When Sinclair sophomore Taylor Hoisington came out swinging to start the year, so did the rest of Pride.
Through 23 games, Hoisington ripped his way to an impressive start hitting .372 with 3 HRs and 20 RBIs. The 6-foot-1, 182-pound sophomore is also among the team leaders in extra-base hits, slugging percentage, runs and total bases. As of April 1, Sinclair’s record stands at 16-7.
Hoisington said he doesn’t have an answer for his explosive start.
“Every season I normally come out slow,” Hoisington said. “This year, it was a little different. I came out seeing the ball real well. It always helps when you go up there and don’t think and just swing the bat.”
Pride coach Steve Dintaman expects his right-handed run producer keep warm throughout the spring.
“There will be times where everyone will go through slumps, but he’s worked hard and understands the mental approach to the game,” Dintaman said.
“Everything Taylor’s got at this point, he’s earned. He’s done a very good job for us. That’s probably why he was voted on as a captain, as well.”
After graduating from Walsh Jesuit High School in 2006, Hoisington signed a scholarship to attend Savannah College of Art and Design. When Hoisington didn’t score the required 18 on his ACT, he took a trip to Sinclair and accepted a scholarship from former coach Mike Goldschmidt.
When Goldschmidt departed for Urbana University, Dintaman stepped in and impressed Hoisington immensely.
“He’s not an in-your-face kind of coach,” Hoisington said. “He’s real personable with the players and creates those good relationships with players.
“Me and Steve have a real good relationship. I can talk to him about anything. I think that’s what you need with the young coaches. He busts his butt and really puts forth the effort to make this program better.”
After the season, Hoisington will take his baseball career to Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne.
“I really had no idea what to expect or anything,” Hoisington said about the campus. “I went up and kind of fell in love with it up there.”
Hoisington is majoring in Construction Management and dreams of one day owning his personal construction company. Ever since he was a kid, Hoisington has shown interest in the building.
“I’ve always been able to work with my hands,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in it and it’s what I want to do.”
That doesn’t mean he wouldn’t consider professional baseball if the right offer came calling.
“I’d definitely consider it and think about it,” Hoisington said. “I don’t think you really can pass that up.”