“A touching story of grief and resilience, Play Like He Would highlights what may be the biggest wins on the field: friendship, community, and life lessons.”
A True Story of Loss, Legacy, and What It Means to Never Give Up
On a crisp October night in 1999, the Bremond Tigers took the field in Milano, Texas, carrying the hopes of their small town. Then, in a single devastating moment, 16-year-old Jason Yancy collapsed and died of an undiagnosed heart condition, leaving his teammates, coaches, and community shattered.
Play Like He Would tells the unforgettable true story of how a group of teenage boys and their coach, Jerry “Slugger” Hamrick, found the strength to continue after tragedy struck at the heart of their team. Jason wasn't just another player―he was the soul of the Tigers, a kid without a mean heart who lifted everyone around him with his infectious smile and unwavering determination.
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“Hamrick’s moving sports narrative is a story of loss—both the loss of a game and a player who won the hearts of a small Texas town.”
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“An affecting tribute to an athlete who was gone too soon and his resilient community.”
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“Tragedy and triumph collide beneath the Friday night lights in Play Like He Would by Heath Hamrick, a gritty true story of perseverance, honor, and the lasting impact of loss.”
