Q & A With Detroit Tigers Prospect Devon Travis

Kevin Pataky

Devon Travis has played on the big stage at every level during his career, from the Little League World Series to the College World Series.  Now he has the opportunity to make it to the MLB World Series.  After being a three year starter for Florida State at second base, Devon was drafted by the Detroit Tigers and played for their short-season affiliate the Connecticut Tigers.  

We recently caught up with him during the off-season and asked him about being drafted and what he is working on to become a better baseball player.  

FSUPros - Can you describe how it felt to get drafted by the Detroit Tigers and the choice to forgo your senior year at FSU?  Making it to the CWS and returning some really good players had to make it hard.

Devon Travis - The day I was drafted was one of the best days of my life. As a baseball player growing up, it was always my goal to one day play professional baseball so just having the opportunity in front of me was incredible. However, leaving FSU was the toughest 'goodbye' I have ever given. I grew so close with 11, Meat, Chip Baker & just the entire program that everyone literally became family to me. I would play at FSU for the rest of my life if I could, however my family and I decided it was best for me to take the offer from the Tigers and begin my professional career.

FSUPros - You played for their short season affiliate the Connecticut Tigers and ended up getting hurt, can you describe the injury and how it affected you?

Devon Travis - You know, I've been hurt SEVERAL times in my career and played hurt quite often, but this one was very weird. It was actually my first time back to Williamsport, PA since 2003 and I was very excited to play. The injury just happen so quick and out of the blue. I was stretching with the team when I felt a pain in my lower abdomen running into my groin and I knew something was up. I went to the Doctor and sure enough I was told I had a "sports hernia." I had surgery in Philadelphia and haven't had any further problems. Very grateful for that.

FSUPros - As the Tigers made it to the World Series how did it feel to get a call to help scrimmage with the team before the series? 

Devon Travis - Oh man, what a blessing that was. Definitely an experience of a lifetime. Being able to play inside Comerica Park on the same field as guys like Verlander, Prince & Miguel Cabrera was so surreal. That weekend is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

FSUPros - Did you receive any coaching from current players on what you might be able to work on this off-season?

Devon Travis - Nothing specifically, just to make sure I use this downtime to get my body in the best shape it's ever been in and to come back to Spring Training ready to go. The biggest adjustment I felt I needed to make was to slow the game down and let it come to me.

FSUPros - What part of your game do you feel you need to work on the most?

Devon Tavis - I would definitely have to say my speed. I actually used to be able to run a little bit, believe it or not haha. But ever since my knee surgery my sophomore summer, I haven't been able to fully get it back. It is something I've been concentrating a lot on this offseason.

FSUPros - Do you feel being a strong second baseman alone can get you to the MLB or do you think you have to be an all around player?

Devon Travis - Well, 2nd base surely is the toughest position to move through the Minor League system at, however it can definitely be done. Most 2nd basemen are solid defenders. It's the hitting part of their game that set the good ones apart.  A guy like Dustin Pedroia is someone who provides me with the motivation that true 2nd basemen can make it to the MLB.

FSUPros - Baseball is a family sport, families give so much to their young kids through travel ball, little league a so fourth.  Can you talk a little about how your family has influenced you to develop as a player?

Devon Travis - I would never be where I'm at today without my family. From my dad's countless hours with me at the cages, to my mom running around the outfield picking up the balls I'd hit, to my little brothers and sisters baking in the sun for 6 hours at a time...I couldn't ever do enough to show them how thankful I am. Whenever I needed something baseball-wise, even when we didn't have the money, my family always found a way to get me what was needed. I cannot tell you a tournament, yet alone a single game that at least one of my parents weren't at. This carried on to my college career as well. They maybe missed 3 home series in the 3 years I was in college. Just being able to see them in the stands and after the games makes everything so much easier. I thank my family as often as I can for everything because I know none of it was ever easy.

FSUPros - What was your favorite moment at Florida State as a baseball player?

Devon Travis - I would have to say my favorite moment occurred my junior year when we beat Stanford to advance to the College World Series. We weren't expected to do much by most of the experts and fans. We opened the season ranked 22, and we took insult to that. We knew there weren't 21 teams better than us in the country but we had to prove that...and we did. Ill never forget my last season at FSU. It was the best group of guys I've ever played with. I have friends on that team that I will talk to for the rest of my life. I will forever bleed Garnet & Gold.