Rio Grande News
Southern High's Ryan Taylor is flanked by family and coaches after signing to play baseball at the University of Rio Grande
Fri, Jun. 22, 2012 - [Baseball]
Rio Grande Sports Information
RACINE, Ohio - Ryan Taylor, who helped Southern High School's baseball program extend its streak of regional tournament appearances to six straight earlier this month, has signed a letter-of-intent to continue his career at the University of Rio Grande.
Taylor, a 6-foot, 160-pound pitcher/shortstop, compiled a 10-1 record with two saves and a 1.07 earned run average for head coach Ryan Lemley's Tornadoes, who finished the 2012 campaign with a 27-1 record following a 7-2 loss to Newark Catholic in the Division IV regional semifinals.
Taylor finished his career at Southern with a 17-3 record and 155 strikeouts.
"Southern had a great season and Ryan had a lot to do with that," said Rio Grande head coach Brad Warnimont. "He's another versatile kid. He's hard-nosed and he loves to play the game. We think he can come in and do some big things for us - and he's a local kid to boot."
Taylor batted .303 for the Tornadoes, with five doubles, a triple, one home run and 17 runs batted in. He was also a perfect 9-for-9 in stolen base attempts.
An honorable mention All-District selection as a junior, Taylor was an All-Tri-Valley Conference pick and the league's Hocking Division Most Valuable Player this season. He was also named a first team All-District honoree.
"This was always my goal. I was set on working hard and making it to the next level," Taylor said. "Ever since I was a little kid playing ball and found out there was baseball at the college level, it's something I've wanted. I'm really excited for the opportunity."
Taylor, who plans to major in a medical-related field, chose the RedStorm after also receiving interest from Shawnee State, West Virginia State and Ohio Dominican.
"I know a lot of people who have gone there," said Taylor, when asked what led him to reach the decision to sign with Rio. "It's close to home and they have a great coach. Coach Warnimont showed a lot of interest in me."
Taylor, who Lemley called "the best defensive shortstop I've ever had play for me", pointed to his defense and his ability to be a spark in the dugout as the strengths of his game.
"You can't be good enough at anything, though" he said. "I want to improve on the hitting part of my game, but I also want to become not only a better player, but a better person. I want to make my college career a successful one that I won't forget."
Taylor is the son of Mark Taylor of Middleport.
RACINE, Ohio - Ryan Taylor, who helped Southern High School's baseball program extend its streak of regional tournament appearances to six straight earlier this month, has signed a letter-of-intent to continue his career at the University of Rio Grande.
Taylor, a 6-foot, 160-pound pitcher/shortstop, compiled a 10-1 record with two saves and a 1.07 earned run average for head coach Ryan Lemley's Tornadoes, who finished the 2012 campaign with a 27-1 record following a 7-2 loss to Newark Catholic in the Division IV regional semifinals.
Taylor finished his career at Southern with a 17-3 record and 155 strikeouts.
"Southern had a great season and Ryan had a lot to do with that," said Rio Grande head coach Brad Warnimont. "He's another versatile kid. He's hard-nosed and he loves to play the game. We think he can come in and do some big things for us - and he's a local kid to boot."
Taylor batted .303 for the Tornadoes, with five doubles, a triple, one home run and 17 runs batted in. He was also a perfect 9-for-9 in stolen base attempts.
An honorable mention All-District selection as a junior, Taylor was an All-Tri-Valley Conference pick and the league's Hocking Division Most Valuable Player this season. He was also named a first team All-District honoree.
"This was always my goal. I was set on working hard and making it to the next level," Taylor said. "Ever since I was a little kid playing ball and found out there was baseball at the college level, it's something I've wanted. I'm really excited for the opportunity."
Taylor, who plans to major in a medical-related field, chose the RedStorm after also receiving interest from Shawnee State, West Virginia State and Ohio Dominican.
"I know a lot of people who have gone there," said Taylor, when asked what led him to reach the decision to sign with Rio. "It's close to home and they have a great coach. Coach Warnimont showed a lot of interest in me."
Taylor, who Lemley called "the best defensive shortstop I've ever had play for me", pointed to his defense and his ability to be a spark in the dugout as the strengths of his game.
"You can't be good enough at anything, though" he said. "I want to improve on the hitting part of my game, but I also want to become not only a better player, but a better person. I want to make my college career a successful one that I won't forget."
Taylor is the son of Mark Taylor of Middleport.
