Campus Newcomer: Newman Catholic RHP Douglas Taylor
Our Iowa Baseball campus newcomer series rolls on and we stick with Mason City to preview the next incoming freshman. Out of Newman Catholic High School, Douglas Taylor is rated as the #3 RHP and the #11 overall player in state by Perfect Game. Taylor, just like his teammate Max Burt, was named to the All-State Super Team that includes players from 1A-4A. Douglas was also a standout player on the basketball court, where he broke the Newman Catholic all-time scoring record and was a two-time all-state selection. Now, Taylor switches his focus to solely baseball at the University of Iowa.
We caught up with the 6-foot-4, 205 pound right-handed pitcher to preview his upcoming freshman year at Iowa.
Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?
TAYLOR: August 13th is my move in day. I am very excited to move in and to get the hang of things. I am ready to get started in Iowa city.
Q: What number do you plan on wearing and why?
TAYLOR: I was given number 36 by the coaching staff. Any number was fine with me I’m not very superstitious.
Q: What did it mean to be named to the Iowa All-State Super Team this past season?
TAYLOR: It meant a lot to me and was a huge honor. I have always wanted to be on that list since I starting playing high school baseball and to make that list as a senior was very special. It was a great way to end my senior year awards.
Q: How would you evaluate the way you played during your senior season?
TAYLOR: I think I pitched very well this year. I worked to my strengths and went out there and performed every time I got the ball. I started using my other pitches more and not just relying on my fastball. I had a lot of strikeouts and not many walks so I was very happy with that. I think I grew the most on the mental side of things this year and started to bring an edge when I stepped on the field.
Q: What pitches do you have in arsenal? What would you say is your best pitch?
TAYLOR: Currently I throw a 2 seam fastball, slider, and changeup. My fastball is 88-92, slider 79-81, and changeup is 80-83. I would say my best pitch throughout my career has been my fastball, but I started to use my slider a lot this year and I think it plays well.
Q: What have you been doing since the high school season to prepare for when you join the team?
TAYLOR: Since high school season has ended, I have been working out hard. It has been different not playing any others sports or hitting and just focusing on pitching. I have been throwing 5-6 days a week working on things that I need to get better at. I have also been lifting 4-5 times a week and eating a ton trying to put on some weight that I lost during the season. I have gained 10 pounds since the season has ended and I feel like my body is in great shape right now getting ready to go to Iowa.
Q: Looking back at your recruitment, what stood out about the Iowa Baseball program that made them an easy choice over other schools?
TAYLOR: I committed to the Hawkeyes during my freshman year and I knew it was the right choice right away. I am from Iowa and I know how special it is to represent your home state. I also like being close to home all the time so that was a benefit for me. But most of my decision was based off of the coaching staff and the development system. I love all of the coaches and I knew that Iowa has one of the best pitching development systems in the nation so it was a no brainer for me. I am excited to compete with the Hawkeyes and put on the home state jersey.
Q: Were there any other teams that you considered during your recruitment?
TAYLOR: Since I committed very early there wasn’t anything after that. I had a couple teams looking at me but nothing after I committed.
Q: What is your relationship like with the coaching staff? Who do you talk with the most?
TAYLOR: I have very good relationships with all of the coaches. I am very thankful to have a great coaching staff. I talk to Sean and Marty the most.
Q: What is your relationship like with the other incoming freshman? Current players?
TAYLOR: A lot of the guys that are in our freshman class I have played against all my life or have grown up with them so I know them all very well. It is a great group of guys and we are all close. I was able to meet a bunch of the guys and felt very welcomed when I went down to Iowa City on visits and workouts and stuff. I am excited to get to know everyone better and build relationships.
Q: If someone asked you “what do you bring to the Iowa team?” How would you describe your game?
TAYLOR: I think I bring to the team a competitive mindset and a willingness to do anything they ask of me. I am a pitcher that will go right at you and compete with what I have.
Q: What are your goals for your freshman season at Iowa? What areas of your game do you want to improve?
TAYLOR: My goals for my freshman year are to develop as much as I can and get on the field to help the team. I want to be down in Omaha playing in the College World Series with the Hawkeyes. I would like to keep building my body, bring my velo up to mid 90s and also want to improve my offspeed pitches and build a better arsenal.
