A TO Z: T is for...

Travis Blankenhorn, one of the "four-A" players I saw this summer at Syracuse.  A versatile player who, over eight minor league seasons, hasn't impressed enough to stick in the majors, he got into 91 games this season for the Mets top farm club.  Splitting his time between 2nd base and the outfield, the lefty batter popped 15 home runs; but he spent just a day in the majors during 2022 -- DH-ing in the opening game of the Mets July 22nd doubleheader against the Padres.

(Left:) He connects on a walk-off hit to win the first half of Syracuse's June 8th twinbill with Scranton-Wilkes Barre.

Moments later, he's mobbed by teammates. Pure joy, channeling the "little boy" attitude of Hall of Famer Roy Campanella.

Even if Blankenhorn isn't targeted for stardom, or even a season-long roster spot, it's worth a tip of the cap to someone on the other side of age 25 who keeps plugging away, holding onto his baseball dream.





 

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