Sumiton Christian senior inspires teammates as he battles cancer (2024)

This is an opinion piece.

Sumiton Christian coach Ricky Bowen credits senior Yancey Young with the saying that inspired his team’s run to this year’s Class 1A state baseball championship.

“I think it was Yancey who said a setback is never as great as a comeback,” Bowen said.

It was meant to motivate the Eagles after a 2023 playoff loss.

It goes a lot deeper for Young, who played in Wednesday’s doubleheader despite continuing to battle cancer.

“All glory to God,” Young said following Sumiton’s 14-3, series-clinching victory over Sweet Water in Game 3. “Without Him, I wouldn’t be here. My team wouldn’t be here.”

Bowen said Young’s medical journey started last summer. Dealing with back pain, he went to see a doctor. The first diagnosis was a dislocated rib.

“He would get better, then the pain came back and wouldn’t go away,” Bowen said.

Young went back to a doctor in July for a second opinion.

“They did a CT and found the largest mass behind his heart,” Bowen said. “I think it was 8 or 8.5 inches. That was the cause of all the pain and discomfort.”

Young started chemotherapy. Surgery followed.

“When he went into the hospital, the whole Sumiton baseball family swarmed him,” Bowen said. “We covered him in prayer. We brought food because he loves to eat. We brought him Legos – anything we could think of to do. I give a lot of credit to Yancey for making this -- not a group of individuals -- but a family. We have rallied with him and behind him.”

Unfortunately, the journey is not over for Young. Bowen said he is still taking 16 pills a night. His last appointment was May 6. He had chemotherapy and a lumbar puncture and then played in Sumiton’s fourth-round win two days later.

“Seeing him on the field this playoff run wasn’t a gimmick,” Bowen said. “I honestly believe he gave us the best chance to produce offensively. Yancey finds barrels and moves the ball. Knowing what he has been through, his determination to be on the field with his teammates, his brothers, means everything. Yancey made this team. He was the glue that held us together. He is a true competitor who never gives up.”

Young played in just 14 games and had only 33 plate appearances during the season, but he played a key role against Sweet Water. In Sumiton’s Game 3 win, he went 3-for-4 as the team’s designated hitter with three RBIs and a run scored. He also had a walk.

“His eyes are focused forward and not on the situation or the mountain in front of him,” Bowen said. “But on the promise land on the other side.”

Indeed, the setback won’t be nearly as great as the comeback!

“It’s disappointing not to get to play the whole year, but the satisfaction of playing in the playoffs and having a good day today means everything,” Young said after his team’s victory Wednesday.

The passing of a legend

As we celebrated the ultimate week of high school baseball this week in our state, it has been a little sad – but maybe appropriate – that we also celebrate the life of William Booth.

The Hartselle coaching legend died Wednesday morning at age 79. He spent nearly four decades as Hartselle’s baseball coach, winning nine state championships. He also led the Tigers to four runner-up finishes.

Appropriately, Hartselle has a chance to win a 10th title today if it can sweep Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa in the Class 6A finals. It won’t be easy as Hillcrest won Game 1 on Thursday in dominating fashion.

Whatever happens, Booth’s impact on the game of baseball in this state and on thousands of student-athletes can’t be overlooked.

Coaches from around the state took to social media this week to post tributes to Booth.

Hoover coach Adam Moseley wrote: “Just a tremendous loss. Coach Booth was a winner. He exemplified playing anybody, anytime, anywhere. More importantly, he was a great man and a supporter of all coaches. I wish I could hear the conversation he is having in heaven with some of the other greats who have passed.”

James Clemens coach Johnny Johnson wrote: “What an influence he had on the game of baseball in our state. Look up his numbers. Just the years in education alone is astounding. Like Sammy Dunn before him, the standard is set by men like him.”

Rest easy, coach.

You will be missed.

Thought for the week

“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46: 10

Ben Thomas is the high school sportswriter at AL.com. He has been named one of the 50 legends of the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Follow him on twitter at @BenThomasPreps or email him at bthomas@al.com. He can be heard weekly on “Inside High School Sports” on SportsTalk 99.5 FM in Mobile or on the free IHeart Radio App at 2 p.m. Wednesdays.