{"id":348073,"date":"2025-12-14T10:51:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T10:51:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/348073\/"},"modified":"2025-12-14T10:51:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T10:51:13","slug":"lancaster-catholic-alum-retired-mlb-outfielder-takes-over-east-lampeter-twp-gym-with-community-focus-photos-local-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/348073\/","title":{"rendered":"Lancaster Catholic alum, retired MLB outfielder takes over East Lampeter Twp. gym with community focus [photos] | Local Sports"},"content":{"rendered":"

Travis Jankowski noticed the feet were shifting to align with the pitch. The foundation of a traditional baseball swing, in the eyes of the 11-year major league baseball veteran, is a stationary position.<\/p>\n

Jankowski was giving his first baseball lesson. It was with a 10-year-old who only knew softball. The former World Series champion and Lancaster Catholic grad had never come across the unorthodox approach.<\/p>\n

\u201cI kept saying, \u2018Buddy, we can’t move our feet. You have to stay in the same spot every time,\u2019 \u201d Jankowski said. \u201cAnd he said, \u2018Oh, in softball, they throw it so slow that I can move my feet forward and backward.\u2019 And I was like, \u2018Oh my gosh, I had never thought of that.’ So that was a new one for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The last seven months have been a constant turnover of offbeat, unconventional and unfamiliar for Jankowski. He wouldn\u2019t have it any other way, as he and his wife, Lindsey, have jumped into the deep end on a long-planned project.<\/p>\n

Jankowski has always imagined what the post-playing career would look like. And the image he\u2019s forever envisioned sits at 2495 Lincoln Highway East in East Lampeter Township.<\/p>\n

In March, the Jankowskis took ownership of the Formula Fitness location and rebranded the facility into the Jankowski Performance Complex. They\u2019ve given the space a complete facelift, added amenities and created a community atmosphere that bends the run-of-the-mill gym culture.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe encouraging text messages I would get from people in the community, the encouraging Facebook and Instagram messages, I read them all,\u201d Jankowski said, reflecting on his MLB service. \u201cAnd it was like, \u2018OK, these guys are on my side.\u2019 I knew when I was done, I wanted to give back a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

READ:\u00a0MLB veteran, Lancaster Stormer fuel friendship, find discipline through offseason trainings<\/a><\/p>\n


\n
\n Close <\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

A World Series trophy replica is on display as former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski speaks to the reporter at his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

A showcase featuring souvenirs from his days as an MLB player is seen as Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

The Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township, includes a batting cage on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Fomer MLB player Travis Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

A World Series trophy replica is on display as former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski speaks to the reporter at his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

A showcase featuring souvenirs from his days as an MLB player is seen as Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

The Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township, includes a batting cage on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Fomer MLB player Travis Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Travis<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Former MLB player Travis Jankowski gives a tour of his new fitness center, the Jankowski Performance Complex, in the former Formula Fitness in East Lampeter Township on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jankowski will begin serving as an MLB coach with the Texas Rangers in 2026.<\/p>\n

\u2018We want to encompass everything for everyone\u2019<\/p>\n

Jankowski said most MLB players have a 10-year window. If they\u2019re lucky, they hit that mark. If they go beyond 10 years, it\u2019s a blessing.<\/p>\n

Planning for the next chapter \u2014 or what he calls, \u201cthe second phase\u201d \u2014 entered the foreground the last two seasons. Jankowski bounced between five organizations and could feel his longevity slipping away.<\/p>\n

The Jankowski Performance Complex engineered a new purpose.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I could go back in time as a younger athlete, this is what I\u2019d want to give myself,\u201d said Jankowski, an outfielder who played in the majors at least a portion of the previous 11 seasons, including 21 games in 2025. \u201cAnd as of right now, I think we’re checking a lot of the boxes that I want. It\u2019s been exciting. It’s been a process. It’s been stressful at times. But when you see the end reward, and you see people start to come in and hear the feedback we get from the members, it’s worth every penny we’ve spent on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s estimated the Jankowskis poured $350,000 into the vision and have 1,500 members.<\/p>\n

They rolled in new machines. Put in a batting cage, a spin studio, a red-light therapy room, a posing room. They updated the sauna, tanning room and repainted the entire gym floor. The complex\u2019s logo is scattered throughout the space, and a replica World Series trophy \u2014 a reminder of where champions train \u2014 glistens by the entrance.<\/p>\n

Seven people work the welcome desk, and a massage therapist and a personal trainer are on site. Jankowski spends most of his time in the batting cage, providing fielding, swing and speed lessons. Pilates classes are expected soon.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have powerlifters, bodybuilders, retirees out there, people who are just getting into their fitness journey,\u201d Jankowski said. \u201cWe want to encompass everything for everyone in all aspects of life but also target young athletes, specifically, and let them know that this is a cool spot you can come in and get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

VIDEO:\u00a0Travis Jankowski makes history as final batter in Oakland Coliseum<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s all about giving back\u2019<\/p>\n

Members took a break from their workout and lined up outside the gym entrance. The delivery truck had arrived with new machinery. Several helped unload the equipment.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s when Jankowski said he knew something special was brewing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think gyms in the area are more focused on growth and profit margins,\u201d Jankowski said. \u201cObviously, we need to keep the lights on. But at the end of the day, it’s one of those things that when we got into this, we made a commitment to ourselves that we need to be community-oriented first.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Jankowskis have upheld that pledge, and members are buying into the commitment.<\/p>\n

Jankowski Performance Complex partnered with local churches last month and hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for 150 people. In honor of those who died on 9\/11, Jankowski and approximately 80 members tackled the 2,200-step challenge \u2014 replicating the ascent of the World Trade Center towers \u2014 and raised funds for area fire departments.<\/p>\n

Plenty more is coming down the pike. The Jankowskis have discussed an alliance with Hope Inspire Love, a Lancaster-based nonprofit that fights human trafficking. The gym also will arrange the Murph challenge \u2014 consisting of a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and another one-mile run \u2014 on Memorial Day and donate proceeds to veteran organizations.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all about giving back right now,\u201d Jankowski said. \u201cWe\u2019re trying to do stuff to really help out in anyway we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Athlete bible studies are another goal in the works. Any member recommendations also will be fielded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re a Christian family,\u201d Jankowski said. \u201cWe\u2019re a faith-based family \u2026 and God always finds a way. So that’s something that I really think is important to iterate, especially in Lancaster County, where we do have a lot of Christian faith. It\u2019s about being able to emphasize that and let younger kids know it’s a safe area to come to wherever you\u2019re at in your journey.\u201d<\/p>\n

READ:\u00a0Lancaster Catholic grad Travis Jankowski takes the World Series stage with the Texas Rangers<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2018A bit of a balancing act\u2019<\/p>\n

Jankowski had just pulled into the driveway, following a workout at the complex, when Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker texted him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think about coaching?\u201d Jankowski said, reciting Schumaker\u2019s message. \u201cI want you as my first-base coach.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jankowski had less than 24 hours to give Schumaker his decision. The Lancaster native slept on it, talked with Lindsey and prayed on the thought before accepting the role the morning of Nov. 12<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Jankowski hadn\u2019t pondered the coaching route much. If he was going to be away from his family, he wanted it to be worthwhile. And he realized Schumaker\u2019s offer \u2014 or any other MLB coaching opportunity \u2014 likely wouldn\u2019t be on the table next year.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got every last drop of what I could get out of my talent and ability, and left it all out on the field,\u201d said Jankowski, who won the World Series with the 2023 Rangers. \u201cAnd I have zero regrets. Hanging the cleats up was a pretty easy decision, knowing that I’ll still be able to be in a clubhouse. I’ll still be able to impact the guys. I’ll still be able to be in a major-league environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Jankowski said he expects the coaching endeavor and the gym mission to be a juggle, it\u2019s an act he\u2019s learned over the last decade. Between playing, family and spiritual focuses, slowing down has never been part of the schedule.<\/p>\n

Jankowski said he plans to execute virtual lessons while he\u2019s on the road with the Rangers. He has equipment that\u2019ll allow him to review film and provide feedback to his athletes. Off days, typically Mondays and Thursdays on the MLB slate, will give him a window to fly home and swing into the complex if needed.<\/p>\n

Jankowski said he anticipates hiring coaches while he\u2019s absent. He\u2019s already pegged a speed-training coach and has floated some local names for the baseball portion.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be a bit of a balancing act, but I don’t see it being anything that I haven’t done before or had to do before,\u201d Jankowski said. \u201cSo it’ll be pretty good. And I got a good support system with my wife. She’s in here all the time, and she’s helping out. If I’m the silent partner, she’s the one who’s running the show.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dipping his toes into the baseball training world has dispensed Jankowski a springboard for his stint with the Rangers. He said he\u2019s arguably gathered more teachings from the youth than if he started in the pro-ball ranks.<\/p>\n

\u201cPositivity and confidence, those two are my biggest things,\u201d Jankowski said. \u201cI tell (my athletes) all the time, I’m gonna be the most positive coach you’re ever gonna have. I’m gonna instill confidence in you, because baseball is so failure oriented. I need to teach you how to fail but build confidence while you’re failing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that can apply to all levels.\u201d<\/p>\n

And there\u2019s correlation with the seven-month chaos the Jankowskis have endured in their gym-opening venture.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s been constant turnover of offbeat, unconventional and unfamiliar. At times, even unorthodox.<\/p>\n

But the vision has come to fruition. It’s aligned with the pitch, one step at a time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe support of the community has been incredible to me throughout my career,\u201d he said. \u201cThey probably don’t even realize that I was reading the messages, reading the texts, and after bad days, they were uplifting. And after good days, it was an added confidence I needed to go into the next day. So just to be able to give back a little bit, it really fills the heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

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