Travis "Travy Paddy" Hammond will not return to the Reidsville Luckies in 2024
The bad news first
Travis Hammond, a fan favorite known for showstopping plays at the plate and in the field, will unfortunately not be able to return in 2024. Hammond, the last Old North State League Player of the Week in 2023, appeared in 32 games for the Luckies, leading the team.
Hammond hit .353, and was known for his patience at the plate, with twenty-eight walks. The all around guy’s plate patience was magnificent, but Hammond was also a mastermind in the field, becoming the first to receive three Moment of the Game winners. The only one to join him in that club was TJ Highsmith, his Southern Wesleyan teammate, whom he will be batting back-to-back with this spring.
One of Hammond’s best moments was his game winner against the divisional rival Oak City Gliders in my favorite game of the season, and embedded below is an pre-game interview I did with Hammond in June.
Travy Paddy was especially beloved by the younger fans, including my little brother. He always had time for the fans, and the small gestures and fun-loving attitude made an impact on them.
Willie Hammond, the father of Travis, had this to say:
“Travis had an outstanding experience with the Luckies last summer and without a doubt one he will always cherish…As parents we thoroughly enjoyed every visit to Reidsville and the way that entire community support the Luckies. The Hammond family will always have fond memories of our experiences with the entire Luckies organization.”
In conclusion, this one hurts. Number three led our team in games played, hits, walks, and triples, while co-leading in Moment of the Game awards. Best wishes to Hammond in all of his future endeavors, and we will certainly be keeping an eye on him and TJ at Southern Wesleyan.
In the subheading, it says, “The bad news first,” for a reason. I could not post the good news before this devastating news. So very soon, I will be publishing a list of some of our favorite players who are confirmed to be returning in 2024, news that should excite everyone who follows our Reidsville Luckies.