by Trevor Dugan
(Editor’s Note: This is the eleventh installment of the Up Next series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Jack Mulligan, Alex Pagano, Quincy Gibbs, Michael Cotto, Charlie Edwards, Evan Picciano, Nick Lawrence, Robbie Mascia, Jacob Abran and Tyler Camastro. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Middle infielder Jason Davis (Riverhead 2028) is a hard hitting lefty with the @ec_lumberjacks. He was called up to varsity as an eighth grader in 2024.
His brother Braden played for the University of Maine, and is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery pic.twitter.com/9LEXOBQKRa
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) March 9, 2025
It was a renaissance season for Riverhead in 2025 as they reached the playoffs for the first time since 2015, playing in Suffolk County’s ultracompetitive AAA League I.
A massive part of that success was freshman middle infielder Jason Davis. As a 14 year old, Davis batted leadoff in every game for the Blue Waves, earning All-League honors as he slashed .438/.566/.547 with 19 RBI, 24 runs, and only twelve strikeouts against some of Long Island’s toughest competition.
The young star caught the final out of the regular season to secure Riverhead’s drought ending playoff berth, a play he called one of his most thrilling moments on a baseball field.
Davis was called up to Varsity as an eighth grader in 2024 and quickly made an impression on Riverhead Head Coach Kevin Kerman, batting over .300 in the final games of that spring season. His subsequent breakout year in 2025 proved to Coach Kerman that Davis will remain a linchpin of the Riverhead lineup in the years to come.
“Having Jason lead off for us every game last year and in the playoffs while hitting .438 is obviously something every coach would love to have,” Kerman told Axcess. “He was the fuel for our offense. Incredible for him to do that as a freshman especially considering the challenges that league one can put on players.”
Kerman expects Davis to remain a productive leadoff batter and add to his game in 2026.
“He will be back at the top of our lineup and will see most of his time at second base and shortstop,” Kerman added. “We’re also looking for him to log some innings on the mound this year as a sophomore.”
Jason has played travel ball two age groups up with the East Coast Lumberjacks since 2023, the same program his brother Braden was once a part of. An organization with a great reputation for developing players into college ready talents, the Lumberjacks are also the travel home of Jason’s Riverhead teammate and St. John’s commit Matthew Zambriski.
The Davis family has baseball in their blood. Jason’s brother Braden earned a scholarship to play Division I baseball at the University of Maine out of St. John the Baptist High School. He has recently recovered from Tommy John surgery and is now playing at Chattahoochee Valley in Alabama.
With Jason’s varsity career off to a fantastic start and three more years at Riverhead to continue improving, it’s easy to see him following in his brother’s footsteps and earning a chance to play college baseball. Coach Kerman is confident he can achieve that.
“Jason playing baseball in college is 100 percent his goal, and if he continues on his current path he will definitely accomplish that and we truly hope he gets to a high level in college,” Kerman said. “He has time to continue to work, grow, and improve. The college conversations will come over time, for now it’s a goal and something he will continue to work hard for.”
We had the opportunity to speak with Jason, and this is what he had to say:
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport ? Do you play any other sports?
I played ice hockey up until two years ago, but baseball has always been my number one sport.
Any family members that played college or pro sports?
My brother plays Division I college baseball and has been a big help in my development.
What was it like playing varsity as a freshman? How did your teammates help you? I really enjoyed playing varsity as a freshman. There was some pressure in the beginning but I felt comfortable quickly. My teammates were very helpful, making me feel comfortable and supporting me.
What are your goals for this offseason?
Some of my goals for this offseason are to get stronger and improve my defense. I will be working out to improve my strength and doing many defensive drills to improve my footwork and defense all around.
Coach Kerman says he’d like to see you on the mound next season. Will you work on pitching this offseason? Have you pitched before with the Lumberjacks?
Yes I will partially be working on pitching this offseason, I have pitched before with the Lumberjacks usually as a closer.
Goals for 2026?
My goals for 2026 are to make the playoffs for the second year in a row and make all-league again.
What was the most thrilling moment you’ve had on a baseball field?
One of my most thrilling moments on a baseball field was catching the final out of the season to put Riverhead in the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.
Favorite pro athletes?
Jalen Brunson, Pete Alonso, and Sean O’Malley because they are all very dominant athletes.
Favorite app on your phone?
Snapchat
Favorite musical artist?
Kodak Black
Favorite TV show or movie?
Breaking Bad
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
The best trip I’ve been on was Hoover Alabama in 2024 with the Lumberjacks. We went .500 and almost made the playoffs but the experience was very fun.
Favorite vacation spot?
South Carolina
Dream car?
Mercedes Maybach
