Travis Dannecker '22 Recruiting Profile

Baseball has always been something I've loved since my family and I moved here from Germany in 2010.  I played my first baseball season in 2011, and have played ever since. I will be a great addition to your team because I am different than most prospects in many ways. One of my advantages is my six foot three inch frame.  As only being 17, I will continue to grow and gain weight through working out and meal plans.  Being a lefty is another strong advantage over many other prospects.  As my position being primarily LHP and a strong first-baseman, I also play all outfield positions when needed. I am a wide target across the diamond and make up outfield ground quite fast. I am known to have a nasty 2-seam fastball that tails away from a right-handed hitter. My curveball drops 18" while rotating between 2,400-2,500rpm. 

I recently got to experience what it feels like to play baseball in the Dominican Republic. I spent a week down there last summer at the Dominican Baseball Camp with coaches from the Kansas City Royals and Sam LeBeau. It was one of the most humbling experiences I've ever had. To go down there and see the kids train everyday on those fields is something I think every ball player needs to witness sometime in their life. I was invited to go back to Boca Chica in November  to work with Nate Trosky. I spent a week at a camp with some very talented ballers and then I had the privilege of a week of individual training at the Trosky/Bull Academy. I  definitely left the Dominican Republic as a better person and a more humble and alert player as well. I notice that we in the US have no right to complain about a baseball field, and that we should be thankful for all the privileges we have here that most people in other countries don't have.

I am different from most prospects because I am very coachable. Coaches  notice this after they tell me to change anything about my batting or pitching technique. I am able to comprehend the information and apply it on the next attempts. It motivates me to receive constructive criticism and tips from coaches.

When it comes to my family, I am the youngest of five. I have amazing parents that motivate me to work hard everyday in academics, baseball, and in life. My whole family grew up Christian and I am a strong believer today. I believe that everything that happens in life, happens for a reason, on good and on bad days. I continue to serve at my church as a worship leader and second grade small group leader, and will continue serving throughout the rest of high school. If I ever feel down or depleted, I always tell myself a line that I read in a devotion a while back, stating that God has already done more for you, than the devil will ever do to you. I know  that with my strong faith and personality, I would bring positive energy to the team, on and off the field.

I am excited to be a member of the 2021/22 Inspiration Academy baseball family. After graduation this year, I will be going to Europe to play for the 18U German National Team in the European Championship in Italy in July, 2021. Afterward, I will be moving to Bradenton, FL to the Inspiration Academy, where I will train hard to become a better player and human being. 

I hope that you will consider me as part of your roster in the 2022-2026 seasons, and that you remember me as being the kid who stood out to be different. Although I will be a freshman, I will already have experience in living away from home and being a member of an elite team.