Johnathan Taylor's love for the game stays strong

For any professional sports team, the employees are the most impactful in providing fans with a memorable experience. Which is why the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act is so important to the fan experience. For the Braves, their gameday staff and guest services team are the first line of defense and provide fans with their first impression of Braves Country inside Truist Park.

One of those employees includes former standout University of Georgia baseball star, Johnathan Taylor. Taylor has been a pivotal member of the team, and since joining the gameday staff this season, he has always showed up with a smile and an unconscious will to be his best self every day.

“The story about Johnathan was very impactful, and I knew from just talking to him that he would be a great addition to the team,” said Taylor’s manager and guest services coordinator Kyle Santarsiero. “He has a great story. Johnathan is a guy who wants to interact with people and enhance the fan experience.”

Prior to joining the Braves’ gameday staff, Taylor was a promising young outfielder for the Georgia Bulldogs and was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2011. In three seasons for the Bulldogs, Taylor started 91 games, posted a career .312 average and racked up 36 stolen bases.

However, on March 6, 2011, Taylor collided with a teammate in a matchup against Florida State, injuring his C-5 and C-6 vertebrae. Despite his baseball career being sidelined, Taylor is stronger than he has ever been.

“At the end of the day, I want to change people’s lives,” said Taylor. “If I can change someone’s life just by them seeing me and being positive, that’s enough. I am willing to sacrifice myself for the greater good. I come here happy, and it’s contagious.”

Following his injury in 2011, Georgia coach David Perno struggled with how to regroup himself and his team.

“[Taylor] is the heart and soul of our program,” said Perno. “He’s the face of our program. It’s a struggle, because you can’t replace him.”

Perno’s words from 2011 continue to ring true as Taylor still holds his title as the heart and soul of the team in his current role as a member of the Truist Club staff.

“He realizes that people are coming here to be entertained and have a good time, and that is the role we play here as the hosts,” said senior coordinator of guest services Katie Hearn. “He does a great job with that and is something that he is passionate about ensuring that everyone who comes through the club enjoys their experience.”

After going through rehab and evaluating his next steps, Taylor initially wasn’t expecting to be around the game this much. However, after taking time away from the diamond, he returned to North Cobb High School and found a new love in the form of teaching, and he continues to help grow the game by coaching and training the next generation of ballplayers.

“After watching on TV so much, I realized I had the opportunity to change people’s lives,” said Taylor. “Life is short, there is a beginning and there is an end, and I want to be able to give back as much as possible.”

On July 26, 1990, George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. Whether at Turner Field or Truist Park, the Braves’ organization has been committed to providing not only their fans but their employees with the tools needed within a championship-level organization. That culture is due to Hearn, who also serves as the club’s ADA coordinator. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 61 million adults live with a disability. For the fans who like stats, which equates to around 26 percent (one in four) of adults in the United States.

“We want to make sure we are making our ballpark accessible to all guests. Disabilities are visible or invisible and we have tried to create programs to allow all these guests to enjoy their experience,” said Hearn.

For some, the policies implemented through the ADA may not be that noticeable, however the ADA is one of the most influential pieces of legislation created to prohibit the discrimination and guarantees citizens with disabilities the same opportunities and rights as anyone else.

“By being in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the main thing it did was provide equal access, not special treatment,” said Hearn. “Which means whatever they are looking for, they have the same access an opportunity as their neighbor who doesn’t have a disability.”

For the Braves, Hearn and Taylor have been vital members of the team not only based on their skill but their ability to make the people around them better.

Although he may not be in the Majors, he may coach the next star to don a Braves uniform.

“I wanted to come back and see what I could give back,” said Taylor. “I try to make people's day and make them realize that people in wheelchairs can also do just as much as someone who is able and shouldn’t hold back. It’s the game I love and what better place to come to."