Eric Young Sr., a name that resonates through the annals of Major League Baseball, spent 15 seasons weaving his talent across seven teams, from the Colorado Rockies to the San Diego Padres. A .283 career hitter with 79 home runs, 543 RBI and 465 stolen bases, he earned an All‑Star nod in 1996 and was a cornerstone of the Rockies’ inaugural squad in 1993.
After hanging up his glove, Young transitioned into coaching, guiding prospects in the Atlanta Braves system and the Washington Nationals’ affiliate, the Rox. His reputation as an authentic, player‑first mentor set the stage for his next chapter.
A Journey From the Majors to the WPBL
Now at the helm of the Los Angeles Queens, Young leads a team in the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) as the league’s inaugural season unfolds. The Queens, based in Los Angeles, California, open their campaign on August 1, 2023, entering a landscape where female athletes have long fought for visibility.
Young’s coaching philosophy mirrors the underdog narrative that defined his own rise. He tells his players that the same grit that carried him from the minor leagues to the majors can propel them to prove women belong at the highest level of the sport.
The resonance between his journey and the challenges faced by WPBL athletes is more than symbolic; it is a blueprint. By sharing his story, Young not only inspires but also validates the league’s mission to showcase talent regardless of gender.