After more than a decade in professional baseball, Travis Blankenhorn, a Pottsville native and former Major League infielder/outfielder, announced his retirement Wednesday.
“After 11 incredible seasons in professional baseball, I’ve decided to hang up the spikes,” Blankenhorn wrote in an Instagram post. “This game has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it’s given me more than I ever could’ve imagined.”
Blankenhorn, 29, thanked his family, friends, coaches, teammates, and fans for their support throughout his journey, reflecting on his experiences across six organizations, including major league stints with the Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, and Washington Nationals.
Travis Allan Blankenhorn was born August 3, 1996, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. A standout at Pottsville Area High School, he excelled in multiple sports — baseball, basketball, and football. On the hardwood, he nearly reached 1,600 career points, while on the diamond his strength and advanced hitting ability made him one of Pennsylvania’s most scouted athletes.
He had originally committed to play college baseball at the University of Kentucky but chose to go pro when the opportunity came.
In the 2015 MLB Draft, Blankenhorn was selected in the third round (80th overall) by the Minnesota Twins. He signed with the organization, launching his professional career straight out of high school.
He debuted that summer in rookie ball before climbing the ranks through Cedar Rapids, Fort Myers, and Pensacola. In 2017, he was named a Midwest League All-Star. The following year, he won the Florida State League Home Run Derby, and in 2019 he was honored as a Southern League All-Star and Second Baseman of the Year after hitting 19 home runs for Double-A Pensacola.
The Twins added him to their 40-man roster after the 2019 season.
Blankenhorn made his Major League debut with Minnesota on September 15, 2020. Over the next several seasons, he saw time with the Twins, Mets, and Nationals, while continuing to produce at the Triple-A level.
In total, he logged more than 3,200 at-bats in the minors with 139 home runs, while appearing in 91 major league at-bats, hitting two home runs at the game’s highest level. Known for his versatility, he played both infield and corner outfield positions.
In March 2025, Blankenhorn signed a minor-league contract with the Los Angeles Angels organization, continuing to chase his big-league dream before deciding to step away this fall.
“Baseball was my dream come true, and I’ll always carry those memories with me,” Blankenhorn said in his retirement post. “Thank you to everyone who helped make the journey so special. Excited to see what the next chapter holds.”