Cleveland Indians: Rajai Davis will always be a cherished player to fans

Cleveland Indians fans welcomed Rajai Davis back to Progressive Field on Monday, and he will continue to be welcomed year after year.

Rajai Davis only spent one season as a member of the Cleveland Indians, but he built a legacy that will never be forgotten by fans who witnessed the 2016 season.

From his solid outfield play in the midst of countless injuries to his dominance on the base paths, Davis endeared himself to fans. But who am I kidding, the reason he is so beloved is for his insane game-tying home run in Game 7 against the Chicago Cubs.

It is easy to watch that moment and instantly be shot back to that warm November night when Davis gave us all some hope of another championship in Cleveland. It wasn’t the ending we all hoped for, but the moment can never be taken away from us.

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Davis returned to Progressive Field yesterday as a member of the Oakland Athletics, yet it would be hard to fathom being upset if he did well at the plate or in the field.

It almost seems like the Indians did win a title based on how exciting it was to see Davis back in Cleveland.

Those feelings will never fade when Davis’ name comes up, regardless of whether the Indians do win a title or not in the next few years.

Because no matter how a potential future title is won or lost, it will be hard to top Davis’ moment.

As with most things in life, it is important to move on and focus on the goal ahead. That explains why the Indians didn’t come to an agreement with Davis this offseason. The game is ultimately a business, leaving some players to be celebrated exclusively through nostalgia.

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But even though the ultimate goal wasn’t achieved, Davis’ legendary moment will be talked about for generations by Indians fans who were lucky enough to witness the moment. And who knows, perhaps a summer trade could bring him back to the place he built his legend.