10/25/2025
Word to the wise……never bet against this young man ever again! Sam York, five year loyal player for Pulpwood, has committed to play baseball for THE Ohio State Buckeyes!! What a dream for this determined, hard working young man!
Sam started out as one of the smallest kids in our program, always gave great effort, but was limited with his size. Nobody wanted Sam on their team, but he continued to work.
By the time he was sixteen, Sam had a grown a little and his skills started coming around. He went from an average 2nd baseman, as he was too small to play anywhere else, to a tremendous Shortstop. He still struggled with his bat a little. But, he continued to work.
When Sam turned seventeen, he finally hit a growth spurt and became a force in our lineup and a fearless leader. He was making plays on the field, as he always did, but his bat awoke and opposing pitchers struggled getting him out. This came by no lucky effort, but pure work-ethic and determination to be the best. Sam became determined to overcome, to persevere, to out-hustle and out-play everyone else on the field. I recall telling college coaches, “Don’t miss out on this young man! He’ll come back to beat you elsewhere if you overlook him!” Still, nobody wanted Sam @ the next level and believed in him. But, he continued to work.
By the time Sam graduated from El Dorado HS and completed his HS career under the watch of Coach Jeff Burson, Sam was a difference maker on the field and off. He began to get a few very low-end offers that were more courtesy offers rather than substantial opportunities for his abilities and work-ethic. Again, God was watching over this young man and, at the last moment, an offer to play @ Hill Junior College in Texas opened up. Rather than stay close and play in smaller leagues and schools, Sam jumped on the opportunity that would change his path forward to D-1 baseball. Sam was now a starting third baseman and his bat was a conference fear - hitting bombshell homeruns off SEC commitments throwing in the upper 90’s frequently. His time had arrived. But, he continued to work.
Sam played this past summer on the East Coast in a summer league with other top level prospects and shined. His reputation as a defensive player and nuke hitter developed and D-2 schools that had originally overlooked Sam, began circling back. Sam politely declined their swooning and opted for larger roles with D-1 schools. After making the Texas League All Star team and starting @ 3rd base, he hit a ball 104 mph off the wall with over 200 schools in attendance watching his performance. The calls began to come in. When THE Ohio State Buckeyes called, it was very humbling for Sam. With much prayer and encouragement from his family, he jumped on this opportunity opened up by his determination and work-ethic.
We are so proud for this young man. Proud for his ability, but just as proud of his faith in God, his humble nature, his dedication to overcome the naysayers, and commitment to Pulpwood, his leadership, his loyalty, and more than anything his character.
Sam York, stay strong brother and continue the path of working even harder now. Man, I never thought I’d ever say this but I’m gonna have to purchase some Ohio State Buckeyes gear!! Way to go Sam!!
