Bases.
The Vian wide receiver/shortstop, who in February signed to play football at Oklahoma, was chosen by the Detroit Tigers in the 13th round — 421st overall — of Friday's MLB Draft. Going pro wasn't even a question.
"I knew if I was going to get drafted, I was going to play baseball,” Taylor told the Muskogee Phoenix on Friday. He couldn't be reached for comment Saturday. "I had a lot of people in my town that wanted me to go to OU. But it's my decision, and I like baseball more than football.”
Taylor plans to sign a rookie contract today. Vian baseball coach John Brockman confirmed Taylor is negotiating a $100,000 signing bonus plus money for tuition, should he choose to return to college.
Securing a large signing bonus is important for players drafted outside the first few rounds. Rookies in short-season leagues — like the Gulf Coast League, where Taylor could land — are guaranteed just $850 per month.
"Londell was only going to (sign with Detroit) if they met him on his terms,” said Brockman. "They're still working on the details, but he's going to get what he wants.”
Last fall, Taylor caught 47 passes for 1,171 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading Vian to the Class 2A state championship football game. His size, speed and numbers first caught the eye of North Carolina coach Butch Davis. Bob Stoops' gaze shortly followed.
But Taylor's senior baseball stats — a .540 batting average, with nine home runs, 14 doubles and five triples — complicated things.
"We never really had any contact with MLB teams until this spring, so playing pro baseball wasn't in the picture when he signed with OU,” said Brockman. Fourteen major league clubs scouted Taylor this spring. The Tigers drafted him as a center fielder.
Taylor had discussed with Sooner coaching staff the prospect of playing both football and baseball in Norman, though as of this week he hadn't received clearance.
"He'd said all along that baseball was his first love and that if he had the opportunity he would take it,” said Brockman, adding Taylor had received clearance to play both sports from other schools recruiting him in football.
"He struggled with the decision, but I think this will make him the happiest. That's important because when it comes down to it, he's going to be the one living with it.”
Despite his signing, Taylor will still hold four years of football scholarship eligibility, should he decide to return to Oklahoma.
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