Former Major League Baseball outfielder Rajai Davis will be the featured speaker at the 2026 Youngstown State Baseball First Pitch Breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Mr. Anthony's Banquet Center in Youngstown, Ohio.
"The YSU baseball program is thrilled to welcome Rajai Davis to the Mahoning Valley for our annual First Pitch Breakfast as we kick off the season with someone who truly understands what it takes to complete at the highest level," said YSU head coach Trevor Charpie. "Rajai's career embodies the work ethic and resilience we want our players to model every day. This event is also a reminder of how important our community's support continues to be – everything we do is strengthened by the people who stand behind our program, and we're so grateful to celebrate the start of a new baseball season together."
The event will also provide fans with the opportunity to meet the 2026 Penguins baseball squad, enjoy a breakfast buffet and bid in live and silent auctions on an impressive lineup of Major League Baseball memorabilia, unique experiences and YSU baseball gear. A breakfast ticket will also provide entrance into a door prize drawing, which will be for two different door prizes. The first prize will be an autographed helmet signed by the 2026 YSU baseball team. The second prize will be four 2026 season tickets for Youngstown State baseball home games.
General admission tickets are $55 apiece. Premium Reserved tables are also available for $650 and include eight breakfast/raffle tickets and premium seating at the First Pitch Breakfast. Fans also have the opportunity to join special guest Rajai Davis and the YSU baseball staff for an exclusive dinner on Friday, Jan. 30, at 5:30 p.m. at Michael Alberini's in Boardman for an additional $200 per guest. Please note there are limited tickets available for Friday's dinner.
For the breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 31, doors and buffet will open at 8 a.m. with the program commencing at 9 a.m.
Davis played for eight different teams during his 14-year MLB career, and he led the American League with 43 stolen bases in 2016 as a member of the Cleveland Guardians. Davis, who was known for his speed, finished his career with 415 stolen bases while recording 30 or more steals in seven different seasons. He is also remembered for his dramatic game-tying home run for Cleveland in the 2016 World Series.
Davis was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 38th round of the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft as a second baseman. He played six full minor league seasons before making his major league debut for the Pirates on August 14, 2006. He finished his MLB career with a .262 batting average, 62 home runs, 387 RBIs and 415 stolen bases. Since retiring in February 2021, Davis has served in the Baseball Operations department of Major League Baseball.
As part of the event-filled weekend, the program is also holding the 2026 YSU Baseball First Pitch Auction. Fans and supporters can bid on exclusive auction items through Feb. 2. Visit BidPal.net/FirstPitch26 to view auction items as they are added to the online site over the coming weeks.
Tickets for Friday night's exclusive dinner and Saturday's First Pitch Breakfast can be purchased online or by returning the Ticket Order Form provided above. Fans can also contact Youngstown State Associate Head Coach Will Maddox at wpmaddox@ysu.edu
Mr. Anthony's Banquet Center is located at 7440 South Avenue in Youngstown.
