[Bill Rayburn]

Robert "Hawk" Taylor passed away Saturday, June 9, 2012 at the age of 73. Hawk was a catcher/outfielder for the Milwaukee Braves, New York Mets, California Angels and Kansas City Royals. He signed with the Braves in 1957 right out of high school and was the highest paid "Bonus Baby" at that time. After his playing days were over he finished college, coached baseball and lived on Kentucky Lake near Murray, KY. Hawk enjoyed attending the old St Louis shows with us and has attended a couple of Nationals. He would trade out an autograph for some of his old baseball cards and give them to the kids he would meet. I guess everyone has a hero in life and his was Ted Williams. He was a good friend and he will be missed.