Ike Davis Needs 8 More RBIs To Break Strawberry’s Record

Whether you are totally jazzed by Ike Davis’ rookie year, or luke warm on it consider this…

According to John Schweibacher of WFAN.com, Ike Davis is on the verge of toppling the team record for runs batted in by a rookie, a record that has stood for over a quarter century.

Ike Davis continues to climb the Mets all-time leader boards for rookies. Davis’ 18 home runs trail only Darryl Strawberry (26 in 1983) and Ron Swoboda (19 in 1965) as the most by a rookie in Mets’ history.

Here is how the Mets first-year, first baseman ranks in runs batted in and hits among rookies in club history:

Most RBI’s by a Mets Rookie:

•74 Darryl Strawberry 1983
•71 Ty Wigginton 2003
•67 Ike Davis 2010
•65 Steve Henderson 1977
•62 Jay Payton 2000
•58 Jason Phillips 2003
•57 Cleon Jones 1966
•56 Gregg Jefferies 1989
•56 Tsuyoshi Shinjo 2001
•50 Ron Swoboda 1965

Davis has done more than anyone could have expected for a player that was rushed to the majors far ahead of what the Mets were envisioning before this season started. The original game plan called for Daniel Murphy to be the everyday first baseman, Ike Davis to spend a season in AAA, with a September call-up at season’s end. An injury to Murph changed all that.

I’m looking forward to an even better season in 2011 from Ike, and I say that because unlike most rookies, Davis has shown a great ability to make adjustments as the league and pitchers adjusted to him.

One of the most remarkable things about Ike Davis was touched on yesterday by Gary Cohen during the broadcast. Davis is hitting .301 against left handed pitching this season, because he keeps his shoulder in allowing him to make better contact and get a good look at the pitch.

Going into yesterdays game, Davis was hitting .471 (16-34) with four doubles, three home runs and ten RBIs in September which is a clear sign he will be finishing strong. It tells me that Ike may not suffer from the effects of a sophomore jinx. There’s so much to like about this kid.

Great News: I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our own Joe Spector on the birth of his new daughter, Emma. We wish Joe, his wife Barbara and their newborn bundle of joy, Emma, all the best. Follow Joe on Facebook.