There'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 major-leaguers. 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 big-leaguer, 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 for in T-ball. There are some people who would probably say, 'He's been a fourth or fifth outfielder for his entire career.' For me, it's just noise. If you would've told me when I was drafted that I would still be playing in the big leagues in 2025 and would have a World Series ring, I would've said, 'That's great.'"

"Looking back on my career, I don't think you can say that it's been anything but successful," continued Jankowski. "There are obvious reasons for it. I've had great coaching, great teammates, and I've been on great teams. I think another reason is being present in the moment. One of reasons that's not as obvious might be my faith. As much as I love this game, it's not who I am; it's what I do. You need an anchor. I attribute my success to being grounded in my faith. I have an incredible support system."

Jankowski was born in Ephrata and grew up in West Hempfield Township. The work ethic that Jankowski developed at Lancaster Catholic, where he played baseball, football and basketball, has served him well during his career.

"For me, those were incredible days," said Jankowski. "Getting up early, going to the weight room every single day, going to classes and then practicing was a routine, but it wasn't fun. You've got to be uncomfortable at times to achieve your dreams. I think that work ethic and determination becomes a lifestyle. It's a choice you make every day."

Now 34, Jankowski still has a lot to give to the game, not the least of which is himself.

"From a physical standpoint, my body still feels great," said Jankowski. "I'm still getting through the long days. The two things that will end my career are when teams stop paying me to play or when I hear from my kids, 'Daddy, we need you home more.'"

"I'm not naive enough to think I'm this great major league player," continued Jankowski. "I've been around a lot of great players, and I've adapted my style of play. There's a very short window in this game to make money for your family. If I can do something to lead or to help another player, I'm going to do it. I'm a selfless player who will do anything to help the team win."