Travis Lisena is honored by Supervisor Leenhouts for his outstanding dedication to maintaining Penfield Little League fields year after year

Penfield, New York – As the crack of the bat echoes across Veterans Memorial Park each spring, hundreds of young ballplayers take the field, unaware of the behind-the-scenes dedication that keeps their diamonds gleaming and game-ready. This month, one man is getting his well-earned moment in the spotlight.

Travis Lisena, a longtime member of the Penfield Parks Department, has been officially recognized by Town Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts for his tireless work at the Penfield Little League complex — a cornerstone of community life and childhood memories.

For several years now, Travis has been the quiet force behind the scenes, serving as the maintenance lead for the park’s extensive baseball and softball facilities. His daily responsibilities range from raking infields and laying down fresh paint for the baselines to clearing out trash and making sure everything looks spotless before the first pitch is thrown.

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“Penfield Little League is part of the fabric of our community, and Travis does an awesome job making sure our kids have great fields to enjoy,” said Town Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts. “He spends countless hours in all kinds of weather so our youngsters can make memories on the ball fields, and we’re lucky to have him.”

And it’s not just during baseball season. Lisena’s role as a grounds equipment operator makes him a year-round fixture in the town’s maintenance operations. In the winter, he’s plowing sidewalks and keeping public spaces accessible, while in the warmer months, he helps with general park upkeep across the community. His colleagues say he’s the go-to guy for just about anything.

“His dedication and hard work have been nothing short of a grand slam,” added Parks Foreman Tim Masterton. “Travis consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our little leaguers have a good experience.”

While most of his work takes place behind the scenes, its impact is anything but hidden. Penfield Little League has grown into one of the top youth baseball and softball organizations in the region, and that reputation isn’t built on talent alone — it also depends on having well-maintained fields that are safe and fun to play on. That’s where Travis steps in.

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His coworkers describe him as someone who never seeks the spotlight, but whose efforts are impossible to ignore. From early mornings dragging the infield to late evenings doing final checks before game day, he’s known for his reliability and work ethic — no matter the weather, no matter the challenge.

And when he’s not working on the fields or keeping the parks looking their best, Travis enjoys a more relaxed pace outdoors. He’s an avid outdoorsman, with a passion for hunting and fishing. Around the department, there’s even a running joke — or maybe it’s the truth — that Travis is “the best walleye fisherman this side of the Mississippi.”

Recognition like this from town leadership shines a light not just on the work being done, but on the people doing it. In this case, it’s a well-earned tip of the cap to a man whose behind-the-scenes efforts help bring joy to hundreds of young athletes and their families.

So the next time you hear the cheers of a little league crowd echoing through Veterans Memorial Park, take a moment to think of the man who helps make it all possible. Because without Travis Lisena, there might not be a game to play.