TOP OF THE MORNIN'
Steven Davis not ready to replace dad in radio booth
By JEFFREY FLANAGAN
The Kansas City Star
S
teven Davis, son of Royals radio announcer
Bob Davis, is obviously on the fast track.
Steven, 26, moved up earlier this year from voice of the Royals’ rookie league team in Idaho Falls to the voice of the Royals’ Class AA team in Springdale, Ark. And this week, Steven landed the job as the new voice of the UMKC Kangaroos basketball team, replacing Danny Clinkscale.
Next stop for Steven? His father’s job with the Royals?
“He wouldn’t do that to me, would he?” Bob said, laughing.
At this point, the Royals’ gig isn’t even on Steven’s radar.
“I would think my dad has a pretty good hold on that position,” Steven said. “And I’m not really thinking all that far down the road. I’m just grateful to get this job with UMKC. It’s quite a thrill.
“I need to do my best there before I think of anything else.”
Interestingly, one of the reasons Steven landed the UMKC job was the perception by UMKC that Clinkscale may not have been enthusiastic enough toward UMKC.
As we all know, Bob Davis will never be accused of not being enthusiastic enough for the local team when calling Royals or Jayhawks games. So, like father, like son?
“Well, I don’t think anyone is as enthusiastic in broadcasting as my dad is,” Steven said. “But I like to bring a certain energy to any sporting event I broadcast. I think it will be evident that I really enjoy doing the game I’m doing.
“And to be honest, if you’re the voice of UMKC, you should be presenting everything from the UMKC side. That’s who you’re working for. It’s not like you’re a network guy who comes in and needs to be more neutral and discuss both sides.
“Fans will be able to tell I’m the UMKC announcer.”
Bob said he doesn’t expect his son to walk in his footsteps, especially in terms of style.
“Oh, no, he’s got his own style,” Bob said. “And I had nothing to do with him getting hired either with the Royals’ affiliate or with UMKC. He got those jobs on his own. Actually, he probably got them in spite of me.
“But I’m really tickled about the whole deal. It’s great for him.”
Boomer battle
Apparently, former Chief Boomer Grigsby, who signed with the Dolphins this offseason, has been impressive during offseason workouts and is in the fight for a starting job at fullback.
Grigsby has been sharing first-team snaps with Reagan Mauia.
Overrated Royal?
No real shocker here — Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter was voted the most overrated player in baseball in a Sports Illustrated poll of 495 major leaguers.
Is there a Royal who could even be considered overrated?
To reach Jeffrey Flanagan, call 816-234-4492 and leave a message or send e-mail to jflanagan@kcstar.com
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