Taylor Cole was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 29th round of the 2011 draft (photo credit: Vancouver Canadians)

While Taylor Cole was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007 and the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008, he joined the Blue Jays’ organization in 2011 after being selected in the 29th round.

Cole admitted that he did not sign in 2007 as he felt he would greatly benefit from playing college ball. In 2008, he also mentioned that he decided to bypass the draft and serve on a mission, which, interestingly enough, was in Toronto, Ontario.

In fact, Cole’s two-year mission was initiated thanks to advice from Baltimore Orioles’ Jeremy Guthrie. Cole told JaysProspects: “After my first year in college, at the age of 19, I served a two-year mission for my church in, of all places, Toronto Canada.  I have grown to love Canada from both serving my mission in Toronto and playing my first year of pro ball in Vancouver.  Serving the mission was a very difficult time, but I know that it was the right thing to do for me at that time in my life.”

After his mission, Cole returned back to the game, attending Brigham Young University, a school that combines both the importance of church and athletics. There, as a softmore, he posted a 5-5 record with a 2.99 ERA. “BYU was a great school in which I spent the first year back from my mission,” Cole stated. “It was a good transition because they were able to help me get back in baseball shape because they deal with return missionaries coming home each year.  I am grateful for the time spent there and the lifelong friends that I made.”

As a softmore at Brigham Young University, Cole posted a 5-5 record with a 2.99 ERA

His time at BYU was also successful as it opened a door to the Toronto Blue Jays organization. In fact, in 2011, in his first year with the Blue Jays, the young right-hander posted a 1-3 record with a 5.88 ERA with 6.7K/9 innings pitched. His dominance on the mound, in fact, helped his team win the Northwest League Championship. “It was a magical season being able to win the championship,” he said.  “My teammates really made it count when it was needed.  When you play better players, you really have to limit your mistakes and make sure that you are dialed in mentally.  I know what it feels like to experience failure and have mistakes that you can control haunt you. I’m grateful for that and am working hard to make sure that I am all I know I can be for this upcoming season.”

The Las Vegas native also found comparable success in college as well, as in 2008, during his freshman year at the College of Southern Nevada, the young prospect went 10-3 with a 1.37 ERA with 87 strikeouts in 92 innings. When asked what has enabled him to find success he admitted that the values his parents bestowed in him have been very beneficial. “My dad always taught me confidence and hard work.  When you put those two together there is a lot that you can accomplish. My mother’s constant support for being there for me in so many ways outside of baseball has also been crucial to my success.”

Additionally, Cole added that he has also found success thus far in his career due to his strong arm and his strong pitch repertoire. “I currently throw two different fastballs, a change up and a slider.  With that said, I am working on other pitches to add to my arsenal,” Cole admitted.

While he has a strong pitches and command, Cole admits that his successes in life can be attributed to the constant support he has received from his wife, Madilyn (pictured above) his parents, coaches, and friends

Interestingly, when Cole attended Bishop Gorman High School he not only needed his repertoire but also strong defensive skills as he played both the position of pitcher and shortstop. His strong skills and versatility enabled him to be declared his school athlete of the year. Finding both success at the plate and on the mound, JaysProspects asked Cole why he chose a career as a pitcher. He replied, “When people asked me what my best tool was as a player I always said my arm.  At any level, there are more pitchers on a team than anything else and I felt that it opened up doors for me to get to the big leagues.”

Now into the offseason, Cole is doing all he can to open up more doors for him to the big leagues. He has admitted that he is presently spending his offseason in his hometown of Las Vegas with his trainer, Dr. Robert Braden, working on getting stronger and more and more ready for the 2012 season.

Living in Las Vegas, Cole also added that he has been to Cashman field, the present home of the AAA-affiliate of the Blue Jays, many times over the years. “I remember going for my birthday one year and having my name announced.  I know that my family and friends would love to see me play there one day and would definitely fill the stands.”

JaysProspects has faith that Cole will continue to work hard and will successfully continue his journey not only to AAA Las Vegas, but to his destination of the Majors as he not only has the skill and determination but also the positive outlook.

In fact, when asked if he had any advice to future players trying to live the dream as Cole is living presently, Cole stated the following: “Work hard so that doors will open.  If they don’t, at least you can know that you did everything in your power and feel at peace towards that.”

JaysProspects wishes Taylor Cole the best of luck working hard opening many doors in his future. We wish him all the best in the 2012 season and thank him kindly for his time.