R.I.P. Robert "Hawk" Taylor

[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.

[CarltonHendricks]

Bill, Good write up...Do you have photos of him in his playing days and latter?....or any ephemera you could post?

[Bill Rayburn]

Originally Posted by CarltonHendricks

Bill, Good write up...Do you have photos of him in his playing days and latter?....or any ephemera you could post?

Hey Carlton--Thanks, the first photo is a copy of the wire photo when he signed in 1957. The second is the cover of the 1966 The Sporting News "One For The Book". Hawk is the catcher and that is Dodger Al Ferarra sliding in. Hawk always liked to keep a few of these around to give to friends.

[Bob Lemke]

In my Wisconsin neighborhood, Taylor's 1958 rookie card was one of the most sought-after Milwaukee Braves cards that summer. Second only to Hurricane Hazle.

I'd saved a Hawk Taylor image for eventual use in a 1957-style custom card.

1963 Hawk Taylor.jpg

I see now, though, that it won't work on a '57, since he's wearing the 1958+ screaming injun patch.

[HRBAKER]

Bill, sorry to hear this.
I know he was a good friend.

Jeff

[Bill Rayburn]

Originally Posted by HRBAKER

Bill, sorry to hear this.
I know he was a good friend.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff, he was a good friend. He always enjoyed meeting knowledgeable baseball people like yourself and was amazed that you and others would drive long distances to join in on our little back yard get togethers.

[Leon]

Sounds like just a wonderful gentleman. Sure wish I would have got to meet him. Sorry for your loss Bill.....

and RIP sir.

[cliftons8]

I met Hawk at Bill's house a couple of years ago. He was with the 57 Braves and won a World Series that year. A few years later he won the Junior World Series with the Louisville team. He let me wear both rings. Super nice man, and a friend to all the Murray collectors.
RIP Hawk.

Mike

[CarltonHendricks]

Sorry to hear you've lost a good friend Bill.

[Bill Rayburn]

Thanks guys for all your kind comments. Hawk's Memorial Service was today. A large crowd in attendance, it was a great send off. At the end of the service...you guessed it--TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME sung by all.