News Summary
Will Taylor, a standout from Dutch Fork High School, is making his mark in professional baseball after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. His impressive stats during his tenure with the Marauders and now with the Grasshoppers demonstrate his talents. Taylor’s journey from a dual-sport athlete at Clemson to a promising baseball player highlights his dedication and adaptability. Fans are eager to see how he continues to evolve in the High A league after achieving remarkable feats early in his career.
Greensboro, NC – Will Taylor, a recent graduate of Dutch Fork High School, is making waves in his first full season of professional baseball after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Selected in the fifth round (145th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft, Taylor has quickly risen through the ranks, showcasing his talent in the Pirates’ Single A affiliate in Bradenton, Florida, before earning a promotion to the High A affiliate in Greensboro.
During his time with the Bradenton Marauders, Taylor proved his capabilities on the field, achieving impressive statistics. He hit .380 during a 12-game on-base streak and maintained a .313 batting average over 107 games during his college career at Clemson University. His performance included a standout seven-RBI game on June 8, which played a crucial role in his transition to the Greensboro Grasshoppers.
Playing against the Greenville Drive at Fluor Field, a venue familiar to him from his college days, Taylor has made an immediate impact. In his first ten games with the Grasshoppers, he has recorded a .268 batting average, including three extra-base hits and a solid .362 on-base percentage. Notably, he hit his first home run in the High A league on June 13 and has yet to commit a fielding error since joining Greensboro, demonstrating both offensive and defensive prowess.
Taylor’s journey to professional baseball is marked by notable achievements and challenges. Initially, he was a dual-sport athlete at Clemson, where he played both football and baseball. Starting as a quarterback, he later transitioned to a wide receiver and served as the primary punt returner for the football team during his freshman year. However, injuries led him to make the pivotal decision to focus solely on baseball in the summer of 2023, driven by his long-standing ambition to become a professional MLB player.
Throughout his college career, Taylor was a significant contributor to Clemson’s athletics, helping the baseball and football teams achieve their first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championships since the 1991-92 season. His performance at Clemson has left a lasting impression on coaches and teammates, who have praised his dedication and productivity across both sports.
As he embarks on his professional career, Taylor describes the minor league lifestyle as a “grind but fun,” adjusting to a rigorous schedule of playing six days a week. His experiences at Clemson, including maintaining relationships with former teammates and following the teams closely, underscore the importance of his college years in shaping his character and athletic skills.
In summary, Will Taylor is a promising talent for the Pittsburgh Pirates, transitioning smoothly into his professional career after a remarkable collegiate journey. As he continues to develop in the High A league, fans and scouts alike will be watching his progress closely, hopeful for a bright future in Major League Baseball.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Will Taylor’s Journey in Greensboro Baseball
- The State: Clemson University Sports News
- Greenville Online: Ian Schieffelin and Clemson Sports
- Wikipedia: Will Taylor (Baseball)
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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