1. 06-08-11 06:05 PM #1
    daneblazer
    Most Well Rounded POY
    daneblazer's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 09-14-08
    Posts: 27,837
    Betpoints: 5652

    Texas Rangers draft paralyzed player

    http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ycn-8609249

    Johnathan Taylor was a major league prospect who played in the outfield for the University of Georgia. His coaches knew that one day he would be drafted by a big league team.
    On Wednesday, June 8 the Texas Rangers selected Taylor with their 33rd pick in the draft. However, Taylor will never play in a single game at any level in their farm system.

    On March 6, Taylor was involved in a collision with teammate Zach Cone. Cone was fine. Taylor broke two vertebrae in his neck and was left paralyzed as a tetraplegic. Tetraplegia means that none of his extremities are functioning, including fingers and toes. Zach Cone was drafted by Texas in the compensatory portion of the first round, and I believe this move was very nice gesture on the part of the Rangers. Cone was projected to go higher entering his junior year but his stats dropped after the collision and some felt it was due to his feelings about his fallen teammate.
    It's not too often that you see a team make a move like this. Usually in the later rounds teams realize that they're not going to find future stars so they start drafting relatives, kids of people they know, or even players at the request of a manager's friend (Tommy Lasorda had the Dodgers draft Mike Piazza in the 62nd round of the 1988 amateur draft as a favor to longtime friend Vince Piazza). I am positive, however, that there will be somebody out there who will think the Rangers wasted a pick. There's always that one person.
    Even though Taylor will never suit up and take the field as a member of the Texas Rangers, he has had his dream fulfilled. And I'm sure you can count on him being part of some sort of opening day ceremony. This was a classy move by a classy organization, and I find that it's only fitting that the Rangers were the team to draft him after having drafted his teammate and close friend. It also serves as a reminder that for every sports story that involves steroids, or drunk driving, or showboating, there are still those stories that make you smile. Just like I am right now.
    I commend the Texas Rangers.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  2. 06-08-11 06:08 PM #2
    RudyRuetigger
    Leave of absence until March Madness
    RudyRuetigger's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 08-24-10
    Posts: 64,799
    Betpoints: 55

    very unfortunate Braves did not do this..unless the kid was originally from Texas
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  3. 06-08-11 06:08 PM #3
    jjgold
    jjgold's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 07-20-05
    Posts: 388,190
    Betpoints: 10

    man sad story
    good move Texas
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  4. 06-08-11 06:09 PM #4
    in2thethickofit
    in2thethickofit's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 09-26-09
    Posts: 2,622
    Betpoints: 12

    What a class act...I agree with you. Great to know that there is a human side to sports sometimes. Thanks for posting this!
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  5. 06-08-11 06:12 PM #5
    doublej95
    Co Power Poster 2011
    doublej95's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 01-26-10
    Posts: 14,094
    Betpoints: 19

    It has got to make the kid happy and sad at the same time, wondering what could have been.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  6. 06-08-11 06:39 PM #6
    boeing power
    boeing power's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-23-10
    Posts: 9,698
    Betpoints: 56

    good move
    Last edited by boeing power; 06-08-11 at 08:06 PM.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  7. 06-08-11 06:39 PM #7
    FrozenMAN
    2020 Big Ten CHAMPS!
    FrozenMAN's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 01-23-09
    Posts: 4,334
    Betpoints: 4112

    yeah thats a classy move
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  8. 06-08-11 06:44 PM #8
    MIAMIHURRICANE
    MIAMIHURRICANE's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 06-20-09
    Posts: 362
    Betpoints: 48

    that isc called class...all sports teams, corporations, and people should learn from this. He has got the best rehab...no one better the Shepherd Center in Atlanta
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  9. 06-08-11 09:01 PM #9
    d2bets
    d2bets's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 08-10-05
    Posts: 39,777
    Betpoints: 21665

    Are they going to pay him? Otherwise, seems like an empty gesture. Doesn't really help the kid, and wastes a draft pick of their own. Seems like they could have honored him another way. I know, I'm being a prick, I guess.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  10. 06-08-11 09:08 PM #10
    suman
    suman's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 10-04-10
    Posts: 855
    Betpoints: 738

    I'm not tyring to be a hater but it does take a spot of a worthy kid. One of my friends who was a senior in college this year was projected to go this year in the teens but he never got the call. How put yourself in his shoes .
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  11. 06-08-11 09:11 PM #11
    Dirty Sanchez
    Two time SBR Academy Award winner
    Dirty Sanchez's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-01-10
    Posts: 16,031
    Betpoints: 26

    You guys are brutal....it was the 33rd round....those picks are dart throws....they did it because his best friend was also drafted by the Rangers and the kid was a prospect before he got hurt...so they were trying to show him some respect
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  12. 06-08-11 09:13 PM #12
    DBaseball23
    DBaseball23's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 04-07-08
    Posts: 212
    Betpoints: 180

    Quote Originally Posted by suman View Post
    I'm not tyring to be a hater but it does take a spot of a worthy kid. One of my friends who was a senior in college this year was projected to go this year in the teens but he never got the call. How put yourself in his shoes .
    Was your friend drafted at all? If not, highly doubt that it didn't happen because of this one specific pick.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  13. 06-08-11 09:14 PM #13
    gafl
    gafl's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 08-07-06
    Posts: 656
    Betpoints: 706

    Classy move by the Rangers.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  14. 06-08-11 09:21 PM #14
    deeshen13
    deeshen13's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 05-31-11
    Posts: 92
    Betpoints: 54

    Nice story
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  15. 06-08-11 09:22 PM #15
    str
    Nothing's easy
    str's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 01-12-09
    Posts: 9,988
    Betpoints: 68545

    Great move.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  16. 06-08-11 09:25 PM #16
    kisado
    kisado's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 09-09-08
    Posts: 519
    Betpoints: 38

    Meh
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  17. 06-08-11 09:31 PM #17
    d2bets
    d2bets's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 08-10-05
    Posts: 39,777
    Betpoints: 21665

    Quote Originally Posted by DBaseball23 View Post
    Was your friend drafted at all? If not, highly doubt that it didn't happen because of this one specific pick.
    Well, there is one person out there that would have been drafted, but was not drafted because of this, that is for sure.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  18. 06-08-11 09:32 PM #18
    d2bets
    d2bets's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 08-10-05
    Posts: 39,777
    Betpoints: 21665

    Seriously though, are they going to pay him? Otherwise, what exactly does it do for him?
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  19. 06-08-11 09:34 PM #19
    Grits n' Gravy
    Bigdaddyqh diddles kids
    Grits n' Gravy's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 06-10-10
    Posts: 13,024
    Betpoints: 41120

    Quote Originally Posted by suman View Post
    I'm not tyring to be a hater but it does take a spot of a worthy kid. One of my friends who was a senior in college this year was projected to go this year in the teens but he never got the call. How put yourself in his shoes .
    Waahhhhh! Your friend didn't get drafted. Waahhhhh! So not only is he a scrub, but a kid who can't walk is a better prospect. Tell him to man up and get a real job.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  20. 06-08-11 09:49 PM #20
    BRAVES1985
    BRAVES1985's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 05-23-10
    Posts: 4,250
    Betpoints: 1975

    Quote Originally Posted by doublej95 View Post
    It has got to make the kid happy and sad at the same time, wondering what could have been.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  21. 06-08-11 10:16 PM #21
    BetterBizness
    My chicks!
    BetterBizness's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 05-20-06
    Posts: 5,736
    Betpoints: 7638

    Quote Originally Posted by Dirty Sanchez View Post
    You guys are brutal....it was the 33rd round....those picks are dart throws....they did it because his best friend was also drafted by the Rangers and the kid was a prospect before he got hurt...so they were trying to show him some respect
    uh... 33rd pick man...round 2.1
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  22. 06-08-11 10:22 PM #22
    Geary22
    Geary22's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 05-09-10
    Posts: 170
    Betpoints: 296

    great story...very classy move
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  23. 06-08-11 10:27 PM #23
    Hall2Collie
    Hall2Collie's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 01-03-11
    Posts: 462
    Betpoints: 158

    Quote Originally Posted by suman View Post
    I'm not tyring to be a hater but it does take a spot of a worthy kid. One of my friends who was a senior in college this year was projected to go this year in the teens but he never got the call. How put yourself in his shoes .
    Does your friend have the use of his legs?
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  24. 06-09-11 01:54 AM #24
    bettilimbroke999
    bettilimbroke999's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 02-04-08
    Posts: 13,254
    Betpoints: 506

    Would be even classier if they would start him in left field or let him DH
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  25. 06-09-11 01:59 AM #25
    BrickJames
    Action
    BrickJames's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 05-05-11
    Posts: 9,761
    Betpoints: 8914

    I feel bad for that guy. Imagine never being able to **** again.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  26. 06-09-11 01:59 AM #26
    Shack
    Shack's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 04-13-06
    Posts: 314
    Betpoints: 24

    Shows a lot of confidence in their first 32 picks. lol. Classy move by Nolan and the boyz.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  27. 06-09-11 02:08 AM #27
    bettilimbroke999
    bettilimbroke999's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 02-04-08
    Posts: 13,254
    Betpoints: 506

    Quote Originally Posted by Shack View Post
    Shows a lot of confidence in their first 32 picks. lol. Classy move by Nolan and the boyz.
    #32 gets to brag that he was drafted just ahead of a guy who is completely paralyzed....the #34 pick on the other hand is going to have to fight with the paralyzed kid for a spot in the lineup
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  28. 06-09-11 02:10 AM #28
    Gee
    Gee's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 04-08-10
    Posts: 4,547
    Betpoints: 2327

    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  29. 06-09-11 02:14 AM #29
    kingdom
    kingdom's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 07-25-10
    Posts: 10,093
    Betpoints: 1957

    Quote Originally Posted by suman View Post
    I'm not tyring to be a hater but it does take a spot of a worthy kid. One of my friends who was a senior in college this year was projected to go this year in the teens but he never got the call. How put yourself in his shoes .
    i'm sorry but if you are waiting to get drafted in the 33RD ROUND, you may not be worthy. i saw the highlight on sportscenter and this kid just lit up and all his teammates were there for a great moment. can we smile about the good things sometimes?
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  30. 06-09-11 02:18 AM #30
    jahred6999
    jahred6999's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 02-21-10
    Posts: 264
    Betpoints: 0

    Verry classy move and should be put all over the news.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  31. 06-09-11 02:19 AM #31
    bettilimbroke999
    bettilimbroke999's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 02-04-08
    Posts: 13,254
    Betpoints: 506

    The guy who was going to be drafted but lost out on his dream to a completely paralyzed player got drunk and drove into a utility pole and is now completely paralyzed....oh the irony
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  32. 06-09-11 03:39 AM #32
    Mikail
    Fader of GOY'S
    Mikail's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 07-19-09
    Posts: 21,689
    Betpoints: 0

    stand up move by the Rangers organization.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  33. 06-09-11 03:42 AM #33
    LLXC
    LLXC's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 12-10-06
    Posts: 8,969
    Betpoints: 10451

    Classy but why not use their last pick at the 50th round?
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  34. 06-13-11 06:59 PM #34
    suman
    suman's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 10-04-10
    Posts: 855
    Betpoints: 738

    Like I said I'm not trying to be a hater. But what if you didn't get hired for a job because of something like this. Wouldn't you be kind of upset as well.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  35. 06-13-11 07:03 PM #35
    Sportsbetting123
    Sportsbetting123's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-01-08
    Posts: 1,400
    Betpoints: 7617

    Quote Originally Posted by jahred6999 View Post
    Verry classy move and should be put all over the news.
    Fortunately it is getting a fair amount of press. Unusual for the media to spread positive news.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
12 Last
Top
« Previous Thread | Players Talk | Next Thread »