While watching the Houston Astros nab their first World Series title in team history Wednesday night, it was hard not to think about Chuck Young.

The legendary long-time Bridge City baseball coach passed away Wednesday in Texas City.

Young spent almost 30 years as the head baseball coach for the Redbirds from 1968 to 1996 and with it came a ton of playoff appearances and district titles, including a Class 4A State Finals trip in 1992. What a team that was.

He then moved on to Texas City where he had a great deal of success with the Stingarees program and led them to a State Tournament appearance as well.

His squads made the playoffs 31 times and won district titles 15 times as he had nearly 700 wins. It also included six regional finals appearance and 10 regional semifinal appearances. I remember like it was just yesterday talking to him after he made the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame back in 2008.

Dealing with Coach Young when I first entered the newspaper business back in 1993 was such a blast.

He always had great one-liners and jokes that I will carry with me the rest of my life. I could always count on Chuck calling in his scores whether the Cardinals won or lost, which is rare these days, but he always said, “Win, lose or draws, my kids play hard and play to the best of their ability and they deserve all the recognition they can get.”

I remember picking on him all the time for the Cardinals having four-hour baseball games and he would tell me “Quit griping about it young man, Mrs. Judy has plenty of food for you up in the pressbox.”

Trust me, Mrs. Judy was even funnier than the Chuckster.

And the memories of hearing him and legendary West Orange-Stark coach Ronnie Anderson telling some “tall” tales and stories from the past were simply priceless.

Not only did Coach Young producing outstanding ball players, he taught them about life and that was what was most important.

A lot of his players always talked about how he taught them about accountability, discipline, hard work, team work and fortitude.

He always seemed to be able to take a group of boys and turn them into men. He always helped kids find the very best in themselves.

Coach Young will be remembered a lot for all of those victories but what he will be remembered for the most is the smiles he always left on peoples’ faces.

Condolences go out to his amazing wife Judy and family.

He was a true treasure indeed.

Coach Young’s funeral will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Carnes Funeral Home in Texas City.