As several of the high-profile players from last season’s Frontier League championship team left to pursue other opportunities, the status of Crushers third baseman Andrew Davis was in question.

Despite being the subject of many rumors concerning contract buyouts by major league franchises during last season, Davis was the offensive and defensive leader for Lake Erie. His play during the Frontier League Championship Series earned him Most Valuable Player honors, and he was an All-Frontier League midseason and postseason selection.

Those rumors came to rest Wednesday, when the Crushers announced that Davis, a Kent State University graduate, would be returning to the fold for 2010 after agreeing to a contract extension.

“Andrew plays third base at a major league caliber,” said manager John Massarelli in a statement released by the team. “He is a big run producer in the middle of our lineup, a throwback player that plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”

Davis led the Crushers in several offensive categories — .327 batting average, 74 runs scored, 120 hits, seven triples and 52 walks — and ranked second behind Gordon Gronkowski in home runs (15) and RBIs (68). He was also among the best hitters in the league, ranking sixth in batting average, third in hits and second in triples.

Defensively, Davis posted a .971 fielding percentage, committing nine errors.

In Game 4 of the Frontier League Championship Series against River City, down two games to one and trailing 1-0 in the fifth inning, Davis crushed a grand slam, which proved to be the game-winning hit. The slam saved the series and sent the Crushers back to River City for Game 5, which they eventually won, 13-10.

Davis is the fourth player from last year’s team that has signed an extension, guaranteeing their return to the Crushers. The others are catcher Nick Maragas, first baseman Eddie Tisdale and outfielder Wayne Bond.

Davis is one of three players on the current Crushers roster who is considered a “veteran.” Shortstop Jodam Rivera and designated hitter Gronkowski are the others. By league rule, teams are only allowed to carry two veterans on their roster.

Contact Dan Gilles at 329-7135 or dangilles73@gmail.com.

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