Radford’s persistence won Taylor’s signature

Six years ago, Chris Taylor began to believe he’d witness this moment.

His son, Jordan, signed a national letter of intent last Wednesday in Fauquier High Hall of Fame room to play for the Radford University baseball team, accepting a full athletic scholarship from the D-I school.

Jordan Taylor, now a senior catcher for the Fauquier Falcons, first flashed his potential at age 12 while playing for a travel baseball team.

“He just kind of stood out at that age group and the age group above him,” Chris Taylor said. “It gave you a glimpse of what could possibly happen in the future.”

Radford offered Jordan Taylor the scholarship in November 2010 and he verbally committed by the end of the month.

“I just felt like that’s where I was supposed to be,” he said. “It’s like another little Fauquier County. I love the country and everything. It’s a perfect fit for me.”

William & Mary, West Virginia, North Carolina and East Carolina all showed interest in Taylor, but by quickly committing to Radford he didn’t give any of those schools time to make offers. Radford’s persistence in the recruiting process made an impress on Taylor.

“They just kept emailing me and calling me constantly,” he said. “I was, like, ‘Man, they really want me. They’re showing it.’” The baseball program has steadily improved over the past few seasons under head coach Joe Raccuia, which was another element that attracted Taylor. Radford won a program-record number of games last season with a 31-25 record.

Plus, Taylor has a good chance to contribute as a freshman, he said, likely as a backup catcher.

“They expect me to play midweek games, non-conference games – filing in,” Taylor said. “Playing baseball after high school really means a lot to me. It’s been my goal since I was five, so it’s pretty cool that it’s actually happening now.”

Fauquier baseball coach Bob Martin believes Taylor will develop into a good college catcher, and perhaps more.

“He’ll do very well,” Martin said. “He’s got all the tools that are required to go to the next step and beyond. I’m very hopeful that he’ll play beyond college. He’s got that kind of talent.”

Initially stuck behind upperclassman catcher Ryan Smith at Fauquier, Taylor played shortstop until that spot behind the plate opened up last season.

Regardless, Taylor’s baseball identity has always been catcher. He played the position on showcase teams for years.

“He can play anywhere, but he’s a great catcher,” Martin said. “He’s got a great arm. He’s got a great swing. He’s fast. He’s got soft hands….If you need him to pitch, he’ll pitch. He’s a great fielder on the infield and in the outfield.”

Taylor was named to the all-Evergreen District second team as a junior. He finished with a .295 batting average and .963 fielding percentage for a young Fauquier team that ended with a 5-12 record.