Bell Buckle’s Chuck Taylor

Did you know that one of baseball’s greats once called Bell Buckle home? His nickname was even “Bell Buckle”. Charles Gilbert Taylor was born in Shelbyville and lived in little Bell Buckle for his first 18 years.

Chuck Taylor, as he was known, lettered in baseball and basketball at Bell Buckle High School and graduated in 1960. He received a baseball scholarship at MTSU and honed his incredible skill for baseball there. He eventually became a professional playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers and Montreal Expos!

He wrapped up his major league career in 1976. He was a valued MTSU alumni and remained involved there for many years.

In 1974, he described his growing up in Bell Buckle – “Aw, it’s a little bitty town with about 300 people. Most people are farmers. There’s one traffic light in town.” He milked cows and worked in the fields, but he also made time for sports, of course.

Ready for an April Fools connection? In a 2001 Daily News-Journal article, Chuck’s wife, Joyce Ann, remembered when Chuck was a St. Louis Cardinal, she called the baseball wives and asked if they had heard their husbands were traded for another team?! Talk about a surprise! She, of course, announced it was April Fools Day following their shocked responses.

There you have another famous Bell Buckle resident! Any of you Bell Buckle High alumni remember him? Chime in!