Travis Jankowski's journey to baseball excellence began right in Lancaster County, where he established himself as one of the most gifted multi-sport athletes Lancaster Catholic High School has ever produced.
An All-State selection in both baseball and football, Jankowski starred as a center fielder and wide receiver for the Crusaders, helping lead the school to L-L League section titles and district championships in both sports.
From there, Jankowski carried his talents to Stony Brook University, where he became one of the program's all-time greats, setting seven single-season records including a .414 batting average, earning America East Player of the Year honors, garnering ABCA National Player of the Year recognition, and leading the Seawolves on a stunning run to the College World Series in 2012.
The San Diego Padres selected him 44th overall that same year, making him a first-round draft pick. Jankowski's 11-year Major League Baseball career spanned eight organizations and 706 games, during which he accumulated 104 stolen bases and earned a reputation as one of the game's most reliable outfielders — he also became a beloved teammate wherever he played.
His crowning professional moment came with the Texas Rangers in the 2023 World Series, where he stepped into the starting lineup for the injured Adolis García in Game 4 and delivered a clutch 2-for-4 performance with a two-run double in an 11-7 victory, helping propel Texas to its first-ever championship. Jankowski is one of only four Lancaster County products to win a World Series (joining the company of Bruce Sutter, Tommy Herr and Don Wert).
Now, as the Rangers' first-base coach under manager Skip Schumaker, Jankowski has transitioned seamlessly into leadership, while simultaneously giving back to the Lancaster community by opening the Jankowski Performance Complex in East Lampeter Township — sharing the values instilled in him during his formative years as a Crusader.