Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Taylor Byrd to their roster for the 2013 season. Byrd,  a junior at the Nicholls State University, is the tenth player to be named to Waterloo’s roster for the team’s 19th season.

Last year, Byrd played at Pearl River Community College where he compiled a 6-3 record in 11 games. The 6’1", 185-pounder finished the season with a 3.86 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 53.2 innings pitched.

"Taylor is a left-handed pitcher that we are going to count on fill one of our starter rolls for us this summer," said Bucks manager Travis Kiewiet. "It sounds like he’s going to be a weekend starter at Nicholls State so he’ll have plenty of game experience when he comes to us. Taylor’s current pitching coach at Nicholls State is Rudy Darrow, who was the pitching coach here in Waterloo during the 2011 season."

Byrd was recently honored by Baseball America in their annual College Baseball Preview edition. The Petal, Mississippi native was named as the third best newcomer to the Southland Conference and the conference’s 10th best prospect for the 2013-14 Major League Baseball Drafts. 
 
Born August 15, 1992, Byrd attended Petal High School where he was a two-time All-State and All-District selection. Taylor is the son of Lee and Becky Byrd.

The Bucks will open the 2013 season at home versus the St. Cloud Rox on May 29. Season tickets, group outings, and single-game tickets are currently on sale. For more information, call the Bucks’ Ticket Line at (319) 232-5633. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.