Barons Baseball retires #24 ‘Dee’ Taylor’s jersey

Michael Derek “Dee” Taylor’s jersey, #24, is retired during a special ceremony on Baron Field April 8 as his family and members of the Barons Baseball team look on. (Photo by Kelley Arnold)

MOUNT VERNON—The #8 Barons Baseball team joined in a special ceremony Friday, April 8 before an evening game against #1 Lee University to remember one of its own.

BPC Athletic Director Sheila Simmons led the ceremony to retire #24 Michael Derek “Dee” Taylor’s jersey. The sophomore varsity baseball player was killed in a car accident Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010.

Known to his friends as Derek or “Dee”, he was the son of Amanda Wrease and Derek Taylor Sr., both of Eastman.

BPC students remember him as a joking and funny guy, while Coach Boo Mullins remembers him as a young man who would give everything to his team.

“He’s the hardest working kid I’ve had since I’ve been a coach here; the type of kid that any coach would want on their team on and off the field. We love him, we’ll miss him, and will dedicate this season to him,” said Coach Mullins.

Will Braswell, a fellow student-athlete, led the fans and family members in a special prayer of dedication and memorial for Derek. Simmons then asked everyone to direct their attentions to the left field wall, where a #24 was painted as a permanent reminder of Derek’s love for the team and the sport. Derek’s father was visibly overcome with emotion throughout the ceremony.

Derek signed with the Barons after graduating from Dodge County High School in 2009.

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-BPC-