Merriman Park sixth-grader Travis West had a night to remember as the Lake Highlands batboy Wednesday night at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. West won the Advocate’s contest to lug bats at the big league park during the LH vs. Rockwall-Heath game. He even got to work an extra inning as the Wildcats nearly knocked off unbeaten Heath in a 3-2, eight-inning loss.
Travis arrived early and in uniform, ready to go to work. After some brief instructions from LH coach Jay Higgins (pictured), Travis got to play catch in the outfield before the game. Then it was time to work.
Travis donned an LH batting helmet and a Wildcats T-shirt given to him by pitcher Ryan Browder. He sprinted from the dugout after each at-bat and delivered a flawless performance. He experienced the intensity in the dugout first-hand as the Cats tried to close out the win.
"It was a lot of fun," said Travis. He said the thing he will most remember is "probably getting the bats, and seeing Browder pitch a really close game."
Travis’ family was there to witness his big-league park debut.
"We all had so much fun and Travis has a memory he will never forget," his mother, Kim, told The Advocate. "Thank you for what was the highlight of our Spring Break."
