By outreach@cw.ua.edu (Cody Estremera)
Power. That is the first word that comes to mind when fans think about Chandler Taylor, and he showed it on Saturday at the College Home Run Derby.
Taylor finished second on Saturday night, ending the competiton one home run behind the winner Niko Hulsizer. The two hit 49 home runs each in the three-round event, with Hulsizer winning in the final round with 17 homers.
The sophomore started his first round with 17 moon shots, including two that hit the scoreboard at TD Ameritrade Park. He added 16 in the second round and 16 in the finals.
His longest two home runs landed at 476 feet and 471 feet.
Even though he finished as the runner-up, Taylor made history on Saturday. He is the first Crimson Tide slugger to ever participate in the event.
This year, Taylor finished his second season at Alabama as the team leader in home runs, runs scored, total bases, stolen bases and slugging percentage. His 16 home runs were the most since Clay Jones hit 17 in 2010.
SEC play is when Taylor caught fire. He led the Crimson Tide in average (.295), hits (33), home runs (10), runs scored (19) and total bases.
He was also named SEC Player of the Week in the Crimson Tide’s sweep over Auburn. Against the Tigers, Taylor went off, going 7-14 with two doubles, three home runs and three walks.
He was the lone Alabama player to be named to an All-SEC team, making the second-team All-SEC.
After his standout season, Chandler was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 27th round. He has yet to sign with the Twins, allowing him to come back to Alabama for his junior season. The deadline for that decision is July 15.
Source:: The Crimson White Sports
