Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Travis Denker

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 3, 2025

How Travis Denker built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Travis Norton Denker is a former professional baseball infielder and current assistant hitting coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants. His career highlights his involvement in professional baseball as both a player and a coach.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2003: Drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers

In 2003, Travis Denker was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 21st round of the Major League Baseball Draft. In 2003, he signed and began his professional career, splitting time between the South Georgia Waves and GCL Dodgers.

2004: Plays for Ogden Raptors

In 2004, Travis Denker played the entire season with the Ogden Raptors, achieving a .311 batting average, 12 home runs, and 43 RBIs in 57 games.

2005: Splits time between Columbus Catfish and Vero Beach Dodgers

In 2005, Travis Denker split his time between the Columbus Catfish and Vero Beach Dodgers, achieving a combined .281 batting average, 23 home runs, and 77 RBIs in 132 games.

2006: Splits time between Columbus Catfish and Vero Beach Dodgers

In 2006, Travis Denker once again split his time between the Columbus Catfish and Vero Beach Dodgers. During the 2006 season he hit .247 with 16 home runs and 70 RBIs in 129 games.

August 9, 2007: Trade for Mark Sweeney

On August 9, 2007, Travis Denker was part of a trade when the Dodgers traded for Mark Sweeney.

August 25, 2007: Traded to the Giants

On August 25, 2007, the Dodgers traded Travis Denker to the Giants as the PTBNL from a trade for Mark Sweeney on August 9, 2007.

May 12, 2008: Called up to MLB

On May 12, 2008, Travis Denker was called up to the major leagues.

May 25, 2008: First Major League Hit

On May 25, 2008, Travis Denker recorded his first major league hit, a double against the Florida Marlins.

June 3, 2008: First Home Run

On June 3, 2008, Travis Denker hit his first major league home run against Scott Schoeneweis of the New York Mets.

2008: Claimed off waivers by San Diego Padres

After spending the rest of the 2008 season in the minor leagues, Travis Denker was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres. He appeared in only one game for the Double–A San Antonio Missions.

April 14, 2009: Claimed by Boston Red Sox

On April 14, 2009, Travis Denker was claimed off waivers from the Padres by the Boston Red Sox. He then played in 117 games for the Pawtucket Red Sox.

April 24, 2010: Released by Seattle Mariners

On April 24, 2010, Travis Denker was released by the Seattle Mariners after playing only 7 games with the Tacoma Rainiers.

2010: Played for multiple teams

In 2010, Travis Denker played in 74 games for the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino, 16 games for the Chattanooga Lookouts and 13 games for the Albuquerque Isotopes.

2011: Played for Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Chattanooga Lookouts

In 2011, Travis Denker played 55 games for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and 66 games for the Chattanooga Lookouts, combining for a .274 average with 25 home runs and 81 RBIs.

August 4, 2012: Signed with Lancaster Barnstormers

On August 4, 2012, Travis Denker signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers.

2012: Played for Chattanooga Lookouts and released

In 2012, Travis Denker played in 64 games for the Chattanooga Lookouts, hitting .228. He was released on July 27, 2012.

2013: Played with Lancaster Barnstormers

In 2013, Travis Denker continued playing with the Lancaster Barnstormers before signing with the Laredo Lemurs of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.

June 11, 2016: Signed with Arizona Diamondbacks

On June 11, 2016, Travis Denker signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He played in 68 games for the Double-A Mobile BayBears, hitting .303/.416/.555 with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs.

November 22, 2016: Signed minor league contract with Diamondbacks

On November 22, 2016, Travis Denker signed a new minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

November 6, 2017: Elected free agency

On November 6, 2017, Travis Denker elected free agency following the 2017 season where he played with the Double-A Jackson Generals.

December 13, 2024: Named assistant hitting coach for Diamondbacks

On December 13, 2024, Travis Denker was named to the Arizona Diamondbacks' major league coaching staff as their assistant hitting coach, furthering his coaching career.

2024: Hired as hitting coach

In 2024, Travis Denker was hired to serve as the hitting coach of the Reno Aces, the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking a transition into coaching.