The Conner Taylor Memorial Award is awarded to players that exhibit the qualities that Conner displayed. Being a great teammate, player, and person are the qualities that made Conner a unique person.
The 2018 Conner Taylor Memorial Award recipient, Brett Mitchell, has displayed all of these qualities the past two years.
"Brett, in his two years, has a 4.0 GPA, has been a leader on and off the field, and a great human being," said head coach Jake Martin.
Mitchell was named captain of the Red Ravens baseball program for the 2017-2018 season. Mitchell has displayed the qualities that recipients of the award have. Mitchell is considered one of the hardest workers on the team, both on and off the field. He is one of the first players to the field and always willing to help his teammates with baseball, as well as, off the field.
"This means a lot to me because I know that I am here for more than just baseball," said Mitchell. "For my off the field work to be recognized is really special and important to me. I will always do my best to honor Conner's name."
All of these attributes are what makes great young men and leaders. All of these attributes, are what made up the person of Conner Taylor.
"Conner was an extraordinary young man. We enjoyed the two years he was with our program," said Martin. "He was a great teammate that impacted everyone around him. Conner had an infectious personality that everyone wanted to be around."
Conner Taylor tragically took his own life three years ago after a long battle of depression.
"It is an epidemic today," said Martin. "It [depression and suicide] is something that a lot of young people are dealing with today."
Having a major impact in the award is Conner's parents; Mike and Marcy Taylor. Conner's parents have stayed involved with the Red Ravens baseball program and has helped coach Martin develop the award and the scholarship that goes with it.
"We appreciate Mike and Marcy. We appreciate them coming down and being a part of the event. Their donating of the scholarship [dedicated in Conner's name] and their ability to be involved with our Red Raven family is important to us," said Martin.