Joining Wapakoneta’s Taylor Echols for his signing to play baseball for Ohio’s Miami University were, from left, dad, Mike, sister, Mackenzie, Taylor, brother Riley and mom, Chanda. Nate Stidham | The Lima News
WAPAKONETA — Taylor Echols from Wapakoneta signed his national letter of intent Saturday afternoon to play baseball career at Miami University in Oxford.
Echol’s decision to become a Redhawk came down to the coaching staff and being able to stay close to home.
“Miami offered me the most amount in scholarship money,” Echols’ said. “My sister (Mackenzie Echols) attends the university as well. It was great visiting, and the coaching staff was the best coaching staff I have been with.”
“Brian Smiley recruited me when he was the head coach at Indiana State University, and with him becoming the head coach at Miami helped solidify my decision.” Elchols said.
Entering his senior year at Wapakoneta, Taylor has already compiled many accolades. In 2022 he was named honorable mention All-Western Buckeye League.
After a junior campaign that consisted of 55 strikeouts, 2 earned runs, and an ERA of .341, Elchols was named first team All-WBL, first team All-Northwest Ohio and honorable mention All-Ohio.
Looking back at some of the moments throughout his career, Taylor cited his eight inning no-hit performance against league foe Defiance. Elchols also threw a no-hitter against Shawnee last season.
“Beating Defiance last year and beating Bath for the league title were both great feelings.” Elchols said.
Wapakoneta head coach Jason Brandt labeled Taylor as a Bulldog type of baseball player and the type of individual that can get his teammates to push themselves.
“I like to refer to him as a Bulldog, ” Brandt said. “Guys look at him and he is one of the most fierce competitors we have ever had. He wants the ball in a big situation on the hill, and he goes about his business every day. He has three of four pitches that he can throw at any time or place for us and that has turned him into a dominant pitcher.”
Echols will return to the bump next spring, looking to lead his Redskins to a second consecutive Western Buckeye League championship.
Nate Stidham wrote this story for LimaScores.com. Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
