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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.
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.
“I kept saying, ‘Buddy, we can’t move our feet. You have to stay in the same spot every time,’ ” Jankowski said. “And he said, ‘Oh, in softball, they throw it so slow that I can move my feet forward and backward.’ And I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I had never thought of that.’ So that was a new one for me.”
The last seven months have been a constant turnover of offbeat, unconventional and unfamiliar for Jankowski. He wouldn’t have it any other way, as he and his wife, Lindsey, have jumped into the deep end on a long-planned project.
Jankowski has always imagined what the post-playing career would look like. And the image he’s forever envisioned sits at 2495 Lincoln Highway East in East Lampeter Township.
In March, the Jankowskis took ownership of the Formula Fitness location and rebranded the facility into the Jankowski Performance Complex. They’ve given the space a complete facelift, added amenities and created a community atmosphere that bends the run-of-the-mill gym culture.
“The encouraging text messages I would get from people in the community, the encouraging Facebook and Instagram messages, I read them all,” Jankowski said, reflecting on his MLB service. “And it was like, ‘OK, these guys are on my side.’ I knew when I was done, I wanted to give back a little bit.”
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘We want to encompass everything for everyone’
Jankowski said most MLB players have a 10-year window. If they’re lucky, they hit that mark. If they go beyond 10 years, it’s a blessing.
Planning for the next chapter — or what he calls, “the second phase” — entered the foreground the last two seasons. Jankowski bounced between five organizations and could feel his longevity slipping away.
The Jankowski Performance Complex engineered a new purpose.
“If I could go back in time as a younger athlete, this is what I’d want to give myself,” said Jankowski, an outfielder who played in the majors at least a portion of the previous 11 seasons, including 21 games in 2025. “And as of right now, I think we’re checking a lot of the boxes that I want. It’s 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.”
It’s estimated the Jankowskis poured $350,000 into the vision and have 1,500 members.
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’s logo is scattered throughout the space, and a replica World Series trophy — a reminder of where champions train — glistens by the entrance.
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.
“We have powerlifters, bodybuilders, retirees out there, people who are just getting into their fitness journey,” Jankowski said. “We 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.”
VIDEO: Travis Jankowski makes history as final batter in Oakland Coliseum
‘It’s all about giving back’
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.
That’s when Jankowski said he knew something special was brewing.
“I think gyms in the area are more focused on growth and profit margins,” Jankowski said. “Obviously, 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.”
The Jankowskis have upheld that pledge, and members are buying into the commitment.
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 — replicating the ascent of the World Trade Center towers — and raised funds for area fire departments.
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 — consisting of a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and another one-mile run — on Memorial Day and donate proceeds to veteran organizations.
“It’s all about giving back right now,” Jankowski said. “We’re trying to do stuff to really help out in anyway we can.”
Athlete bible studies are another goal in the works. Any member recommendations also will be fielded.
“We’re a Christian family,” Jankowski said. “We’re a faith-based family … 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’s about being able to emphasize that and let younger kids know it’s a safe area to come to wherever you’re at in your journey.”
READ: Lancaster Catholic grad Travis Jankowski takes the World Series stage with the Texas Rangers
‘A bit of a balancing act’
Jankowski had just pulled into the driveway, following a workout at the complex, when Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker texted him.
“What do you think about coaching?” Jankowski said, reciting Schumaker’s message. “I want you as my first-base coach.”
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.
Jankowski hadn’t 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’s offer — or any other MLB coaching opportunity — likely wouldn’t be on the table next year.
“I got every last drop of what I could get out of my talent and ability, and left it all out on the field,” said Jankowski, who won the World Series with the 2023 Rangers. “And 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.”
While Jankowski said he expects the coaching endeavor and the gym mission to be a juggle, it’s an act he’s learned over the last decade. Between playing, family and spiritual focuses, slowing down has never been part of the schedule.
Jankowski said he plans to execute virtual lessons while he’s on the road with the Rangers. He has equipment that’ll 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.
Jankowski said he anticipates hiring coaches while he’s absent. He’s already pegged a speed-training coach and has floated some local names for the baseball portion.
“There 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,” Jankowski said. “So 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.”
Dipping his toes into the baseball training world has dispensed Jankowski a springboard for his stint with the Rangers. He said he’s arguably gathered more teachings from the youth than if he started in the pro-ball ranks.
“Positivity and confidence, those two are my biggest things,” Jankowski said. “I 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.
“And that can apply to all levels.”
And there’s correlation with the seven-month chaos the Jankowskis have endured in their gym-opening venture.
There’s been constant turnover of offbeat, unconventional and unfamiliar. At times, even unorthodox.
But the vision has come to fruition. It’s aligned with the pitch, one step at a time.
“The support of the community has been incredible to me throughout my career,” he said. “They 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.”
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