Travis is a member of the class of 1993. During his high school career, he earned 9 varsity letters: three in each football, basketball and baseball. As a football player, Travis earned All-League honors his junior and senior seasons at the time of his graduation held four individual and career records as a quarterback. In baseball he earned All-League honors three times, was Mid-State League player of the year his senior year and played in the Mizuno All Ohio series and played on the 1993 MSL championship team.

Travis attended Mt. Vernon Nazarene College and participated in the baseball program all four years. He earned 1st team All- Conference honors four times, All American honors three times, and was named NCCAA National Player of the Year in 1997 which resulted in his picture being published in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd. At graduation, Travis held Mt. Vernon career records for his hits, triples, home runs, runs scored, runs batted in and most walks. He also had several records still stand nearly 15 years later.

Travis was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and played briefly in the organization. He also has playing experience in the Frontier League.