Position: pitcher Bats: left Throws: left

Willie Young would get a leave of absence from Stockham to play with the Barons and "Piper" Davis without losing any of his seniority.

He worked from 1935 to 1975 - 40 years at Stockham. On Dec. 23, 1942, Willie married and will be celebrating their 58th anniversary. As a youngster, Willie would shine shoes on a downtown sidewalk for 5 cents a pair.

The Dunbar Theatre on 29th Ave. in North Birmingham is where Willie got his first real job. This theatre was the only theatre that the black folks could to see a move.

Lydia, Willie's Mom, did alterations for a living so she raised five children with his dad Willie C. Young Sr.. Dad owned a press shop. He has two brothers and 2 sisters. He attended Hudson Elementary School and Industrial High School where mathematics and history were his favoirit3e subjects. His favorite teacher was Mrs. Hill. Mrs. Martin, a teacher of his elementary school would place Willie as pitcher one day on the playground when some of the regular pitchers were out of school. This is the position he would play from that day forward.

Willie was born without a right hand. He would always get bats and balls for the kids to play with. His dad would encourage Willie to play with them. He was a very easy-going kid that made many friends.

* Willie passed away in August of 2002 - All of us that new him and loved him were truly blessed by his friendship. We will miss him.