Traveler's Baseball relocates to Sandusky

SANDUSKY — Those overseeing the Traveler's Baseball Academy hope to hit a home run in their newest location. Jan. 7 doubled as a winter camp and a grand opening for the academy's new home, at 2525 W. Monroe St. near Lions Park, in Sandusky. Compared to the former location, in Norwalk, Traveler's boasts nearly four times the space. On that day, about 50 children from the area visited and took part in various drills. They could also check out the batting cages, pitching areas, weight room, lounge and other spaces. "This facility was put together with the kids in mind," academy founder Bert Farris said. "They can come in here for two to four hours after school or on the weekends and put in work." The academy accepts area children between the ages of 9 and 17. The academy's facility, meanwhile, is open to all ages. Through the academy, it fields four teams, divided up by age groups, and plays games during summer and fall. In its 21st year, the academy has worked with thousands of players, including a handful who have appeared in Major League Baseball. This would include All-Star outfielder Jesse Winker and pitcher Cole Irvin, who led the American League in games started, 32, in 2021. Jerseys of those players and other prominent alumni line the facility's orange — or, more precisely, Texas orange — and black walls, colors synonymous with Traveler's Baseball. "Our track record for success speaks for itself," said Farris, a 1988 Sandusky High School graduate and city resident. Beyond baseball, the academy strives to achieve a double-play combination. "Yes, we want to develop our kids into good baseball players, but we also want to develop them into good people," Farris said. "Kids that play in our organization have to do community service and keep up their grades. Once you develop the respect and commitment from the kids, then you are able to teach them about the game." Farris also gave credit to many people who help the academy. He specifically gave kudos to team moms, coaches, alumni and sponsors who volunteer countless hours of their time. "One of the reasons we have been around for so long and have been successful is because of all the people around me who help out," Farris said. "We are only here because of the good people that are around us." Count Angie Ramsdell, of Sandusky, in this dedicated group. She's one of the academy's five team moms. Her son, Perkins High School student Trevor, has been involved with Traveler's Baseball for about seven years. "He loves the place and atmosphere. It's a family, and all the boys are like brothers," Ramsdell said. "Bert is an amazing person, and you can tell he loves what he does, and the kids definitely listen to him." People can learn more about Traveler's Baseball by visiting travelersbaseballacademy.com.