Young graduated from Fordham University in the Bronx in 1936 and was working out at Yankee Stadium when he broke his hand. He received a call at the ballpark from the Giants, inviting him to travel with them. They farmed him out in 1937 and, after his MVP 1939 season in the Southern Association, made him their first baseman. Though he drove in more than 100 runs in both 1940 and 1941, Young did not meet New York’s expectations. In 1943 he joined the Coast Guard. He returned in 1946, led the NL with 32 pinch-hitting appearances, and moved on to the Reds and Cardinals. After being invited by the Yankees to spring training in 1949, he injured his leg and left baseball.
