Normally I don't encourage much dancing out on the mound of a baseball field, but I suppose just like every rule - there are exceptions. There has been one pitcher in specific, on the DC Baseball staff the past three seasons that has been known to cut a little rug out there during his outings. SR RHP
Jake Taylor (St. Marys, OH/Memorial) possesses a crafty, dancing machine of a knuckleball in his arsenal - and isn't afraid to use it!
Since arriving on campus in the Fall of 2009, Taylor who is a Sports Management major and will graduate on time this spring, has piled up 132 innings pitched (most among active players), 71 Ks, 6 wins, and a 1.88 WHIP (BBs + Hits/IP).
With the 2012 season being his best and most impressive dance move so far, Jake set career highs in both innings pitched and wins. This includes tossing his second career complete game on
March 24 against Rose-Hulman. On top of that, Taylor took advantage of sleeping in his own bed the night before a game and excelled in all his outings at The Rutt - posting a 2.78 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in all of his 2012 home appearances.
The Knuckleballer recently granted OAOTD a moment of his time:
OAOTD: What is your best memory of DC in the past three years, On the Diamond?
JT: Sending our senior class out right last year by sweeping Mount St. Joe in the last series of the year.
OAOTD: What is your best memory of DC in the past three years, Off the Diamond?
JT: Winning last year's annual Champs Night (Champs Night is a yearly competition held by DC where different teams of student-athletes face off in "unique" challenges")
OAOTD: Going into your final season, what is the biggest improvement you've made since freshman year?
JT: I learned how to actually pitch, and got away from just throwing. Developing a successful change up has also been really important to me.
OAOTD: What are your expectations for the 2013 season?
JT: I want to make the conference tournament, same as everyone else - but we as a team have to put in the work to get there.
OAOTD: After your time at DC is up, what do you plan to do?
JT: I'd really like to get into coaching, but also pursue a career pertaining to my degree.
OAOTD: What is one life lesson that being a Defiance College Baseball player has taught you?
JT: Nothing is handed to you without hard work.
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Whether you're a freshman catcher, sophomore outfielder or the pitching coach - it doesn't matter, everyone loves getting some new digs! Today the Yellow Jackets receive their fall practice gear. The Fall Ball countdown is at a mere four days! The first fall practice will be followed shortly by the start of Yellow Jacket Cup action, which is slated for Sunday Sept. 15 at 12pm. Look for the final YJC rosters to be posted soon to the Diamond!
