WINTER HAVEN – Former Polk State Baseball outfielder
Nelson Taylor certainly left his mark over his two years with the program. Prior to Tuesday's home opener against Hillsborough Community College, Taylor returned to Bing Tyus Yard to fire the baseball one last time and to collect an impressive piece of hardware.
Taylor was honored as he threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Shortly after, he was presented the Rawlings Gold Glove that he won for his outstanding play in centerfield for the Eagles last season.
"It means a lot to be honored," Taylor said. "I made a lot of good relationships here."
A native of Clearwater, Taylor was a two-sport athlete in high school, playing baseball and basketball. After batting just .236 as a freshman in 2022, Taylor enjoyed a breakout season for the Eagles last year, posting a perfect fielding percentage while leading the team in batting average (.353), doubles (19), home runs (6), RBIs (48), slugging percentage (.620), and on-base percentage (.467). His 31 stolen bases led the entire state of Florida.
"These guys build a really strong bond while they're here," Head Coach Al Corbeil said. "With the smaller roster sizes, it's a great opportunity to grow. They tell me all the time they wish this was a four-year program."
Taylor left with a laundry list of accomplishments in addition to the Gold Glove. He was recognized as a first-team All-Suncoast Conference selection, Suncoast Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and a second-team All-FCSAA selection.
"Polk State is more than just a team," Taylor reflected. "We were a brotherhood here – a family. This is a place I can always come back to and reminisce."
Taylor, 21, was selected in the 11th round of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft by the Boston Red Sox with the 328th overall pick last spring. Taylor is slated to make his professional debut in March with Boston's Florida Complex League Rookie team based in Fort Myers.
"He was always an incredible athlete," Corbeil added. "After he started playing baseball full-time, he developed an approach at the plate and really took off. It's not hard to see why the Red Sox love the potential that he has."
