The conclusion of football season has allowed outfielder Will Taylor to trade his helmet and pads in for a glove and bat as the Clemson men’s baseball team kicks off its season on Friday.
Taylor shot into national headlines when he committed to Clemson for Division I baseball in his junior year and later for football in his senior year. Previous to his announcement of intentions to pursue a collegiate career, he was projected as a first-rounder in the 2021 MLB Draft.
Although Taylor played as wide receiver/punt returner for Clemson the past two seasons, he was forced to miss the first 45 games of his 2022 baseball season because of an ACL injury. Now, Taylor is excited to start this year off healthy.
“These last three or four days, I’ve felt the best I have in about a year and a half, so I feel like I’m flying around here with my teammates and ready to hopefully help contribute to this team,” Taylor said.
With only 13 starts last season, the sophomore hit .260 with four RBIs, 14 runs and one homer after returning from injury. Regarding what skill he wants to improve this season, Taylor believes improving his outfield game is essential.
“I think I kind of jumped in it a little too quickly last year,” he said. “I was ready to go physically, but I feel like I get more reps (now). It was tough because the rehab process didn’t allow me to do some of that stuff, but I feel like I’m definitely crafting my work out there in the outfield.”
Luckily for Taylor, Clemson’s high-caliber coaches work to create a culture where players are encouraged to develop both on and off the field. Taylor went so far as to say there are “absolutely” similarities between the baseball coaches and head football coach Dabo Swinney.
According to Taylor, both Clemson football and baseball emphasize strengthening the bond between players off the field. Consistent team meetings are a priority, as Taylor noted, that it’s “important to have a close-knit team, and that’s what’s going to win us games in June.”
When asked about his fellow teammates and coaches, Taylor could not resist heaping on the praise.
“Obviously, I got some of the best teammates in the country and some of the best coaches in the country. I take advantage of them every day and just try to learn from them and stretch my brain a little bit.”
Taylor’s return to the baseball field arrives this weekend with the Tigers’ first home series of the season. The first pitch against the Binghamton Bearcats at Doug Kingsmore Stadium is set for Friday at 4 p.m. EST.
