Taylor Massey Season 2009

2009 Outlook: Freshman southpaw Taylor Massey will be one of several newcomers counted on to replace five pitchers selected in the 2008 MLB Draft ? Earned all-state honors in Texas last year, going 11-2 with a 1.29 ERA and six shutouts as a senior ? Comes from a baseball background and has an understanding of what it takes to be successful on the mound ? Was impressive at times in the fall, mixing his pitches well and creating ground balls ? Will likely be counted on in short and middle relief early on and look to earn a more expanded role as the season progresses.

Weatherford High School: Taylor was one of the best left-handers in the state playing for his father Terry at Weatherford High School ? Earned Collegiate Baseball/Louisville Slugger All-America honors as a senior, going 11-2 with a 1.29 ERA over 70.1 innings ? Tossed six shutouts as a senior en route to earning third-team Class 5A all-state accolades from the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association ? Hit .423 with 32 runs scored as an outfielder to lead Weatherford High School to a 22-12 record and a Bi-District championship in 2008, earning District Co-MVP accolades ? Started his final three seasons, earning all-district laurels in 2007 and 2008 and helping Weatherford to a district title as a sophomore ? Performed well in the classroom, as he was named an academic all-state performer for three years and selected a Texas Scholar.

Personal: Born on Jan. 14, 1989, in North Richland Hills, Texas ? Parents are Terry and Connie Massey ? Has one brother (JD) and one younger sister (Kelli Rae) ? Majors in special education.