Manheim Township townlively.com
JUNE 25, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XLI • NO 4
The Mets Are the Latest Stop in Travis Jankowski’s MLB Odyssey BY JEFF FALK
T
here’s a difference between lucky and fortunate, and being fortunate takes on many different forms. Travis Jankowski is fortunate, but he has created his own good fortune. Through perseverance, persistence and positivity, Jankowski has carved out his own personal niche in Major League Baseball. And do you know what else Jankowski is? Grateful. “I think (perseverance, persistence and positivity) are the cornerstones,” said Jankowski. “In baseball, we’re failing 70 to 75% of the time. If you don’t have resiliency, you’re not going to last in this game. These are challenges, not obstacles. Those things have all contributed to it. That’s the make-up of 99% of majorleaguers. Talent only takes you so far. You have to do something to separate yourself.” A 2009 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, Jankowski is an outfielder in New York Mets organization. Jankowski was signed by the Mets on June 10, about a week after being released by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Jankowski is in his 11th season as a bigleaguer, and the New York Mets are the eighth franchise for which he has played. After being acquired from the Chicago White Sox on April 26, Jankowski appeared in 14 games for the Rays. In his 31 at-bats with Tampa Bay, Jankowski batted .258 with six runs, two RBIs, two stolen bases and two doubles. “This has probably been the most whirlwind season I’ve had,” said Jankowski, who spoke with the Manheim Township Merchandiser before his release from Tampa Bay. “It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s been so much fun. It’s a blessing. If I’m in the big leagues, no matter where I’m at, I’m pretty happy.” After starring at SUNY- Stony Brook, Jankowski was drafted 44th overall by the San Diego Padres in 2012. The former Crusader also enjoyed stints with Cincinnati, Philadelphia, the Mets and Seattle before winning the World Series with Texas in 2023. “For me, my career has fulfilled every expectation I’ve had,” said Jankowski. “I won a World Series in 2023; that’s an opportunity kids look
Foundation Provides Families With a Chance To Feel Normal BY GEORGE DEIBEL
Lynn Walker was worried. In 2013, after her son Caleb had undergone his third brain surgery, a friend sent the family away for an extended weekend trip to Ocean City, N.J. Caleb had been gone for more than two hours on a beach bike expedition, and Lynn was getting anxious. “Caleb comes bursting through the door and
says, ‘I know what I’m going to do! I’m going to start a foundation!’” Lynn recalled. Caleb explained that while biking by the ocean he had felt normal for the first time in four years. “He said, ‘When you get away from everything else, you get to feel normal. This is what I want to give people,’” said Lynn. For the last 11 years, the organization Caleb formed, A Week Away Foundation, has See A Week Away pg 3
Play Flag Football the Aaron’s Acres Way BY JEFF FALK
Cheerleaders inspire players during a Chuckie Magee Flag Football and Cheerleading League game last year.
There are touchdowns and first downs. T here are offenses and defenses. There are teammates and opponents. It’s the same flag football game. The Chuckie Magee Flag Football and Cheerleading League just plays it a bit differently. “Our (participants) are more in it for the fun than the competition,” said Madison Heider, a program director at Aaron’s Acres and the league’s unofficial commissioner. “They just like to See Flag Football pg 5
Sweet Cherries
Flowe rs ALL o n are RIPE! Picking Hours: 400 Long Lane At Marticville Road Mon.-Sat. 8am-6pm (Rts. 741 & 324S) Closed Sun. Sale! * Pick Your Own Mon.-Fri. 8am-6:30pm * Ready Picked
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JUN. 25, 2025
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
MTM
See Travis Jankowski pg 2 LCHS graduate Travis Jankowski played in 14 games for Tampa Bay this season.
Sat. 8am-3:30pm Closed Sun.
3 Miles S. of Lancaster Follow us on
717-872-9311 www.cherryhillorchards.com
R119171