A young Travis Swaggerty ‘had to win everything.’ He brings that edge to KC Monarchs

Travis Swaggerty’s baseball knowledge and competitiveness have always given him an edge.

A 19-year-old Swaggerty had a chip on his shoulder, earning his way from South Alabama to representing the United States Collegiate National Team. His drive pushed him into a first-round draft selection that turned him into a major leaguer with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

It’s Swaggerty’s desire to win, regardless of age or level, that has always been his favorite part about baseball.

“Going out there, grinding, showing the guys, the people, the other team what I can bring to the table,” Swaggerty said. “I was a hard kid to be around. I had to win everything.”

That continues with the partnership between Swaggerty and the Kansas City Monarchs. The Monarchs are the defending Miles Wolff Cup Champions, capturing their third American Association Title since 2018.

Hitting coach Bill Sobbe has been part of Kansas City’s organization for all three. He sees Swaggerty’s determination to bring another championship to KCK.

“He’s a very elite competitor,” Sobbe said. “That’s how guys that make it to the elite level are.”

The recent development in the 26-year-old’s game is his knowledge of how to take things day-by-day, something those who make it to MLB are best at. Swaggerty’s IQ at the plate stands out — and it starts with his approach.

“It’s more thinking about where I’m hitting the ball versus how my body feels,” Swaggerty said. “I was hitting a lot of fly-ball outs. I took a step back and said, ‘Well, there’s nothing really wrong, but let me get my thoughts outside my body.’ It worked, so I’m going to keep it going.”

The key to his plate approach has always been to stay down the middle.

“I don’t get too pull-happy,” Swaggerty said. “If I’m a little bit late or early, I have the right direction that will get me more barrels and good hits.”

Swaggerty ended the Monarchs’ recent road trip on a tear, recording seven hits in three games against the Chicago Dogs.

The Louisiana native entered this week with the best on-base percentage of any Monarchs player and ranked top 5 in the American Association in walks drawn. Sobbe believes Swaggerty has been everything advertised through the first two months of the season.

“(Swaggerty) leads by example. He’s always working hard, always hustling,” Sobbe said. “He plays the game the right way. He communicates with (the players) and the staff very well.”

The Monarchs hit the road Tuesday for a three-game set in Kane County before returning to Legends Field Friday against the Gary SouthShore RailCats.