How legendary coach William Booth was honored at the AHSAA Class 6A baseball final

JACKSONVILLE — Despite falling in Game 3 of the Class 6A baseball state championship to Hillcrest Tuscaloosa, the week was an emotional rollercoaster for Hartselle baseball.

Coach William Booth passed away Wednesday morning after being absent the majority of the season after falling ill. In 2021, Booth was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach, intestines and liver. The fall of that year, he was cleared of the cancer and watched Hartselle win the 2022 state championship.

Game 3 Highlights: Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa baseball defeats Hartselle and claims the AHSAA Class 6A Championship

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Booth, who was 79, won nine state championships after taking over in 1988. In 36 seasons, he finished with 1,217 career wins and is the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s all-time winningest coach.

During the trophy presentation Friday, Hartselle assistant coach Jake Miles presented Mason Booth, son of William Booth, with the game ball.

Miles said doing that was important.

“I think it’s important to give respect to the people who put a lot into this community,” Miles said. “They have been having a hard time with their family and dealing with coach's sickness. For him to be here today and support our kids knowing that the funeral is Saturday says a lot about him and the family.

“Why wouldn’t I? We are not the head coach. Coach Booth is the head coach. All of the assistants stepped up this year, and we did our best to honor him. It was only right to acknowledge him afterward because he’s earned that respect.”

Hillcrest coach Mark Garner wasted no time to acknowledge Booth's legacy in Alabama. During his opening remarks at the postgame news conference, he called it a privilege to have known the legendary figure.

“I want to tip my hat to Hartselle. That’s not only a great program, but we also honor coach Booth,” Garner said. “It was a privilege to know and play against him. We want to continue our prayers for their team, family and community. What he did for the sport in the state of Alabama is indescribable."

Hartselle players found out about the passing of their coach Wednesday morning, a day before Game 1 of the Class 6A championship series. Hartselle fell 14-3 in the opening game and forced a Game 3 after a 10-3 victory Friday afternoon.

Senior Cade Miles said if Booth was here he would’ve said his usual message to the team.

“Nice Job. Keep Fighting,” Miles said. “That's what his message to us was. No matter the circumstances, you are never out of a game until you give up. He always wanted us to keep fighting, and that’s what we did.”

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: How legendary coach William Booth was honored at the AHSAA Class 6A baseball final