Travis was an excellent left-handed outfielder who was a consistent threat at the plate. From 1995 to 1997, Dawson played outfield for Belleville Area Junor College, now known as Southwestern Illinois College. He received Honorable Mention All-American Status in 1997 after compiling the third-highest batting average in the nation. He went on to play at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, the next two seasons. During the summer, he played in the Central Illinois Collegiate League for the Bluff City Bombers in Alton. From 1999 to 2000, Dawson played outfield for Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. He joined the River City Rascals in 2000, where he was selected to the Frontier League all-star team. He also played for the Rascals in 2001. Dawson starred in the Mon-Clair League for the Waterloo Buds in 1995 and the Sauget Wizards in 1996. He returned to the league nine years later, playing for the Waterloo Millers under manager Vern Moehrs. He spent five seasons with the Miller and won two consecutive league batting titles during that time. Dawson has been an instructor at numerous baseball camps and also served as an assistant coach at Notre Dame High School.