phrustrated philly phan

The Phillies braintrust described Reggie Taylor as the centerfielder of the future, a five tool talent, a clubhouse leader, a cornerstone to build around, and a leadoff hitter who would lead them to the playoffs. It is now 2006 and Taylor is fulfilling the high praise heaped upon him back in 1995 when he was the 14th pick overall by the Phillies. The only catch is that he is doing it with the Lancaster Barnstormers instead of the Phillies. The Barnstormers play in the independant Atlantic League. I am from Lancaster, aka Dutch Country, put attend college in South Carolina but am home for the summer so with the Phillies having an off day I got tickets to go watch my hometown independant league team. With the Barnstormers this year Taylor is hitting .285 with 13 home runs and 51 RBIs. He has been the MVP and lead the team to the first half championship which guarantees them a playoff spot.


Taylor played two year with the Phillies in 2001 and 2001 before going to the Reds for 2002 and 2003 and in 2005 played shortly for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His career numbers include 260 games, 507 at bats, .231 average, 14 home runs, and 163 strikeouts. It has taken eleven years and a change of scenery plus a change in leagues for Reggie Taylor to fulfill the praise that Lee Thomas heaped on him after his first round selection in 1995. Just like Taylor has done many times in his career the Phillies struck out on this draft pick.