling four innings pitched and two strikeouts. Surrounded by his teammates, Feldman was embraced by many and then proceeded to celebrate the victory upon advancing to the playoffs, expressing high spirits and champagne-soaked clothes.
Although having gone through both a physically and mentally painful experience, Feldman kept his spirits high and smiles wider as he supported his team throughout the remainder of the RedHawks season.
The RedHawks lost to the Winnipeg Goldeyes in game three and the season was over.
Feldman has likely returned back home to Michigan, though I have not directly talking with him as of yet, his motivation to become stronger and to push striving towards his dreams is emphasized in a video weight lifting in the gym post-season.
This is a man that will not quit, will never give up no matter what, and is a great guy all around. I am glad I have met Feldman and I cannot wait to see where his future will take him.