Speedster Jankowski making impact with Lake Elsinore
For baseball fans who want to catch a shining star at The Diamond this season, they should fix their eyes on Lake Elsinore Storm center fielder, Travis Jankowski. The San Diego Padres 2012 first round draft choice uses his blazing speed to wreak havoc on the base paths and to track down fly balls that leave you speechless.
Jankowski is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a city he proudly calls home. While attending Lancaster Catholic (PA) High School, Travis played four years of varsity baseball and was a two-time All State selection while leading the Crusaders to District 3 Double-A Championship as a senior. That year he hit .471 with 20 RBI and 25 runs scored. In 26 games, he stole 24 bases and had 33 hits, including 16 extra-base hits. Jankowski also played four years of varsity football.
"High school was good, my freshman year I was able to play with my brother (he was a senior), who played catcher," said Jankowski. "Baseball isn't too big in Pennsylvania. I went to a pretty small catholic school so you had to motivate yourself but I didn't mind. My dad was a volunteer coach so that was great. Overall it was an awesome experience for me."
After high school, Jankowski attended Stony Brook University (NY)earning numerous accolades for the Seawolves as he was named ABCA/Rawlings National Co-Player of the Year in 2012 and was also named first team All-American by Baseball America, NCBWA, Perfect Game and ABCA. He also led the team to their first College World Series appearance in school history in 2012.
"It was almost like a dream," said Jankowski about his time during the College World Series. "Definitely a great experience. Omaha adopted us as their team so they cheered for us really hard. Unfortunately it was a quick visit. We were two and out but it was an experience we will never forget."
Jankowski signed as a supplemental-round (44th overall) selection in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft and became Stony Brook's first ever first-round pick.
"I talked to my agent that day of the draft and he pretty much guaranteed I would be selected in the first round, so I was kind of expecting it," said Jankowski. "We had a game that day and the draft updates were on the jumbo screen in the outfield. I was trying not to look but I couldn't help it. I would look up every half inning and by the end of the game I was kind of disappointed despite winning the regional game. I was just about to get on the bus to the hotel and that's when I got the news. It was like a giant mosh pit in the parking lot with all the players and fans celebrating with me."
In his first season as a professional at Fort Wayne, Jankowski had a .282 batting average in 59 games, scoring 32 runs on 67 hits. He had 10 doubles, four triples, 1 homerun, 23 RBIs and 17 stolen bases.
"I went through a rough patch the first part of the season, adjusting to a wooden bat and stuff like that," said Jankowski. "But I was talking to some guys and they told me to fight through it, trust your abilities, trust your skills and you will be able to compete here. I put the past behind me and my stats speak for themselves."
Coming into this season with Lake Elsinore, Jankowski is focused on the task at hand and continues to improve each day.
"I want to be consistent," said Jankowski. "For the most part I'm focusing on just getting on base, getting steals, scoring runs and generating plays for my team."
Speed is definitely a strong point in Jankowski's game, both on the base paths and roaming the outfield.
"Nothing is better than taking away a hit from the opposing team," said the Lancaster native. "I enjoy the antagonistic point of view, it's a lot of fun. As far as stealing bases, that's just who I am. I have been doing it since I was really young so it comes naturally for me."
Jankowski enjoys a really strong bond with his family.
"My dad is my hero. He would coach my brother when I was little. I would join in with them and then go to my own practice so I always had extra repetitions. He would constantly help me work on my swing and was dedicated in helping me. My brother is someone I look up to as well, always giving me advice. I can call him anytime and he can talk me through stuff."
During the offseason, Jankowski was able to have a unique experience before Spring Training, meeting some of the game's great players.
"The offseason was good; I went down to Tampa to train with my agency. I got to meet some good people: Jeter, Howard, B.J. Upton, and John Mayberry Jr. It was cool to work out with those guys, see them everyday and pick their brains a little bit."
As Jankowski makes a name for himself, Storm fans may end up calling him more than just Travis or number four.
"My nickname is Freddie," said Jankowski. "My brother and sister started calling me that because when I was young all I would watch was Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood. They passed it on to all of my family and teachers and it just caught on and they still call me Freddie to this day."