Obituaries: Joe Taylor, 1949, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: August 4, 1949 Winn Parish Enterprise

S. L. Garrett's Nephew Victim of Lightning in Fla.

Joe Taylor, 22, of Crestview, Fla., and nephew of S. L. Garrett of Winnfield,
was the third victim of the bolt of lightning that flashed across a baseball
diamond at the start of a game in Baker, Fla., July 31, killing two instantly
on the field, and burning Taylor seriously, which resulted in his death. 
About 50 others were shocked by the bolt.

"We had just run out to our positions to start a game against Munson," said
left fielder Gordon Walther, the closest surviving player to the path of the
lightning bolt.

"There was a loud crack like a big whip and a brilliant line of fire ran downn
the third base line," Walther said.  "It blinded me and I fell over like I had
been kicked, but I wasn't hurt."

"Then came this awful thunder and when I could see again I noticed all our
infielders lying on the ground and people started running all over the field,
shouting and screaming.  The lightning cut a furrow about 20 feet long and
several inches deep down the third base line."