Getting Ready for Baseball Season with Jordan Taylor
When it comes to baseball, Jordan Taylor knows what it takes to be a well rounded player. He prides himself in working hard and setting a great example for his teammates. The St. John’s Country Day (SJCD) senior is beyond ready to start the season off with a bang and hopefully end it with a state championship title.
Taylor originally grew up learning to play basketball, in which he was introduced to the sport by watching his father, former professional basketball player, Dwayne Taylor. His father played for the Hornets briefly then played overseas. Naturally, it would make sense for his son to follow in his footsteps, but baseball ended up being the sport best fit for Taylor.
He was good at basketball, but the older he got, baseball made more sense.
“When I first started [baseball], I was doing pretty good… I started getting better and had to work on more of my hitting,” said Taylor. “That was one of my weak spots. Didn’t happen overnight for me to be one of the ‘good players’”.
And a good player he is. Taylor made the decision to commit to Florida State University (FSU) to continue his baseball career on the collegiate level. This decision was easy for him to make. FSU competes in NCAA Division 1 and the Atlantic Division and Atlantic Coast Conference. Notable major league players that graduated from FSU include DJ Stewart (Baltimore Orioles), Buster Posey (San Francisco Giants) and Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners). Safe to say that Taylor will be in good hands working with the coaches and being a Seminole.
“They saw me fall in my ninth grade year,” said Taylor. “ I went to a camp for a visit and it just felt like home. It’s a great school so it was a no brainer. I couldn’t see why not to go there.”
Former SJCD teammate Connor Moore is currently playing for FSU. The two will be reunited soon.
Taylor truly enjoys being a Spartan. For him, it’s all about the high energy in which not only the team has, but the entire school as well. Practices and games are all fun for him. One of the many things SJCD is known for is it’s athletic program, baseball being one of them. The baseball program has 14 district titles and in the previous season, made it to have a regional title. The goal this year is for the team to make it to state and bring back home the state championship.
What makes Taylor different from other baseball players? Taylor says it’s his mindset.
“As I step on the field I’m just trying to go at people,” he said. “Also with my basketball background, I’m really athletic, so that helps me with making great plays.”
Baseball can be hard and Taylor tries to help and inspire the younger guys coming behind him.
The advice he gives to others is to stay level headed or else the game will beat you up mentally. He also encourages players not to be too hard on yourself but remember that there’s always room for improvement.
“Try to have a good mindset going into every game,” he said. “Know that you will have some bad days but just keep going forward to the next game. Keep moving and you’ll be satisfied at where you’re at”
Although Taylor gives advice on how to handle bad days, he has had some pretty good days himself. According to Perfect Game (PG), Taylor nationally ranked 70 out of the top 100 and has also ranked several times for the National Showcase in both 2020 and 2021. He also received an honorable mention for the Preseason Underclass All American in 2019 and made the Florida Dodgers Scout Team. Safe to say he has built himself an impressive reputation and resume. In his PG report, it read that Taylor is “big power coming and an excellent student.”
PG is not the only ones that have great things to say about this athlete, but so does Prospect. They mention Taylor as someone who is coachable, a leader, a good teammate and a hard worker with a high baseball IQ.
This baseball season will be one for the books. As many recall, early 200, all spring sports had to immediately come to a halt due to COVID-19. Only a sophomore then, Taylor recalled how bad he felt that his teammates didn’t get the chance to finish off the season. Many didn’t have the chance to show recruits their talent. So this year, Taylor is hopeful that the team will have a good run, despite case numbers continuing on the rise. The team has a lot of new players this year, so he’s looking forward to seeing how well the team mesh together.
“We’re just trying to get in the groove,” said Taylor. “Last year we went to the state final four and ended up coming in second. Hopefully with this group we can make it back and win it this year.”
As a senior, Taylor is seizing it all in. He knows that this year will go by fast and to take every
opportunity to enjoy the senior moments, no matter how big or small. He started attending SJCD his eighth grade year. He credits the school for helping shape who he is as a student and athlete. The school has taught him tremendously about hard work, dedication and time management. Not only are the Spartans great at athletics, they value education as well.
“It’s definitely sad that it’s my last year playing here,” he said. “I just want to enjoy every moment. I know after high school there’s still baseball there for me, so that gives me hope too.”
Head coach, Tom Lucas, has played a role in helping Taylor be a better player. He credits him in not just being a coach but someone who, “tells you what to do and expects you to do it”. Described as a “laid back coach,” Taylor says he goes above and beyond to make sure the team is prepared for every game. And one of his best qualities is knowing how to pick the team back up when they’re feeling down.
His parents are also to thank when it comes to his character and his drive to be a better athlete. They have been there every step of the way. As far as players, Taylor admires professional baseball player, Ronald Acuna Jr, who plays for the Atlanta Braves.
What’s next for this star player? Although it may seem a bit early, Taylor is thinking about majoring in finance while at FSU. He would also like to play baseball professionally, which can be achievable. Will the Spartans get a championship title this year? The chances seem to look that way. The team will have to keep their focus and grit. With Taylor as their outfielder and right-hand pitcher, they could be well on their way. ITG Next is looking forward to seeing what all Taylor accomplishes.
Written by: Tyrah Walker
Read more stories in the Florida Winter 2021-22 Magazine:
