Shreve’s swagger, scrappy play uplifts team

Whether it's diving for an out-of-reach grounder, running hard to first-base every time he makes contact, or fearlessly sacrificing his body to make a play, a ‘scrappy' player makes the most out of his time on the field.

Travis Shreve is the definition scrappy.

A junior transfer out of Skagit Valley Community College, Shreve is in his first year with the Knights. Last season, he was selected to the NWAACC Northern Division First Team and the All-Academic Team as a sophomore.

At 5 feet, 9 inches and 165 pounds, the second baseman is one of the smaller players on the baseball team. Before the season, he was nicknamed ‘rat' for his style of play.  

"The nickname works. It's a little ugly, but I just try to get the job done," Shreve said. "I have always played with swagger. A lot of coaches and players didn't like me growing up but I wouldn't be here if I didn't play the way I do."

Shreve is the Knights starting second-baseman and leadoff hitter in his first season with the Knights.

UCF head coach Terry Rooney has confidence in Shreve.  Shreve's quickness adds more to speed to an already fast Knights lineup.

"Shreve is a spark for us and does a great job," Rooney said. "He is ‘that guy,' and what makes him a great player is the way he plays the game. I think he's going to have a great season for this team."

In his first Division 1 game, Shreve had a memorable night. In four at-bats against Siena on Feb. 18, Shreve had two doubles, two RBIs and scored two runs. In his first at-bat, he was hit by a pitch and then went on to steal two consecutive bases.

Shreve had a lot of emotion in his first game as a Knight.

"I was a little nervous at first," Shreve said. "Then the jitters calmed down and we ended up getting a win, so it was a good night. It's all the same; take pitches, get on and cause havoc on the bases."

The baseball team has only played one series of games but Shreve is already catching the attention of his teammates, coaches and fans. His swagger makes him one of the most exciting players to watch on the field.

"I love Travis. He is a guy you hate to play against but love to have on your team," said starting pitcher Danny Winkler.

Winkler thinks Shreve brings a fire to the lineup, and invigorates his teammates.

"He is the scrappiest kid I've ever played with," Winkler said. "He plays with so much energy, and brings so much to this team."