Baseball: Northridge grad Taylor eager for shot at pro ball

Dominique Taylor has no trouble remembering the many nights he spent at Lindquist Field watching the Ogden Raptors play and imagining what it would be like to hold a bat instead of a hot dog and a drink.

Imagination can be a powerful tool.

Taylor will get his wish.

He will be at Lindquist Field on June 22 when Ogden hosts the Idaho Falls Chukars. Even though he will be playing for the Chukars, there's no doubt he will be hit up for tickets from a large support group of family and friends who are excited to see him get a chance to play in any uniform.

Taylor was drafted in the 15th round of this year's draft by the Kansas City Royals and has been assigned to Idaho Falls. No wonder the former Northridge High School star is so excited to get his professional career started.

"I felt like this is the right situation for me," Taylor said. "Education is really important to me, so eventually I'll go back and get my degree. But this is the chance of a lifetime for me. I feel great about being in the Kansas City Royals organization. I've heard nothing but great things. I think this is an organization that will give me a chance to move up and make it to the big leagues, something that's been a childhood dream for me."

Taylor hit .578 during his senior year at Northridge and before moving on to play at Salt Lake Community College, which turned out to be a good move for the speedy outfielder.

He was drafted after his freshman year by the Houston Astros in the 33rd round but chose to stay in school.

In two years at SLCC, he set the school record for most hits in a season with 87, and his 151 career hits also is a school record. He also holds the record for most career stolen bases with 56.

"Dom is an extremely hard working young man who has been able to stay level headed," SLCC coach DG Nelson said. "He's one of the most clutch players I've ever coached."

Taylor's success at SLCC opened the door for a chance to play his junior year at UC Irvine. He hit .309 with three home runs and had 34 RBIs for the Anteaters. He also stole 10 bases in 14 attempts.

"It's honestly been crazy," Taylor said. "I had no offers out of high school and no attention from the scouts. I'll never give up no matter how long it takes. I don't have a time frame on how long it will take. I'll just do the best that I can do." —