Just read this in Martin Samuels column. Hearts are bigger in Texas Johnathan Taylor, an outfielder with the University of Georgia, was the 33rd pick of the Texas Rangers in Major League Baseball's amateur draft last week. Taylor was not like the 32 hopefuls that had gone before, however. He is paralysed. A freak accident on the baseball field has left him quadriplegic. Doctors say it is unlikely he will recover. Poignant story: Johnathan Taylor He had been hopeful of a career in the major leagues when, on March 6, Taylor collided with team-mate Zach Cone and broke his neck. Cone was named as the Rangers' second pick in the draft. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros stuck by a relief pitcher called Buddy Lamothe, who was also paralysed after breaking his spine in a diving accident. Lamothe, who attended San Jacinto Junior College, became the Astros' 40th pick. The clubs had no motivation to do this beyond simple decency. It is likely both men will be offered nominal, short-term professional contracts to help with their rehabilitation and self-esteem. Obviously, they will never play. Maybe, in time, they can fulfil another role at the clubs. For the moment, though, they have been given the opportunity to realise a dream: they did sign as professional ball players. 'We are trying to do something nice,' said Kip ***g, Rangers director of amateur scouting. 'Had Johnathan not been injured, I think it was likely he would have played professionally. He's a great kid, he's going through a terrible time in his life and we thought this would lift him.' Everybody knows the gestures are merely symbolic. Hope of recovery for both young men will never extend to a playing career in professional sport. Yet the social responsibility of the Texas franchises is inspirational and touching. Would our own clubs display such a strong sense of community? We would like to think so, but who Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/te...-fresh-air-killjoy-Britain.html#ixzz1Pc22mBHt
