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Jeff Taylor

infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
Well, I start this thread with a tear in the corner of my eye, well, actually, tears and not in the corner.
As life and death is part of us, the son of our generous and wonderful cyber-friend, JT, begins his senior year at Lynchburg College.
While I have never seen Jeff Taylor play baseball, I have experienced his highs, his lows, his determination, and his life in baseball through the PM's and posts of JT.
With the indulgence of Julie, the encouragement of CD, and hopefully the support of most everyone on this site, I would like to provide a link to Lynchburg College.
During this season, if you are inclined, log on and spend a private moment with with Jeff and JT. Cheer his 4-4's. Listen on an 0-3. Know tomorrow will be a better day and Jeff will know you cared.
Of course, we don't know Jeff or JT except through cyber-space. With that said, there is something about the power of being friends and fans through cyber-space where I feel we can all make a difference.(this is not my feeling. I learned this from justbaseball, who has an inquisitive and sensitive spirit I really admire, who first asked the question.) I have nothing tangible to say this can happen, just a feeling for a son starting his senior year with a beloved mother and the powerful spirit of JT in his life.
My feeling is JT would do the same for our sons/my son if he were given the opportunity.
I hope I am not being too corny.
I just have a sense the power and feelings and friendship of the HSBBW can create an intangible through which Jeff might find some comfort, some friendship, some peace and plenty of love.

http://www.lynchburg.edu/baseball.xml

'You don't have to be a great player to play in the major leagues, you've got to be a good one every day.'

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ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
My feeling is JT would do the same for our sons/my son if he were given the opportunity.

Great idea!

There is no doubt in my mind he would do it. I think if we could all somehow will the young man to just absolutely tear it up that it would mean a lot to him obviously but also to his Dad who I am sure is looking on with pride.
rz1rz15,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by infielddad:
While I have never seen Jeff Taylor play baseball, I have experienced his highs, his lows, his determination, and his life in baseball through the PM's and posts of JT.


Well said Infielddad, and thanks for the reminder of a lost friend and the remembrance of his family.
Last edited by rz1
play baseballplay baseball1,000+ posts
quote:
With that said, there is something about the power of being friends and fans through cyber-space where I feel we can all make a difference................I have nothing tangible to say this can happen, just a feeling............I just have a sense the power and feelings and friendship of the HSBBW can create an intangible


Yup. You bet. I don't think most people understand what we have here. It's a family, even a little dysfunctional at times, but a family.

This is a great idea. I've been thinking a lot about JT lately, too. It still sends shivers throughout my whole being.

"I just have a sense the power and feelings and friendship of the HSBBW can create an intangible through which ALL OF US might find some comfort, some friendship, some peace and plenty of love."

quote of the week. in my opinion.
Last edited by play baseball
SA S. Abrams100+ posts
infielddad,

Maybe the best post I've read on a message board.

I strongly believe that the power of our thoughts, prayers and goodwill can and will have a positive influence on the young man.

Before I log off, I'm heading to Lynchburg via the internet.

Infielddad, thank you again for reminding us that our best work isn't the baseball advice we give out but the support and caring we can share with others.
Coach_MayCoach_May10,000+ posts
I knew JT for quite awhile. I remember late one night we spent quite awhile talking about our sons especially his son because he was in college. What struck me was how much he truly loved the game of baseball. How much he truly loved sharing it with his son and his son's team mates. And how much he loved his family. I never met JT one time in person. But I felt like I knew him. He was one of my friends. I looked forward to reading his posts and following his son. I backed him up a few times on this site and he did the same. Everytime I log on I think of him. Everytime. I think I always will.

It might sound funny to some people but I miss him very much and I never met him. There is no kid I will be pulling more for than his son. And he will never be forgotten not only here on this site but I am sure by all those that knew him even the ones that never met him. I was lucky , very lucky to know him on this site. We all were.
L lafmom5,000+ posts
Infielddad - I think your post is great. JT supported many players and parents here and I know that he'd appreciate greatly the fact that we're all in Jeffrey's corner! I know that Mary Clare has appreciated the support of people here as well.

There won't be another HSBBW player that I'm pulling more for during this season. Good luck to our young man!!
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
I just checked the schedule out here and the first game is at Greensboro College this Saturday February 6th.

I am pretty sure the game will be webcast and here is how I know. One year ago, JT sent me a pm that he would be at Greensboro for the opener. I checked Greensboro's webpage for live stats that day and found they were webcasting the event. I called JT on his cell phone and got him to stand in front of the camera while we chatted away. That was the last time I saw him although I chatted with him throughout the season. One year earlier, I met him and JT Jr., in Lynchburg, Va at my son's game between Liberty and Coastal Carolina. Jeff was a professor at Liberty and was just finishing up his doctoral degree.

Hopefully people can check in on his games all season and bump this thread accordingly. For those members that may be unaware of how tragically last season ended for Jeff and his family, he was out pitching batting practice to his son and his teammates. A batted ball was hit so hard that Jeff was not able to get out of the way. He seemed ok at first and then collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital and never revived. Life is precious and short. The only good thing here is that Jeff died doing what he loved to do. Hopefully we can all help JT. Jr. and his teammates catch lightning in a jug this season. I am sure Jeff Sr. would/will love that angel
Last edited by ClevelandDad
observer44observer441,000+ posts
.
quote:
Originally posted by infielddad:
Well, I start this thread with a tear in the corner of my eye, well, actually, tears and not in the corner.
As life and death is part of us, the son of our generous and wonderful cyber-friend, JT, begins his senior year at Lynchburg College.
While I have never seen Jeff Taylor play baseball, I have experienced his highs, his lows, his determination, and his life in baseball through the PM's and posts of JT.
With the indulgence of Julie, the encouragement of CD, and hopefully the support of most everyone on this site, I would like to provide a link to Lynchburg College.
During this season, if you are inclined, log on and spend a private moment with with Jeff and JT. Cheer his 4-4's. Listen on an 0-3. Know tomorrow will be a better day and Jeff will know you cared.
Of course, we don't know Jeff or JT except through cyber-space. With that said, there is something about the power of being friends and fans through cyber-space where I feel we can all make a difference.(this is not my feeling. I learned this from justbaseball, who has an inquisitive and sensitive spirit I really admire, who first asked the question.) I have nothing tangible to say this can happen, just a feeling for a son starting his senior year with a beloved mother and the powerful spirit of JT in his life.
My feeling is JT would do the same for our sons/my son if he were given the opportunity.
I hope I am not being too corny.
I just have a sense the power and feelings and friendship of the HSBBW can create an intangible through which Jeff might find some comfort, some friendship, some peace and plenty of love.


quote:
Originally posted by S.Abrams:Maybe the best post I've read on a message board.


I agree completely with both these posts.

IFD...No corny to this at all, clearly heartfelt and well said. Thanks.

44
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hokieonehokieone5,000+ posts
I just noticed this thread. My wife and I had the pleasure of having dinner with Jeff and Mary Clare almost exactly a year ago. I have to confess that I almost missed him when he came in the restaurant as I had never seen him without a baseball cap. I too miss exchanging e-mails with Jeff literally daily as did many others.

I don't want to turn this thread into a religious exchange, but Jeff was a man of great faith, there was no uncertainty in his mind as to where he was going next, he's now there, and his wife and son know that well, which undoubtedly is of great comfort. Many of us miss him a lot, and I consider myself blessed that I was able to talk with him in person several times. One topic we discussed quite a few times was the seeming inability of D III players to penetrate some summer wooden bat leagues. I recently became the general manager of a team in such a league (which will have some D III guys every year), and honest to goodness, one of my first thoughts was "JT would be very proud."

He is missed.

And his little boy is hitting the daylights out of the ball at Lynchburg so far...
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
hokieone,
Thank you!
There is little doubt JT was passionate about DIII players and looking for opportunities where they could get that chance to prove their ability to play the game, to compete and succeed. We traded many, many emails about the process and potential roadblocks to be encountered and removed. JT really liked to hear about DIII players having success in baseball, not just DIII baseball.

For others, an update from yesterday's game:
2-5 with 1 RBI in a 10 inning 3-2 defeat.
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
Lynchburg swept a DH today by scores of 2-0 and 7-1.
In the first game, in support of his teammate/classmates first career no hitter, Jeff went 1-3, scored the first run, drove in the second run and stole a base.
In game 2, Jeff was 2-3, with another RBI.
In both games, Jeff play RF, where I don't think he has played much in the past. Jeff just plays where the Coach puts him in the line-up, where his team needs him, and does his job in ways that makes the difference and makes everyone else better.
observer44observer441,000+ posts
.
quote:
Originally posted by infielddad: In both games, Jeff play RF, where I don't think he has played much in the past. Jeff just plays where the Coach puts him in the line-up, where his team needs him, and does his job in ways that makes the difference and makes everyone else better.


The apple does not fall far from the tree...character and team play....exactly what I would predict...

Cool 44
.
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
"The Lynchburg College baseball team took the opener of an Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) doubleheader 3-1 over Washington & Lee University, but dropped the nightcap 9-2 on an emotional day from Fox Field Saturday.

Before the game, the Hornets honored the memory of Jeff Taylor, Sr., Betty Spencer, Doug Knowles and Jay Lundquist, all who have passed away since the last home doubleheader at Fox Field. Last April 28, Taylor, Sr. was tragically killed on Fox Field has he threw batting practice to Hornet hitters."

On the day his father was honored at Lynchburg College, Jeff was 3-7, with one 2B and 3 stolen bases.
I don't have words to describe what this day must mean.
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
I don't have words to describe what this day must mean.

There really are no suitable words. Still an unbelievable freak accident and tragedy. If this young man can continue to tear it up and somehow get that opportunity at the next level that his Dad and he dreamed for all these years, there indeed would be tears from heaven.
hokieonehokieone5,000+ posts
Jeff has serious wheels, and undoubtedly JT is beaming from on high.

I'd loved to have been at Lynchburg for the ceremony, but when Jeff, Sr's dad threw a ball to Jeff, Jr., from the exact spot where Jeff, Sr. threw his last pitch, I'm not sure I could've handled that, and grandfather Taylor then commented he was throwing HIS last pitch...wow, that would be so emotional, yet Jeff, Jr. managed to go 3 for 7 on the same day. It's just a remarkable story for a lot of reasons that keeps going.

Oh yea, Jeff, Jr. has "slumped" all the way down to .420...
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
Just another update on Jeff's week.
He is still battling a bit at the plate, which means he is due to get on a streak. Smile
I have no doubt that is going to happen.
On a different note:

"In the record watch, Taylor, Jr. moved closer to becoming the ODAC's all-time leading base thief with two more stolen bases against EMU. He now is 19-for-19 this year, and is just four bags short of the ODAC career record of 85 set by Guilford's Steve Danis in 2002."
Just YesterdayJust Yesterday10+ posts
I WAS at LC when Jeff Sr's dad threw out the 1st 2 pitches of the 1st weekend home opener. 1st pitch was from the mound, second (as mentioned) from the spot where JT threw his last pitch.(closer to home than the mound) Not sure there was a dry eye in the place. Jeff jr. was catching and he just gave his grandfather the biggest embrace imaginable.

There is also a home plate shaped plaque that is being placed in the dugout....references Jeff sr and that he threw his last pitch on Fox Field in April of 2009.....also included is one of his trademark sayings "Put a crooked number up." That call resonates loudly from the LC crowd this season.

Jeff has slumped a bit in last few games, but the team continues to do well with a 13-4 record....and he will have that stolen base record in no time.
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
Jeff now has his average back over .400 with a 2-4 game, 2 runs scored and 1 SB in the teams loss yesterday.
For the season, Jeff is now hitting .410 and has 25 steals in 26 attempts. Lynchburg has only played 21 games which means he has wheels.
I'm not completely sure too many college players get 25 steals in a career. 25 in 21 games is amazing!
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
Jeff Taylor may end his college career during the ODAC tournament that starts on 4/22/10.
Little doubt JT will be present. angel
How about we all commit, in honor of JT, to take a stand for Jeff and JT with our thoughts, best wishes and JT type excitement to support Jeff and his teammates as Jeff brings to conclusion a brilliant college career?
Somehow, I feel that when Jeff takes his outfield spot in that first ODAC tournament game he can know and feel our support for him, and his beloved father, our great cyberfriend, JT, will know too.
I hope this is okay with everyone. I did some research and found JT's joyous post when Jeff decided on Lynchburg and Lynchburg decided on Jeff.
Time has passed and so has our beloved cyberfriend but it just seems right that we once again share the pride and joy JT shared with us when Jeff started this journey:


JT
HSBBWeb Old Timer
Picture of JT

Posted January 21, 2006 01:26 PM
Start spreading the news
my son committed today
He's going to be a part of it, L.C., L.C.
These homeboy shoes
Are longing to stay
And make a brand new start of it, L.C., L.C.
He wants to play in the outfield that is so deep
To find he's king of the field, top of the heap
These little town blues
Are melting away
He'll make a brand new start of it
at old Lynchburg
If he can make it there
He'll make it anywhere
It's up to you, L.C., L.C.


**********************************************
Baseball players don't make excuses...they make adjustments."
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
In the opening game of the ODAC tournament, Jeff was 2-5 with 2 RBI's in leading his Lynchburg team, the #5 seed, to a first round upset of the tournament #2 seed. Big, big win.
They play the winner of the #3/#4 game today. A win today puts them in the driver's seat.
Tournament winner receives the conference automatic bid for the NCAA Regional.
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
Well, Jeff and his Lynchburg teammates are on the verge of ending this season with magic.
Entering the ODAC tournament as the #5 seed, Lynchburg now is in the driver's seat with their win last night.
Jeff was 2-3, with 3 runs scored, 2 RBI's, 2 walks and 1 stolen base in the victory.
Lynchburg must be beaten twice today. They are one victory away from the ODAC automatic NCAA Regional bid and the only team without a loss.
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
Originally posted by infielddad:
Well, Jeff and his Lynchburg teammates are on the verge of ending this season with magic.
Entering the ODAC tournament as the #5 seed, Lynchburg now is in the driver's seat with their win last night.
Jeff was 2-3, with 3 runs scored, 2 RBI's, 2 walks and 1 stolen base in the victory.
Lynchburg must be beaten twice today. They are one victory away from the ODAC automatic NCAA Regional bid and the only team without a loss.

Yes!!!! Catch lightning in a jug!
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
With a current thread developing on the lows in baseball, this likely will have some of the very bitter sweet for Jeff.
He and his Lynchburg team were swept in the ODAC championship games and eliminated.
It seems doubtful they would receive a Pool C at large berth.
What a wonderful college career for a young man who is the epitome of strength and courage, and the pride of the eye of an angel.
I hope this thread and all those who contributed and put Jeff in their thoughts did right for our wonderful friend, JT. angel

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