Former Shadow Hills standout Taylor Ward impresses in MLB debut for Angels
Former Shadow Hills high school standout Taylor Ward made his major league debut tonight for the Los Angeles Angels after being called up on Monday by the team.
Three years ago, @Warrdyboy7 visited The Big A after being selected as the #Angels 1st round pick in the 2015 First-Year Player Draft.
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) August 14, 2018
Tonight, he's in the Halos starting lineup to make his Major League debut in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/7H2QDchmay
In his debut, Ward started at 3rd base and batted 7th for the Angels. The former first round pick in 2015 wasted no time showcasing his talent. In the 2nd inning, Ward hit an RBI double in his first MLB at-bat to give the Angels a 1-0 lead on the Padres.
First impressions mean everything!
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) August 15, 2018
Congratulations on your first hit @Warrdyboy7! pic.twitter.com/2vZd7NqvKq
In his 2nd at-bat, Ward walked. He followed that up with a single in his 3rd at-bat and flied out to right field in his 4th and final plate appearance on the night.
Mr. Ward is one proud dad. @Warrdyboy7 @Angels pic.twitter.com/aJ4KdQ35YD
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) August 15, 2018
All in all, Ward had a successful start to his MLB career. He finished 2-3 with a walk in his MLB debut and played a part in helping the Angels earn the 7-3 win over the Padres.
Impressive MLB debut for Taylor Ward. The former Shadow Hills standout went 2-3 with a walk, including an RBI 2B in first at-bat. Just awesome. Happy for him and his family. @Angels @Warrdyboy7 @goknightsbb @SHHSASB @shhs_principal
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) August 15, 2018
Ward was drafted in the first round of the 2015 draft by the Angels and has been steadily working his way through their farm system since. Prior to the minors, he was a Fresno State Bulldog, and before that, a Shadow Hills High Knight.
Taylor Ward is trending on Twitter. He is also making his @MLB debut tonight for @Angels.
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) August 15, 2018
FAST FACTS:
- Shadow Hills grad @goknightsbb
- 2015 1st rd pick (C @FresnoStateBSB)
- 24 years old
- Changed positions C➡️3B
- .352 AVG, 35 RBIS, 8 HR w/ @SaltLakeBees in 2018 (60 gms)
Ward's season so far has been impressive; he started the season catching for the Mobile Bay Bears, the Angels AA affiliate. While with the Bears, he made the transition to third base, and just a month later, he made the jump to the Salt Lake City Bees, the Angels' AAA team.
With the Bees, he proceeded to post the best batting average in the minors through the beginning of August. The No. 14 prospect in the Angels' organization continues to trend upwards, and his former high school coach Teg Diffey could not be more proud.
"I just told him how incredibly happy for him and proud of him we all are. That he has earned this opportunity, and to just relax and play his game. He's a great kid, was always a great teammate, and the kind of player every coach wants on his roster. I have no doubt he will bring those same attributes to the Angels dugout as well. I know his family is incredibly proud and excited right now as they are at the pinnacle of what every baseball family dreams about from the first day their son picked up a bat & ball. I can't wait to see him compete at the highest level. I know he is going to do well."
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