Dodgers' Head Strength Coach Travis Smith Shares Insights on Career Path

Travis Smith is fulfilling a dream that many aspiring athletes and coaches share. As the head strength and conditioning coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he has the opportunity to work closely with high-profile players such as Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto every day. But what does it take to land such a coveted position? In a recent conversation with Dodgers Nation’s Noel Sanchez, Smith outlined his career journey from a college football player to a key figure in Major League Baseball.

Smith’s entry into the world of baseball began with an internship at the Miami Marlins. “I was an intern with the Marlins and at all levels, they had intern positions,” he recalled. His experience quickly escalated as he was welcomed into big league camp, thanks to the support of then-head strength coach Stephen Downey. This opportunity allowed him to gain invaluable experience right from the outset.

After his internship, Smith transitioned smoothly from the Marlins’ Triple-A team to the Dodgers’ Double-A affiliate. As he immersed himself in the Dodgers’ minor league system, he had the chance to connect with both rising stars and seasoned veterans during spring training. His dedication led to his promotion to assistant strength coach, and subsequently to minor league coordinator, where he managed training both at home games and during road trips.

Recognizing Smith's expertise, Dodgers players expressed a strong desire for him to join them on the road as well. “From there, players started to voice their opinion like ‘Hey, we need Travis on the road,’” he noted, emphasizing the importance of having dedicated support for top talent within the organization.

For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Smith offered a crucial piece of advice. “Be a ‘send me, I go’ person,” he advised. He emphasized the significance of focusing on the present and excelling in your current role rather than fixating on future promotions. “With hard work and being good at what you do, you’re going to be seen,” he concluded, inspiring the next generation of trainers and coaches.