Ben Davis
When Ben Davis says the words “Eighth Wonder of the World,” he’s not talking about a monument or a miracle—he’s talking about a ballpark. That’s what gets me. The way these places aren’t just where games happen. They’re memories, milestones, miracles in their own right. I asked Ben about getting drafted, wearing Tony Gwynn’s All-Star cleats, and warming up in a sideways Seattle rainstorm. But the magic was in how he lit up when he talked about the parks—the people, the energy, the moments that stick. This conversation? It’s one for the books. Literally.
All right, here’s my guy—Ben Davis, the Malvern... second overall pick. What—’90 what?
1995. It was unbelievable. I came from a small school, wasn’t the biggest kid. Grew three inches and gained 80 pounds after graduation. To be the second pick in the country? It was a dream come true. I still can’t believe it.
And growing up in the Northeast—it’s not easy to get noticed. Not like Florida or California.
Totally. My junior year, we played only 15 games. Senior year, 25. That’s it. No travel ball back then. I got noticed because scouts came to see my brother. I was the skinny kid behind the plate with a good arm.
Okay, so tell me about Safeco Field—now T-Mobile Park. You played the first-ever game there.
Yeah. No one knew where to go. It was all new. I got to the clubhouse, dropped my bag, and walked out to the dugout. I called it the Eighth Wonder of the World. It was gorgeous.
And it rained that day, right?
Sideways. I was warming up Andy Ashby in the bullpen and thought someone was throwing water on me. Turns out, it was the wind blowing rain through the open sides of the park. Everyone had ponchos on. It was wild.
And you threw out the first runner ever caught stealing in that park.
I did? I don’t remember that! But that’s pretty cool. I took pride in my defense. If that’s in the books, that’s neat.
And you wore Tony Gwynn’s All-Star cleats that day?
I forgot my spikes. Tony wore size 11 too. He tossed me a pair—black patent leather, "19" on the tongue, “5.5 hole” stitched on the side. I said, “I could wear these to a wedding.” But I wore them.
Amazing. So later, you end up playing for the Mariners—calling that same park home.
I got traded there after my best season. I was crushed. But Seattle was beautiful. I played three seasons there and loved it.
How about broadcasting at Citizens Bank Park? What’s that park feel like to you?
Home. Every seat’s great. My favorite is the Hall of Fame level—great view, shade, skyline. Food is top-notch. The organization cares. It’s a great place to be.
Earlier, you called Safeco the Eighth Wonder. What made it feel that way?
It was ahead of its time. Retractable roof, open concourses, a layout that felt big but welcoming. It wasn’t just a stadium—it was an experience.
NOTE: The above was edited for clarity and length.
You can read the full transcript here.