Note: June is always a big month around high schools. There is graduation and the end of scholastic sports careers for seniors – plus Father’s Day, which is Sunday.

During previous Junes, Tom Williams has turned over his column to Ocean City athletes Nicholl and Abbey Fenton, Danielle and Andrew Donoghue, Stephanie Gaitley, Matt Woolley, Jeff Boyd, Allison Rinck, Erik Geisinger, Owen Ritti, Doug Colman, Allie Moreland, Tracey LeFever, the Degenhardt sisters, Chelsea Bruno, Danielle McNally, Dave & Casey Beyel, the Mensinger brothers, the Donahue sisters, the Impagliazzos, the Baruffis and Shaune McLaughlin, among others, to write about their fathers. And to Tori Rolls Rhodes to write about her grandfather.

20 years of them are available HERE.

This year, sophomore Evan Taylor, who this year set new OCHS baseball records for batting average and runs batted in during one season and tied the record for doubles, writes about his father, Ryan. Evan was selected to play on the Tri-Cape team in the prestigious Carpenter Cup, featuring the best players from the Cape-Atlantic League and Tri-County Conference. The Tri-Cape team has won the Carpenter Cup each of the last two years. Evan singled in a 7-4 win Thursday in the opening game.

Ryan Taylor was the top athlete in his OCHS Class for football, track and basketball. He still holds the school record for pass receptions during one football season when he caught 55 in 2000.

By EVAN TAYLOR, Guest Columnist

With Father’s Day coming up, I’d like to honor my dad, Ryan Taylor, the dad everyone wishes they had. From an early age I witnessed a man who connected to kids of all ages. He was like the Pied Piper of 29th Street Beach, playing ball and showing kids how to surf or ride a boogie board. He is genuine, and that’s what attracts people to him. 

My dad grew up in the Ocean City school system, and he was well known for his sense of humor and frequent pranks. But he was best known for his athletic ability. From an early age, he played every sport. He was actually an outstanding baseball player while attending intermediate school but, because of his ADHD, he realized unless he was pitching or on first base, it was hard to stay focused.

Eventually, he went to high school and was an all-around athlete, playing basketball, football, and participating in track. In his junior year, his football team beat Mainland for the South Jersey championship, and he was named MVP. In his senior year he won the trophy for outstanding male athlete,  a trophy I see every day walking through the halls of Ocean City high school. 

I inherited his love of sports. He encouraged me to try everything. I played football, basketball, soccer, street hockey and baseball. But even at an early age, I preferred baseball over every other sport. My dad recognized this and encouraged me to work out and play every chance I got. He supported my love of baseball by having me play on traveling teams, entering as many tournaments as possible. He has gone without to make sure I took advantage of every opportunity to better my game. We celebrate my victories and share disappointment at losses but, even then, he would always try to look on the bright side and come up with some positives after a loss.

My dad tells me to strive to be better every day. I always hope to reach new heights and I know my dad will always have my back through thick and thin. One of my fondest memories is when I was playing on one of the local teams and some of the kids were really struggling. When my father would take me to practice hitting, he always picked up these kids and helped give them extra instruction. He was so patient with them. Not long ago a postcard picturing one of these kids came to the house thanking him for his help and letting him know that he just tried out and made a team. And it was because of my dad.

I’m so lucky to be his son. I thank him for everything he does every day. He doesn’t wear a cape but, to many, he is Superman. By the way, he needs to learn to stop jumping and twitching every time I’m at bat. He needs to learn to relax, because there will be lots more games in our future.

Love you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day!