History of Travis Jankowski in Timeline

Travis Jankowski is an American professional baseball outfielder currently a free agent. Throughout his MLB career, he has played for several teams, including the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays. Jankowski's career highlights include his speed and defensive abilities as an outfielder, making him a valuable asset to the teams he has played for.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1988: Roberto Alomar's Hitting Streak

In 1988, Roberto Alomar set the record for the longest hitting streak by a Padres rookie, a record that stood until Travis Jankowski matched it in 2016.

June 15, 1991: Travis Jankowski Born

On June 15, 1991, Travis Paul Jankowski was born. He is an American professional baseball outfielder.

Others born on this day/year

1998: Carlos Peña's MLB Draft

In 1998, Carlos Peña, who attended Northeastern, was selected 10th overall in the MLB draft, marking the highest MLB draft pick for the America East Conference until Travis Jankowski's selection.

2009: College Commitment

In 2009, Travis Jankowski committed to play college baseball at Stony Brook University on a partial athletic scholarship after graduating high school.

March 20, 2010: Go-Ahead Run Against Iona

On March 20, 2010, Travis Jankowski scored the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of a 3–2 victory over Iona, running home on a wild pitch.

2010: Collegiate Summer Baseball

During the summer of 2010, Travis Jankowski played collegiate summer baseball with the Marion Bobcats of the Kitty League. He was later invited to play for the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2011: Sophomore Season at Stony Brook

In 2011, Travis Jankowski's sophomore year at Stony Brook, he started 53 games in center field without making an error. He set a school record for stolen bases and was named to the All-America East First Team and the ABCA All-Northeast Region second team. He rejoined the Bourne Braves, significantly increasing his run production, and was named the CCBL's Most Valuable Player.

June 27, 2012: Signing with the San Diego Padres

On June 27, 2012, Travis Jankowski signed with the San Diego Padres, receiving a signing bonus of $975,000.

2012: Everth Cabrera's Four Stolen Bases

In 2012, Everth Cabrera stole four bases in a single game, a feat not repeated by a Padre until Travis Jankowski in 2018.

2012: Breakout Season and MLB Draft

In 2012, Travis Jankowski had a breakout season, leading the nation in hits, runs scored, and triples. He led Stony Brook to the College World Series. He was drafted 44th overall by the San Diego Padres in the supplemental first round of the 2012 MLB draft.

2012: College World Series Appearance & MLB Draft

In 2012, Travis Jankowski led Stony Brook University to a College World Series appearance after upsetting LSU. As a junior, he led college baseball in hits, runs scored, and triples. The San Diego Padres selected him in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft.

2013: Assignment to Lake Elsinore Storm and Ankle Injury

In 2013, Travis Jankowski was assigned to the Class A-Advanced Lake Elsinore Storm, where he led professional baseball players in the US with 71 stolen bases. He suffered a sprained ankle in a swimming pool on August 18, ending his season early. He was named a California League Post-season All-Star that September.

2014: Wrist Fracture and Rehab

In 2014, Travis Jankowski was assigned to the Double-A San Antonio Missions. He fractured his wrist and elbow, requiring surgery. Limited to 46 minor league games, he batted .236.

August 22, 2015: Major League Debut

On August 22, 2015, Travis Jankowski made his major league debut for the Padres against the St. Louis Cardinals, recording hits in his first two at-bats. He became the first Padre since Tony Gwynn to record two hits and an RBI in his debut game. The Padres won their 500th game at Petco Park.

2015: MLB Debut

In 2015, Travis Jankowski made his Major League Baseball debut for the San Diego Padres.

2015: "Secretary of Defense" Nickname and Promotion to Triple-A

In 2015, Travis Jankowski returned to Double-A and impressed with his outfield play, earning the nickname "Secretary of Defense". In late July, after hitting .316 with 23 stolen bases, he was promoted to the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas.

2016: Everyday Player and Base Stealing

In 2016, Travis Jankowski made the Padres' opening day roster and became an everyday player after Jon Jay's injury. Jankowski stole home plate twice in August, and his 24-game hitting streak was the longest by a Padres rookie since Roberto Alomar in 1988. He finished the season with 30 stolen bases.

2017: Competition for Center Field and Foot Injury

In 2017, Travis Jankowski competed for the center field position but was moved to left field. On April 14, Travis Jankowski took a foul pitch off his left foot, which was later revealed to be a fracture. He returned to the Padres in September after rehab, but acknowledged the injury continued to affect him.

2017: Inducted into Stony Brook Hall of Fame

In 2017, Travis Jankowski was inducted into the Stony Brook Hall of Fame.

2018: Return to the Padres and Leadoff Hitter

In 2018, Travis Jankowski was recalled to the Padres after Myers' injury and became the leadoff hitter. On May 19, he had a strong game against the Pirates with multiple hits and a game-ending catch. On August 12, Jankowski became the first Padre to steal four bases in a single game since Everth Cabrera in 2012. He ended the season with a .259 average and 24 stolen bases.

October 31, 2019: Traded to Cincinnati Reds

On October 31, 2019, immediately after the conclusion of the MLB season, Travis Jankowski was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for international bonus slot cash.

2019: Fractured Wrist and Limited Play

During spring training in 2019, Travis Jankowski fractured his wrist, leading to a delayed return in August. After a brief stint with the Padres, he was sent back down to El Paso. Jankowski appeared in only 25 games for the Padres in 2019, batting .182.

2019: Trade to the Reds

Following the 2019 season, Travis Jankowski was traded to the Cincinnati Reds after missing significant time to injuries in previous years.

July 24, 2020: Named to Reds' Opening Day Roster

On July 24, 2020, Travis Jankowski was named to the Cincinnati Reds' opening day roster, with plans to be used as a pinch runner in later innings.

February 15, 2021: Signed Minor League Contract with Phillies

On February 15, 2021, Travis Jankowski signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, which included an invitation to spring training.

November 5, 2021: Elected Free Agency

On November 5, 2021, Travis Jankowski was outrighted off of the 40-man roster and elected free agency.

2021: Phillies Fourth Outfielder

In 2021, Travis Jankowski served as the fourth outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.

March 17, 2022: Signed with New York Mets

On March 17, 2022, Travis Jankowski signed a minor-league contract with the New York Mets, including an invitation to spring training.

July 11, 2022: Activated from Injured List

On July 11, 2022, Travis Jankowski was activated from the injured list.

July 29, 2022: Designated for Assignment by Mets

On July 29, 2022, Travis Jankowski was designated for assignment by the New York Mets.

August 1, 2022: Claimed by Seattle Mariners

On August 1, 2022, Travis Jankowski was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners.

August 13, 2022: Re-signed with New York Mets

On August 13, 2022, Travis Jankowski re-signed with the New York Mets to a minor league contract.

2022: Time with Mets and Mariners

In 2022, Travis Jankowski played as the fourth outfielder for the New York Mets. He was released midseason and had a one-game stint with the Seattle Mariners.

January 27, 2023: Signed with Texas Rangers

On January 27, 2023, Travis Jankowski signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers organization.

2023: World Series Championship with Rangers

In 2023, Travis Jankowski signed with the Texas Rangers, leading the team in stolen bases and contributing to the franchise's first-ever World Series championship. He started in place of an injured Adolis García in Game 4, delivering a multi-hit, multi-RBI performance.