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Travis Wood
Travis Wood
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Travis Alan Wood (born February 6, 1987) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, and San Diego Padres.

Key Information

Amateur career

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Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Wood attended Bryant High School where he starred in baseball and football. At the Babe Ruth World Series, Wood tossed a no-hitter, striking out 17, and at Bryant, Wood received All-State honors in each of his three seasons at the school. During his junior season, Wood also led Bryant to a state championship, and was Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.[1]

Professional career

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Minor leagues

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The Cincinnati Reds selected Wood 60th overall in the 2005 Major League Baseball draft out of Bryant High School. He chose not to attend college and went straight to professional baseball.[citation needed] Wood's first season as a professional was split between the Reds' Rookie Class teams, the Gulf Coast League Reds and the Billings Mustangs. He went a combined 2–0 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 games, including 11 starts. Wood held batters to a .166 batting average, struck out 67, and pitched 47+23 innings, including 17+23 scoreless over his first six appearances.

Wood pitching for the Dayton Dragons in 2006

Wood spent all of 2006 with the Class-A Dayton Dragons. He started 27 games and compiled a 10–5 record and a 3.66 ERA. Wood fanned 133 batters and held opponents to a .215 batting average. He was named Midwest League Pitcher of the Week for May 15–21, going 2–0 in 10.1 innings, striking out 13, and allowing one earned. Wood allowed only two runs in 26 innings pitched, while striking out 14 in his final four starts of the season.

Wood was placed on the disabled list on July 10 and stayed there until September 14. In 12 starts for the Sarasota Reds of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League, he went 3–2 with a 4.86 ERA. In 46.1 innings, Wood allowed 49 hits and 27 walks, striking out 54, and opponents batted .268 off him. Wood began the 2008 season in Sarasota, and went 3–4 with a 2.70 ERA in nine starts. He held batters to a .222 average while with the team. He earned Pitcher of the Week of the Florida State League for the week of 4/28-5/4, going 2–0 with a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings over the stretch, allowing two runs and striking out nine. Wood earned a promotion to the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Class AA Southern League on May 25. He struggled in 17 starts, going 4–9 with a 7.09 ERA. In 80 innings, Wood allowed 91 hits, 67 runs (63 earned), nine home runs, walked 48 and fanned 58.

Wood started the 2009 season with the Carolina Mudcats, the Reds new Southern League affiliate. That time around, he improved drastically over his previous season in Double-A. Wood pitched 119 innings over 19 starts, going 9–3 with a 1.21 ERA. Allowing just 16 earned runs on 78 hits and 37 walks, he also stuck out 103 batters and hitters batted only .189 off the lefty. Earning a call-up to the Louisville Bats of the Class AAA International League, Wood went 4–2 in 48.2 innings for the Bats. He allowed 43 hits over eight starts, walking 16 and striking out 32. The Reds added Wood to their 40-man roster after the 2009 season to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.[2] Wood was one of the last players cut from the Reds' roster in Spring Training, and was one of many competing for the Reds' fifth starter spot. In a crowded race featuring veterans Mike Lincoln and Justin Lehr, young arms Micah Owings and Matt Maloney, and prospects Sam LeCure, Aroldis Chapman, and Mike Leake, Wood came down to the last two but was cut in favor of Leake. He started the season in Louisville.

Cincinnati Reds

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2010

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On June 30, Wood was called up from Triple-A Louisville replacing Daniel Ray Herrera on the Reds active roster [3] Wood made his major league debut on July 1, 2010, versus the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, getting a no decision in an eventual 3–2 Reds victory.

In his third career start, versus the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 10, 2010, Wood flirted with a perfect game, pitching eight flawless innings before surrendering a double to Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz in the bottom of the ninth inning. Regardless, Wood actually could not have finished the perfect game in the ninth inning, because Phillies ace Roy Halladay, who himself had thrown a perfect game earlier in the 2010 season, also was pitching a shutout through nine innings. Wood exited after nine innings of one-hit ball, and the Reds would later lose the game 1–0 in 11 innings, with Ruiz scoring the winning run. Wood hit his first career home run on September 4, 2010, off St. Louis Cardinals' Adam Wainwright. Wood finished the 2010 season 5–4 with a 3.51 ERA in 17 starts.

2011

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Wood went 6–6 with a 4.84 ERA in 22 games (18 starts) during the 2011 season.

Chicago Cubs

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Wood pitching for the Chicago Cubs in 2012

On December 21, 2011, Wood was traded to the Chicago Cubs, along with outfielder Dave Sappelt and a minor league second baseman Ronald Torreyes in exchange for left-handed reliever Sean Marshall.[4] Wood was called up to the major league club in early May 2012 after Chris Volstad was demoted to Iowa because of his 0–6 start. Wood went 6–13 with a 4.27 ERA in his first year as a Cub.

On May 19, 2013, Wood became the first Cub since Mordecai Brown to start a season with 9 straight quality starts. On May 30, 2013, Wood hit his first career grand slam off of Jake Peavy in an 8–3 victory over the Chicago White Sox. On July 6, 2013, Wood was named to his first All-Star selection.

In 2014, Wood hit his 9th career homerun off of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright. Wood struggled in 2014, with a 5.03 ERA in 31 starts. After struggling in the rotation to start the 2015 season, Wood was moved to the bullpen. Wood fared much better as a reliever, posting a 2.95 ERA and 4 saves in relief. Overall, he finished the season with a 3.84 ERA in 54 games (9 starts). Working out of the bullpen in 2016, Wood posted a 4–0 record with a 2.95 ERA in 77 appearances. In Game 2 of the NLDS, Wood hit a home run off of Giants' reliever George Kontos. He became the second relief pitcher to homer in a postseason game, after Rosy Ryan in Game 3 of the 1924 World Series. Wood won a World Series ring with the Cubs. He became a free agent following the 2016 season.

Kansas City Royals

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On February 15, 2017, Wood signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Kansas City Royals. The contract includes a mutual option for the 2019 season.[5] Wood competed in spring training for a rotation spot but was ultimately moved to the bullpen to begin the season. At the beginning of July, Wood was moved to the starting rotation. Wood's overall numbers for the Royals were disappointing, sporting a career worst 6.91 ERA in 31 total appearances for the Royals.

San Diego Padres

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On July 24, 2017, the Royals traded Wood, Matt Strahm, and Esteury Ruiz to the San Diego Padres for Trevor Cahill, Ryan Buchter, and Brandon Maurer.[6] Wood was designated for assignment by the Padres on December 17, 2017,[7] and released on December 20.[8]

Detroit Tigers

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On January 29, 2018, Wood signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers.[9] However, Wood tore his ACL in spring training and the Tigers released him on March 8.[10]

Pitching style

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Wood has an expansive pitch repertoire, throwing six pitches with regularity. He has three fastballs — a four-seamer at 89–92 mph, a two-seamer at 88–91, and a cutter at 87–90. He also throws two breaking balls — a slider (80–83) and a curveball (71–75) – and, finally, a changeup at 78–81. Wood's pitches to left-handed hitters are most often four-seamers, cutters, and sliders, with an occasional curveball. To right-handers, he throws the four-seamer, two-seamer, cutter, and changeup.[11]

Personal life

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Wood and his wife, Brittany, reside in Alexander, Arkansas with their daughter and son.[12]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Travis Wood (born February 6, 1987) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in (MLB) for the , Chicago Cubs, , and Padres over eight seasons from 2010 to 2017. Selected by the in the second round (60th overall) of the 2005 MLB June Amateur Draft from Bryant High School in , Wood progressed through the minors before making his big-league debut on July 1, 2010, against the Chicago Cubs, in which he started and pitched 7 scoreless . In his first two seasons with the Reds, he appeared in 39 games (35 starts), posting an 11-10 record with a 4.19 and 162 strikeouts in 208.2 . Traded to the Chicago Cubs on December 23, 2011, in exchange for Sean Marshall, Wood became a key part of the Cubs' rotation during his five-year tenure there from 2012 to 2016. Wood's most notable achievements came with the Cubs, where he earned his only selection in after a breakout season in which he went 9-12 with a 3.11 ERA, 144 strikeouts, and a career-high 200 over 32 starts. He also contributed to the Cubs' championship, appearing in nine games (all in relief) during the postseason with a 1-0 record and 2.84 ERA in 6.1 innings, including a crucial relief outing in Game 7. Signed by the as a prior to the season, Wood was traded to the Padres on July 24, compiling a 4-7 record with a 6.80 ERA in 39 appearances (14 starts) across the two teams. Over his entire MLB career, Wood recorded 47 wins, 59 losses, a 4.26 ERA, and 801 strikeouts in 298 games (147 starts) spanning 994 .

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Travis Alan Wood was born on February 6, 1987, in . Wood's parents, Jay and Dena Wood, had settled in prior to his birth, with Jay having played and later coaching his sons in the sport. He has an older brother, B.J., with whom he shared a close bond growing up, often engaging in outdoor activities and mischief together. The family relocated to an acreage outside , when Wood was in third grade, placing them near his grandparents and in a more rural setting that encouraged his active lifestyle. From a young age, Wood displayed a strong interest in sports, starting with at around four years old alongside his brother at Ashley Park in Bryant. Described by his mother as energetic and adventurous, he initially gravitated toward the physical demands of football and but also participated in track and excelled in , where he pitched and played . His father's coaching influence played a key role in nurturing his baseball skills during these formative years. By junior high, Wood had become a four-sport standout, laying the groundwork for his athletic pursuits as he transitioned into high school.

High school career

Travis Wood attended Bryant High School in , where he emerged as a standout in . As a left-handed pitcher and right-handed hitter, Wood excelled as a , earning All-State honors in each of his three varsity seasons from 2003 to 2005. During his junior year in 2004, he led the Hornets to the state championship game, where they fell to , finishing with an 11-0 record on the mound, a 0.91 , and 138 strikeouts over 69.1 . In his senior season of 2005, Wood continued his dominance, posting an 8-1 record with a 0.40 and 149 strikeouts in 70.1 innings, while also showcasing his hitting prowess with a .400 , 31 hits, 11 doubles, five triples, four home runs, and 30 RBIs in 100 at-bats. Over his high school career, he compiled a 24-5 pitching record, a 1.20 , 362 strikeouts in 193 innings, and a .362 with 85 hits, eight home runs, and 69 RBIs in 235 at-bats, demonstrating exceptional command and athleticism that allowed him to contribute significantly both pitching and at the plate. His velocity reached the mid-90s mph, drawing attention from professional scouts early on. Wood's performance generated strong recruitment interest from top college programs, with scouts noting his potential as an All-American caliber pitcher capable of playing at any university in the country. However, he chose to forgo college and sign with the after being selected in the second round (60th overall) of the 2005 MLB Draft.

Amateur achievements

During his amateur career, Travis Wood achieved a notable milestone at the 2002 League World Series in , where the 15-year-old pitcher from , threw a against the host team in the opener of pool play. Wood struck out 17 batters in the victory, contributing to his team's advancement after winning the State Championship and Southwest Regional Championship earlier that year. Wood earned the Arkansas Gatorade award for in both 2004 and 2005, recognizing his dominance as a left-handed and position player at Bryant High School. He also received the Saline County Male honor in those same years and was selected to the All- team, highlighting his status as one of the state's top prep talents. Additionally, Wood garnered All-State recognition in for each of his three varsity seasons. These accomplishments culminated in Wood's selection by the in the second round (60th overall) of the , capping his amateur career and launching his professional path.

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

The selected Travis Wood in the second round, 60th overall, of the out of Bryant High School in . He signed with the organization on June 13, 2005, for a minor league contract with a $600,000 . Wood began his professional career that summer at the level, splitting time between the Reds' rookie affiliate and the Pioneer League's , where he made 11 starts over 48.2 with a 1.29 and 67 strikeouts. In 2006, he advanced to full-season Class A with the Midwest League's , logging 27 starts across 140 with a 3.66 , 10 wins, and 133 strikeouts while demonstrating improved command. Promoted to High Class A Sarasota in 2007, Wood appeared in 12 starts for the club, posting a 4.86 over 46.1 amid adjustment challenges. His 2008 season marked a setback, as he split time between Sarasota () and Double-A Chattanooga in the Southern League, compiling a 5.47 in 26 starts and 126.2 with 99 strikeouts but control issues evident in 69 walks; he struggled particularly at Double-A, allowing a 7.09 in 11 starts. Wood rebounded strongly in 2009, earning a promotion to Double-A Carolina in the Southern League, where he dominated with a league-leading 1.21 over 149 in 19 starts, 11 wins, and 121 strikeouts, capturing the league's title and Pitcher of the Year honors. Later that year, he debuted at Triple-A with the International League's , making eight starts with a 2.97 in 18.2 and 14 strikeouts. In 2010, Wood spent the full season at Triple-A Louisville, recording a 3.06 in 16 starts over 100 with 99 strikeouts and just 24 walks, solidifying his readiness for the major leagues.

Cincinnati Reds

Travis Wood made his major league debut with the on July 1, 2010, starting against the Chicago Cubs at . In that game, he pitched 7 innings, allowing 2 hits and 2 earned runs while walking 3 and striking out 4, earning a no-decision in the Reds' 3-2 victory in 10 innings. Called up from Triple-A Louisville earlier that day, Wood's debut marked the beginning of his transition from the minors to a rotation role. During the 2010 season, Wood appeared in 17 games, all starts, for the Reds, compiling a 5-4 record with a 3.51 over 102⅔ . He allowed 85 and 18 home runs while 74 batters, contributing to the Reds' National League Central division title and their playoff appearance. One of his most memorable outings came on July 10, 2010, against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he maintained a perfect game through eight before allowing a double to Carlos Ruiz in the ninth; the Reds lost 1-0 in 11 despite Wood's strong performance of 8⅓ , 1 , and 8 strikeouts. In 2011, Wood secured a spot in the Reds' starting rotation, making 18 starts in 22 appearances and posting a 6-6 record with a 4.84 in 106 . He recorded 82 strikeouts against 43 walks, showing growth in command but facing challenges with consistency as the Reds' rotation depth increased. On December 23, 2011, the Reds traded Wood, along with outfielder Dave Sappelt and infielder , to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for reliever Sean Marshall.

Chicago Cubs

Travis Wood was acquired by the Chicago Cubs in a trade with the on December 23, 2011, in exchange for reliever Sean Marshall, along with outfielder Dave Sappelt and infielder . The Cubs envisioned Wood as a , and he filled that role in his debut 2012 season, appearing in 29 games (26 starts) with a 6-13 record and 4.27 ERA over 156 . His transition to the Cubs marked the beginning of a five-year tenure that showcased his adaptability and contributions to the team's rebuilding efforts. Wood's performance peaked in 2013, when he earned his first and only selection as a National League pitcher. That year, he posted a 9–12 record with a 3.11 across 32 starts and 200 , leading the Cubs with 24 quality starts and striking out 144 batters while allowing just 10 home runs. This breakout season highlighted his command and endurance, as he became the first Cubs left-hander to qualify for the title with a sub-3.00 mark since 1963. Over his Cubs career from 2012 to 2016, Wood demonstrated remarkable versatility, logging 98 starts and 122 relief appearances in 220 total games, compiling a 32–42 record with a 3.84 and 574 strikeouts in 691.1 innings. These strikeouts represented a substantial portion of his career total of 801. Wood played a pivotal role in the Cubs' championship, transitioning primarily to a relief role that season where he appeared in 76 games with a 2.95 . In the postseason, he pitched in nine games without a start, going 1–0 with a 2.84 over 6.1 innings and seven strikeouts, including scoreless outings in the NLCS and that helped stabilize the during critical moments. Notably, in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Giants, Wood entered in relief, hit a solo — the first by a reliever in Cubs postseason history since 1924—and pitched effectively to secure a 5–2 victory. His flexibility as a multi-inning reliever proved invaluable to the Cubs' deep playoff run, contributing to their first title in 108 years.

Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres

Following his departure from the Chicago Cubs as a after the 2016 season, Travis Wood signed a two-year contract with the on February 15, 2017, worth $4 million for 2017 with a $6.5 million salary in 2018 and an $8 million mutual option for 2019 that included a $1.5 million . Wood transitioned primarily to a relief role with the Royals after making three starts early in the season, appearing in 28 games overall with a 1–3 record and a 6.91 over 41⅔ innings, during which he allowed 56 hits, four home runs, and recorded 29 strikeouts. His performance was hampered by inconsistent command and a career-low averaging around 89 mph, contributing to hard contact and a high of 1.81. On July 24, 2017, the Royals traded Wood, along with left-handed pitcher and infield prospect , to the Padres in exchange for right-handers , Brandon Maurer, and Ryan Buchter. With the Padres, Wood reverted to a starting role, making all 11 of his appearances as starts and posting a 3–4 record with a 6.71 in 52⅓ . He struggled significantly with the , surrendering a league-high 15 home runs in those —more than in any full season of his career—while issuing 25 walks and striking out 36 batters, as his diminished velocity and reliance on a mid-80s cutter continued to yield poor results against National League hitters. Wood's combined 2017 performance across both teams yielded a 4–7 record, 6.80 , and 1.40 in 39 appearances (14 starts), marking a sharp decline from his relief success the prior year. The Padres designated him for assignment on December 17, 2017, and released him three days later on December 20, ending his tenure with the organization after just half a season.

Detroit Tigers and retirement

On January 29, 2018, Wood signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers, which included an invitation to major league spring training. During a spring training exhibition game on March 1, 2018, Wood suffered a torn (ACL) and meniscus in his left after just one inning pitched, an injury that sidelined him for the entire season. The Tigers released him unconditionally on March 6, 2018. Wood did not appear in any (MLB) or games after 2017, effectively retiring from . Over his eight-season MLB career from 2010 to 2017, he compiled a 47–59 win–loss record, a 4.26 (), and 801 strikeouts in 994 .

Pitching style

Pitch repertoire

Travis Wood's pitching arsenal primarily consisted of a four-seam fastball, sinker (two-seam fastball), cutter, slider, curveball, and changeup throughout his Major League Baseball career from 2010 to 2017. His four-seam fastball, averaging 89.4 mph, served as the cornerstone of his repertoire with a career usage rate of 40.0%, though it generated a relatively low whiff rate of 23.2% and a run value of -5.4, indicating below-average effectiveness in preventing runs. The sinker, at 88.9 mph, was thrown 14.8% of the time and proved more effective with a 12.2% whiff rate and a strong run value of 23.8, contributing to inducing ground balls. Wood's cutter, averaging 86.3 mph, saw significant usage at 25.5% over his career, with a 15.2% whiff rate and a near-neutral run value of -0.1; it was particularly valued for generating ground balls, especially as its usage increased in later years. , his primary out pitch at 79.2 mph, was deployed 7.2% of the time and excelled in swing-and-miss situations with a 29.9% whiff rate and a run value of -5.6, making it a key weapon against both left- and right-handed batters. Complementing this, the (72.1 mph, 3.7% usage) offered a 14.0% whiff rate but a positive run value of 6.1, while the changeup (79.1 mph, 8.8% usage) achieved a 13.6% whiff rate and -5.7 run value, often utilized more frequently against right-handed hitters to disrupt timing. Over the course of his career, Wood's repertoire evolved notably, with increased cutter usage in later years reflecting an adaptation toward pitches that promoted ground-ball contact. Early reliance on the sinker diminished as he incorporated more four-seam fastballs and breaking balls for better overall balance, based on PITCHf/x data from 2010 to 2017. By 2017, Statcast metrics showed his four-seam fastball at 88.8 mph with 46.6% usage and a -8 run value, while the slider maintained a 20.5% whiff rate, underscoring the sustained effectiveness of his off-speed pitches despite a slight velocity decline.

Mechanics and approach

Travis Wood, a left-handed , utilized a three-quarters arm slot in his delivery, which allowed him to maintain balance and deception while keeping the ball hidden from hitters until late in the motion. This arm action contributed to a relatively quick delivery from the stretch, helping to limit baserunner advances and picked-off attempts throughout his . His featured a smooth transition over the top midway through the delivery, with minimal tells between his primary and , enabling consistent command despite occasional inconsistencies in slot maintenance. Wood approached pitching as an aggressive strike-thrower, prioritizing early-count strikes to generate contact rather than overpowering hitters with , as evidenced by his 3.5 BB/9 rate that reflected solid but not elite control. He worked to induce more ground balls to mitigate vulnerability by refining his cutter usage and tunneling with his , achieving a ground ball rate of 34.5%. This contact-oriented mindset extended to his rare offensive contributions as a National League , where he demonstrated notable hitting ability, including two s in 2017. Later in his career, Wood adapted to a role during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, transitioning from starter to multi-inning reliever for the Chicago Cubs and later teams, which emphasized short, high-leverage outings over extended starts. This shift allowed him to leverage his quick delivery and strike-throwing in burst scenarios, posting a 2.95 in 77 relief appearances in 2016. However, occasional control issues persisted, with his walk rate climbing to 4.3 BB/9 in 2017 amid the role change, contributing to an elevated 6.80 that year.

Personal life

Family and residence

Travis Wood has been married to Brittany Wood since 2011. The couple has two children: a son named and a daughter named Everly. Following his retirement from in 2018, Wood and his family settled in , a small community near his Arkansas roots. Wood's family offered vital support during key moments of his career, including the , when his parents traveled to to watch him pitch in Game 1 and his wife and children participated in a hometown victory parade alongside him.

Philanthropy and interests

Following his retirement from in 2018, Travis Wood has remained active in supporting youth programs in his native , particularly in the Bryant area where he grew up playing the sport. In 2011, he served as a featured guest at the Saline County MLB Showcase, an event held to benefit local youth initiatives through the Bryant Athletic Association and Benton Optimist Club. More recently, Wood and his wife acted as presenting sponsors for the 2021 Swingin' for a Reason Charity Golf Tournament organized by the Bryant Youth Association, which raised funds to support children's programs including sports and STEM activities at the Bryant Boys & Girls Clubs. Wood's philanthropic efforts extended to the 8th Annual Travis Wood 4-Ball Invitational in 2023 at Hurricane Country Club in Bryant, where he again served as a presenting sponsor alongside his wife; the event set a record by raising $35,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Saline County and Saline County Safe Haven, contributing to over $165,000 donated to local charities across eight years. He has also participated in community celebrations honoring his career, such as the 2016 homecoming event in Bryant hosted by the city and public schools, which included a and at Bryant High School before a playoff football game, drawing local officials and residents to recognize his contributions to the area. In interviews, Wood has expressed enthusiasm for outdoor pursuits as key interests, particularly and , which he planned to enjoy more fully after as a way to spend time with family and friends in . These activities align with his roots in the region, where he credits early experiences in and for shaping his life.

References

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