The (Run) Producer: Providence's Sam Travis is Top Spring Athlete

Sam Travis, Providence Catholic, senior, baseball 

Major Accomplishments/Awards

• Accepted an athletic scholarship to play baseball next season for Indiana University.
• Set school record with 75 RBIs this past season. That's the second-most RBIs in a single IHSA season (behind Mattoon's Gil Metzger's 80 RBIs in 2004).
• Clubbed 17 home runs this past spring, including solo blasts in the first inning in the Class 4A state semifinal and state title game.
• Began the season 9-for-9 with three home runs and 10 RBIs.

Sam Travis: In His Own Words

"This is just a special team to me. I'd take a bullet for these guys any day of the week. We've got confidence in each other, love each other and will do anything for each other. It's just been an awesome experience. I have fun every year I play ball, but this year is so special to me. We have all the talent in the world, and the way we combine as one has been amazing every day."

Mark Smith: Coach's Tribute

"If I had to put his season in one word, I'd say 'phenomenal.' It's unbelievable what he has done and what he's meant to the team and the program since he came to Providence. You can't say enough about him. He comes out and works hard every day and keeps to himself. A lot of kids would walk around with a big chest because they're that successful, but he doesn't. He goes about his business and is a team kid through and through. We've been lucky to have him."

"It's unheard of (75 RBIs). He seems to come up with big hits at right times. Even when teams try to pitch around him, he seems to know how to hit good pitches and has just been a clutch guy all year long."

Personal

Travis lives in Orland Park. He hasn't decided on a college major yet, but is considering criminal justice. He's a big fan of Adam Sandler.