Another Naylor Makes College Commitment To Texas Tech

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - Living up to successful siblings is not easy, but Myles Naylor is up to the challenge.

The next step for the St. Joan of Arc sophomore is at Texas Tech after a recent commitment to the Big 12 Conference school.

“They motivate me every day to get where they are,” the ninth-ranked 2023 shortstop in North America said in reference to older brothers Josh and Noah, both professional ballplayers in the Cleveland Indians’ organization.

Josh is a 2015 high school grad who made an impression with the Indians this postseason by starting off 5-for-5 against the Yankees in the American League Division Series. Noah, nicknamed Bo, is a 2018 St. Joan of Arc graduate who was the 29th selection of the MLB Draft that year and most recently played with the Lynchburg Hillcats in the Class A Advanced Carolina League

“I’m always asking them for tips … anything about hitting and fielding,” the 15-year-old said.

Naylor now joins his brother's college path in the state of Texas where Josh committed to Texas Tech and Noah to Texas A&M prior to graduation. Both, however, were first-round MLB draft picks out of high school and turned pro before entering college.

“It’s just a coincidence,” Naylor pointed out about the connection with the Lonestar State.

Texas Tech’s interest in the 46th-rated 2023 in the nation began earlier this year.

“It started after my first PBR showcase in late February,” Naylor noted. “After that, one of the coaches talked with my dad about me. I was shocked.”

The recruiting process was, admittedly, uncomfortable.

“At first it was nerve-racking,” Naylor explained. “I’m a quiet guy and don’t talk too much. It was kind of intimidating to me. But over time I got better. Overall, it was a great experience.”

An undergoing that ended with a commitment in late August.

“Coach told me about the school and Josh (one of two Texas Tech players taken in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft),” Naylor said. “I built a good relationship with all the coaches and they gave me a really good offer.”

A virtual tour of the campus was highlighted by the new athletic facilities.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the field and the campus,” Naylor said. “My brother told me it’s amazing.”

There was a good deal for Tech coaches to appreciate about the 6-1 190-pound switch-hitting shortstop.

“They like my hitting, my approach at the plate, the way I field,” Naylor pointed out. “My hands, my style, my confidence. They compared me to Noah and Josh, but that happens all the time. I’m used to it.”

A lot has been learned from his brothers along the way.

“The biggest thing is to work hard all the time,” Naylor said. “Not every day is going to be sunny, you’ve got to fight through it.”

His father, Chris, has been the biggest influence on what is becoming a memorable baseball journey.

“He’s the greatest,” Naylor said of his dad. “He’s always there when I ask him to go practice. He never says no. And he knows what he’s doing.”

Learning to switch hit came with inspiration from his father.

“I started switch-hitting three years ago at the age of 12, but didn’t take it seriously until this year” Naylor noted. “What brought it on was my dad said Noah tried to switch hit but quit.”

The youngest Naylor sees it as a plus.

“It gives me an advantage over pitching which helps my game,” Naylor said. “It’s going okay, but I’ve got a few weak spots I need to practice at.”

There has been a lot of improvement of late in getting to the point of being a Division I college commit.

“I’ve gotten bigger going to the gym and working out,” Naylor explained. “I practice with my dad swinging and fielding every day trying to become a great all-around player. I also practice with my brothers when I can.

“Improvement never ends,” Naylor continued. “There’s room to get better at everything.”

The strong drive to play at the next level started after Noah’s college decision.

“When Noah committed I was like … I need to lock it in to be where he is,” Naylor said.

Tech is the recipient of all the hard work.

“I think I’ll bring it all to them,” Naylor said of what he can provide the program in Lubbock, Texas. “Confidence and swagger. I’ll inspire teammates working hard every day.”

As for a future in professional baseball - and perhaps becoming a third Naylor wearing a uniform in the Indians’ organization - Naylor remained modest.

“A lot of my peers at school joke about it,” Naylor said. “We’ll just see what happens.”

For now, there is happiness in knowing a future college home is waiting.

“My dad was there and when I told my mom she was ecstatic,” Naylor said of making the commitment to Texas Tech. “It was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. But the work’s never done. I’m practicing every day, trying to prove myself.”

After all, it is far from easy living up to the successful paths taken by older brothers and the comparisons made along the way.

“I joke that I’m better than them at this age,” related Naylor, considered more athletic than his siblings - Josh, a first baseman/outfielder, and Noah, a catcher who played middle infield and third base in his younger days. “I ask my dad who’s better and he says me, but i think he just says that to make me happy.”