Merriman Park sixth-grader Travis West had a memorable night as The Advocate’s contest winner to be the Lake Highlands batboy during Wednesday’s game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Travis worked flawlessly for eight innings, one more than normal since the game was tied, 2-2, after regulation. He got to experience the intensity in the dugout as the Wildcats tried to pull out a close win before falling, 3-2, to undefeated Rockwall-Heath.
West received some pregame instructions from LH coach Jay Higgins (pictured with Travis) before getting a chance to throw with the team in the outfiled. When the game began, he donned a batting helmet and a Wildcats T-shirt from starting pitcher Ryan Browder.
"It was a lot of fun," Travis said. The thing he will most remember: "Proabably getting the bats, and seeing Browder pitch a really close game."
Travis’ family was there to capture his big-league ballpark 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."
