TYLER, Texas — Many people grow up dreaming about playing for their favorite professional sports team. But Bullard native Travis Kotzur followed his passion, which led him to a job with his favorite baseball team, the Texas Rangers.
"When I was with the Roughriders, I had just LinkedIn messaged one of the directors on the ticket sales side with the Rangers. (I) connected with him, and we had a few phone calls just to get to know each other. He said ‘Look if something opens up full-time, I’ll let you know so you can apply and interview for it. I don’t have anything right now," Kotzur said.
The Texas A&M student's initiative eventually paid off for him.
"Eventually, he did reach out (and said) ‘Hey I’ve finally got an open position you should interview for it.' And then I got the job in late 2018," Kotzur said
Since he began working with the Rangers, he's seen a lot in his short tenure with the team. The opening of Globe Life Field, the fan-less 2020 COVID season, 100-loss seasons, and now finally the resurgence of the team. It’s brought energy back to the ballpark, like the kind Kotzur used to experience going to Rangers games as a kid.
"I remember feeling that pride, and this is my team forever. I had no idea that this was a career opportunity. I don’t think a lot of people in East Texas knew that this could be a potential career opportunity," Kotzur said.
Before Kotzur knew he could work in baseball, he wanted to be a part of A&M’s business school. Kotzur said he couldn’t get into the school, so he decided to switch his focus to sports management. He doesn't regret changing majors.
"It’s unbelievable. I don’t have any plans of going anywhere. I’ve had some other opportunities come up where I can leave and go do this or go do that, but I have no interest in leaving and just want to continue to try to get promoted here on the ticket sales side," Kotzur said.
Game one of the World Series is this Friday, and it's still unclear whether the Rangers will take on the Phillies or the Diamondbacks.
But one thing is for sure, Globe Life Field will be packed. Kotzur said he’s unfortunately spent the last two days denying people’s requests for World Series tickets because they’re sold out.
"I just don’t have anything to offer at this point, which is no fun. But it’s a good problem to have," Kotzur said.