Travis Banwart


Travis Jordan Banwart is an American professional baseball starting pitcher for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He previously played in the KBO League for the SK Wyverns and KT Wiz. He also played in the Chinese Professional Baseball League for the Fubon Guardians.

Career

Amateur

Prior to playing professionally, he attended Goddard High School and then Wichita State University. In 2006, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League, and was named a league all-star. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 4th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft and was signed by scout Jeremy Schied.

Oakland Athletics

He made his professional debut with the Kane County Cougars in 2007, going 2-1 with a save and a 2.60 ERA, walking 10 in 45 innings pitched. He split 2008 between Kane County and the Stockton Ports. In 2009, he was 10-5 with a 4.89 ERA for the Midland RockHounds and allowed 7 runs in a single game with the Sacramento River Cats, his first go-around at Triple-A.
In 2010, Banwart played for Midland and Sacramento and struck out 130 batters between them. He then had a 4-1 record and a 3.86 ERA for the Phoenix Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League. 2011 was his first full year at Triple-A when he was 9-9 with a 4.63 ERA for Sacramento. He had a 9-5 record and a 3.85 ERA for the 2012 River Cats. In 2013, he was 10-5 with a 4.60 ERA in 29 games for Sacramento.

Cleveland Indians

The Athletics let him go following the 2013 campaign and he signed with the Cleveland Indians for 2014.

KBO League

Banwart signed with SK Wyverns of the KBO League in July 2014. He pitched for the Wyverns for two seasons, and moved to the KT Wiz in 2016.

Second Stint with Indians

On December 16, 2016, Banwart signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. He elected free agency on November 6, 2017.

Wichita Wingnuts

On March 21, 2018, Banwart signed with the Wichita Wingnuts of the independent American Association.

Cleburne Railroaders

He was traded to the Cleburne Railroaders on October 5, 2018.

Pericos de Puebla

On January 23, 2019, Banwart's contract was purchased by the Pericos de Puebla of the Mexican League. He was released on May 26, 2019.

Long Island Ducks

On June 7, 2019, Banwart signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

Fubon Guardians

On July 16, 2019, Banwart's contract was purchased by the Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. He became a free agent following the season.

Second stint with Long Island Ducks

On March 11, 2020, Banwart signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.