Story
Ex-Palm Beach Central star Devon Travis signs pro contract with Detroit Tigers, will forgo senior year at FSU
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
by
Matt Porter
Nearly a decade ago, Devon Travis had 'future star' written all over him while playing for the national champion East Boynton Beach Little League All-Stars.
After starring for Palm Beach Central and Florida State, he'll try to shine for the Detroit Tigers.
Travis signed a rookie deal Tuesday with Detroit, which took him in the 13th round of last month's MLB amateur draft. Travis fully expected to return to FSU for his senior season.
"As soon as I got drafted, I said there was no way I was going to sign," said Travis, 21. "Things ended up heating up a little bit. I don't think I can pass up this opportunity."
Travis, who would not disclose his bonus amount, was the Tigers' highest unsigned draft pick. According to Baseball America, Detroit has $222,000 left in its signing bonus pool and could spend $326,965 without losing draft picks under baseball's new collective bargaining agreement. It may elect to use part of that money on unsigned 18th- and 20th-round picks.
Florida State coach Mike Martin compares Travis to former Seminoles second baseman Luis Alicea, who played 13 seasons in the majors; but Travis, listed at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, thinks of himself as a younger Dustin Pedroia. He did a fair impression of both last season.
From the No. 2 spot in the lineup, he hit .325 with eight home runs and 44 RBI while playing shimmering defense. At the College World Series, he batted a nation-best .563 (9-for-16) and made the all-tournament team.
Before moving to Wellington for high school, he was a star on the East Boynton Little League team that captured the hearts of Palm Beach County with its run to the championship game of the 2003 Little League World Series.
With his baby face and megawatt smile, Travis pitched, caught and played second base. He led all batters with a .647 average in six games. East Boynton won the U.S. championship but lost to international champion Japan in the World Series final.
After overcoming a back injury that caused him to miss his sophomore year at Palm Beach Central, Travis batted .467 with 26 RBI and 23 steals as a senior. He was The Palm Beach Post's Large Schools Player of the Year.
After spending the July 4 holiday with his family, he'll report to Norwich, Conn. to play with the short-season Class A Connecticut Tigers. In September, he'll head to Lakeland for instructional camp.
"They told me that I'm someone they believe that can play in the big leagues," Travis said of the Tigers. "I wouldn't think about giving up another year at Florida State if I didn't believe them."
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User Comments:
Thata Boy commented on July 4, 2012 at 4:58 a.m.: report abuse
Couldnt happen to a better kid or family. Congrats to the Travis family
American man commented on July 4, 2012 at 11:53 a.m.: report abuse
This story doesn't go far enough. Devon comes from a great family whose dad was a role model for all the kids he coached. It only stands to reason that Devon is where he is. I helped his dad coach for many years and have already forwarded this on to my son in college who played a lot of ball with Devon and admired his dad as well. Devon will not fail in life even if he does not succeed on the baseball field. He has a great family and an even bigger support group. Best of luck, Coach Dana!
FSU fan commented on July 5, 2012 at 12:17 p.m.: report abuse
This is a great young man who comes from an amazing family. So happy that he has been given such a life changing opportunity. We will sure miss him at FSU!
Excellent commented on July 6, 2012 at 8:04 a.m.: report abuse
All the parents out there, this is a true testiment of what being raised in a great environment and with supportive and loving parents can do. His mom is great but as a father of two boys that are athletes, I know the time and effort he puts in with Devon and Jordan. When I get tired of running them around to this game and that game, I think about him and what could come of it. Devon will be a succes on and off the field and that's because of the example set by his parents. Way to go man! Hope to see you in the BIGS soon.
american man commented on July 6, 2012 at 9:04 p.m.: report abuse
update - Devon singled in his first at bat as a pro. Was 1 for 4 Thursday night and has tripled and scored a run tonight, (Friday). Looks like he is off and running. Go Devon.
Coach Dana
hghbfgrf commented on December 5, 2012 at 7:06 p.m.: report abuse
jordan is a great friend
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