BOURNE, Ma. -- Travis Jankowski has been as hot as the summer temperatures on Cape Cod.
Jankowski, a graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, is leading the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League in batting at .333 through games of July 27.
"He may be the most exciting player in the league right now," said Harvey Shapiro, the manager of the Bourne Braves; the team Travis is playing for.
How much of a compliment is that?
Consider the CCBL has produced more than 230 current major league players, including all-stars like Chase Utley, Tim Lincecum and Evan Longoria.
Jankowski was a member of the Braves late last summer, but this year he's benefited from a slight change in his batting stance; he's more square to the pitcher now, thanks to a slight adjustment by one of the Bourne coaches. "I came up here and you have to make adjustments -- small adjustments -- and that helps out," Jankowski told Ian Martin, videographer for the Braves.
It also helps having the right attitude.
CBS 21 News viewers may remember Travis as a go-to wide receiver on the Lancaster Catholic Crusaders football team.
On the Cape, though, he's the underdog from Stony Brook University, which is located on Long Island, beating the big boys at their own game. "Sometimes we have players in this league who are too entitled; too spoiled; and he's not like that," said Shapiro of the rising junior. "And that's why it's an even better story."
Jankowski is also leading the CCBL in hits (52) and triples (7). He is tied for third in RBI (21) -- an impressive feat considering he's the team's lead-off hitter -- and he's swiped 13 bases, as well. Those numbers earned him a spot in Friday night's 2011 Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game at Fenway Park in Boston.
No wonder Shapiro compares Jankowski's skills to Rickey Henderson. Jankowski's talent may also be similar to Grady Sizemore of the Cleveland Indians.
And no one has been surprised by Jankowski's performance this summer more than him.
"Just small adjustments; some good adjustments have really helped (me) through (the summer) and made more comfortable and relaxed at the plate," he said. "I'm definitely surprised by how well I'm doing."
Video used in this story was provided by Ian Martin/Bourne Braves.
