Sunday, July 29, 2012

Augusta, GA - March 6th, 2011changed Johnathan Taylor's life forever. That day, the Georgia outfielder collided with teammate Zach Cone and was partially paralyzed.

Saturday night, the two friends were reunited by the team that made sure they'd always be connected.

Taylor was at Lake Olmstead Stadium watching Cone and the Hickory Crawdads take on the GreenJackets. But Cone isn't the only one connected to Hickory's parent team, the Texas Rangers.

Both players were drafted by the Rangers in last June's draft; Cone in the first round, Taylor in the 33rd.

Taylor and the Rangers knew he'd never play baseball again, and that made the gesture that much more special.

"It was a blessing," Taylor said. "I can't thank them enough for what they did. I still stay in contact with them, so I really appreciate them. I'm glad I have a lot of support. I really don't have time to feel bad for myself. I'm just really happy I get to have them in my life."

Taylor is finishing up his education at Georgia. He's unsure about his plans after that.

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