That is an opinion piece.
Sumiton Christian coach Ricky Bowen credit senior Yancey Younger with a press release that impressed his staff to this yr's Class 1A baseball championship.
“I feel it was Yancey who mentioned a setback isn’t as huge as a comeback,” Bowen mentioned.
It was meant to inspire the Eagles after dropping within the 2023 playoffs.
It goes a lot deeper for Younger, who performed in Wednesday's doubleheader regardless of persevering with to battle most cancers.
“All of the glory to God,” Younger mentioned after Sumiton's commanding 14-3 win over Candy Water in Sport 3. “I wouldn't be right here with out him.” My staff wouldn't be right here.”
Bowen mentioned Younger's medical journey started final summer time. After coping with again ache, he went to the physician. The primary prognosis was a dislocated rib.
“He would get higher, then the ache would come again and never go away,” Bowen mentioned.
Younger went again to the physician in July for one more opinion.
“They did a CT scan they usually discovered the most important mass behind his coronary heart,” Bowen mentioned. “I feel it was 8 or 8.5 inches. That was the reason for all of the ache and discomfort.”
Younger started chemotherapy. An operation adopted.
“When he went to the hospital, your entire Sumiton baseball household swarmed him,” Bowen mentioned. “We lined him with prayer. We introduced meals as a result of he likes to eat. We introduced him Legos – something we might consider to make. I give Yancey a whole lot of credit score for not being a bunch of people, however a household. We rallied with him and behind him.”
Sadly for Younger, the journey doesn’t finish there. Bowen mentioned he nonetheless takes 16 tablets an evening. His final appointment was Might 6. He underwent chemotherapy and a lumbar puncture and performed Sumiton within the fourth spherical two days later.
“Seeing him on the sector in these playoffs wasn't a gimmick,” Bowen mentioned. “I truthfully consider he gave us the perfect probability to provide offensively. Yancey finds the barrels and strikes the ball. Figuring out what he went by way of, his willpower to be on the sector along with his teammates, his brothers, means every little thing. Yancey created this staff. He was the glue that held us collectively. He's a real competitor who by no means provides up.”
Younger performed in simply 14 video games on the season and had simply 33 plate appearances, however he performed a key function in opposition to Candy Water. In Sumiton's Sport 3, he went 3-for-4 because the staff's designated hitter with three RBI and a run scored. He additionally had a stroll.
“His eyes are targeted forward and never on the scenario or the mountain in entrance of him,” Bowen mentioned. “However to the promised land on the opposite aspect.
Certainly, the failure is not going to be almost as nice because the comeback!
“It's disappointing that I didn't play all yr, however the satisfaction of taking part in within the playoffs and having an excellent day in the present day means every little thing,” Younger mentioned after his staff's win on Wednesday.
The departure of a legend
As we rejoice the ultimate week of highschool baseball in our state this week, it was a bit unhappy — however maybe becoming — that we additionally rejoice the lifetime of William Sales space.
Teaching legend Hartselle died Wednesday morning on the age of 79. He spent almost 4 a long time as Hartselle's baseball coach, profitable 9 state championships. He additionally led the Tigers to 4 runner-up finishes.
Hartselle has an opportunity to win a tenth title in the present day if it will possibly sweep Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa within the Class 6A last. It gained't be simple, as Hillcrest gained Sport 1 on Thursday in dominating style.
No matter occurs, Sales space's influence on the sport of baseball on this state and on 1000’s of student-athletes can’t be ignored.
Coaches throughout the state took to social media this week to pay tribute to Sales space.
Hoover coach Adam Moseley wrote, “Simply an enormous loss. Coach Sales space was the winner. He illustrated the sport with anybody, anytime, wherever. Extra importantly, he was an amazing particular person and a supporter of all coaches. I want I might hear the dialog he’s having in heaven with among the different greats who’ve handed.”
James Clemens coach Johnny Johnson wrote, “What an influence he had on the sport of baseball in our state. Take a look at his numbers. The years in schooling alone are overwhelming. Like Sammy Dunn earlier than him, males like him set the usual.”
Relaxation up coach.
You can be missed.
Thought for the week
“Be nonetheless and know that I’m God.” – Psalm 46:10
Ben Thomas is a highschool sports activities author AL.com. He was named one of many Alabama Sports activities Writers Affiliation's 50 Legends. Comply with him on twitter at @BenThomasPreps or electronic mail him at bthomas@al.com. You may hear him weekly on “Inside Excessive College Sports activities” on SportsTalk 99.5 FM on cellular or on the free IHeart Radio app on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
