Former MLB Player Devon Travis Leads Wellington Sports Academy's Baseball Program

Travis, a Palm Beach County native, is hands-on in building a unique baseball program despite local pushback.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Former MLB player Devon Travis has taken on the role of president of baseball operations at the new Wellington Sports Academy, where he is actively involved in coaching and developing the program's various baseball teams. Despite some local pushback from high school coaches, Travis is determined to create a top-notch baseball experience for the academy's 116 student-athletes, many of whom have transferred from area high schools to be part of the program.

Why it matters

The Wellington Sports Academy represents an ambitious effort to provide elite-level baseball training and competition for student-athletes in Palm Beach County. Travis' involvement as a hands-on leader brings credibility and high-level expertise, but has also sparked resentment from some local high school coaches who have lost top players to the new program.

The details

As president of baseball operations, Travis arrives at the academy at 6:30 a.m. to open the batting cages and then spends much of the day on the field working with the academy's seven baseball teams, which range from middle school to varsity level. Travis, who starred at Palm Beach Central High and Florida State before a four-year MLB career with the Toronto Blue Jays, has assembled an experienced coaching staff that includes his high school coach, Scott Benedict. The academy has drawn several of the county's top high school players, which has caused resentment from local coaches. However, Travis believes the academy is providing the best environment for player development, even if it means not playing against local high school teams.

  • The Wellington Sports Academy opened in September 2026.
  • Travis was hired as president of baseball operations prior to the academy's opening.

The players

Devon Travis

A former MLB player who is the president of baseball operations at the Wellington Sports Academy. Travis was a 13th-round draft pick who spent four seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays before injuries ended his playing career.

Scott Benedict

Travis' high school coach at Palm Beach Central, who came out of semi-retirement to join the academy's coaching staff.

Jon Bostic

A former NFL player and Palm Beach Central graduate who is the driving force behind the creation of the Wellington Sports Academy.

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What they’re saying

“The staff and the kids feed off his energy. He's got more positive energy than anybody I know on this planet.”

— Scott Benedict, High school coach (Yahoo Sports)

“I'm sure there's great resentment. But if it's truly about the kids and putting them in the best environment to play this game for a long time, what would be the problem with the best players going to play the best baseball?”

— Devon Travis, President of baseball operations (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Wellington Sports Academy plans to add other sports programs in the coming years beyond its current baseball focus.

The takeaway

The Wellington Sports Academy's baseball program, led by former MLB player Devon Travis, represents an ambitious effort to provide elite-level training and competition for student-athletes in Palm Beach County. While the program has drawn resentment from some local high school coaches, Travis is determined to create the best possible environment for player development, even if it means not competing against those same high school teams.