Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League have announce the signing of catcher Dan Sheppard (Iowa) and left-handed pitcher Ty Taylor (Oklahoma) to their 2012 roster. Both players are sophomores at their respective schools.

This past season, Sheppard appeared in 32 games while starting 25 of them for the Hawkeyes. In those 32 games, he hit .234 in 94 at-bats while tallying 22 hits, five of which were doubles and 10 RBI. The Downers Grove, Illinois native scored 13 runs and was also 3-3 in stolen bases and attempts. 

Born on February 25, 1991, he attended Downers Grove North High School. There he was a two-time all-conference and all-academic honoree. He was named to the all-area team his senior season to go with an all-state selection in 2009. Sheppard was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 30th round (920th pick). His stats for his senior campaign included a .430 batting average with six home runs, 28 RBI and six stolen bases. Sheppard is the son of Rich and Sue Sheppard. 

In 2012 for Oklahoma, Taylor came off the bench in 14 games to play the outfield but joins the Bucks as a pitcher. The Cleburne, Texas native pitched in five games for the Sooners finishing with a 6.97 ERA in 10.1 innings while walking four batters and striking out three.

Born in Amarillo, Texas, Taylor was a four-year letter winner at Cleburne High School under head coach Ross Taylor. He was a four-time all-district honoree who compiled a career 37-9 record in 80 innings. The southpaw finished his senior season with a 14-4 record and a 0.80 ERA and was named District 16-4A MVP as well as all-state in 2010.

The Bucks are in Mankato Sunday with first pitch set for 6:05 pm but then begin a six-game home stand on Monday night. The first is against the MoonDogs but the next five will be against the Border Cats of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. First pitch Monday night is set for 6:35 as are all the other games on the home stand. Keep checking back into www.waterloobucks.com for all of your latest information on The Cedar Valley’s Home Team.