United in losing their fathers, Royals duo help deliver Game 1 win

— -- KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- As Chris Young was churning his way through the New York Mets' lineup in the 12th, 13th and 14th innings of World Series Game 1 Tuesday night, the human side of him was dealing with a sense of emptiness that only a child who has lost a parent can fully understand.

Putting one foot in front of the other has been a day-to-day proposition of late. Young lost his father, Charles, to cancer in late September, and in some respects he finds sanctuary at the ballpark. But even in the heat of competition, barely a moment passes when his mind doesn't flash to some piece of advice or guidance to help him navigate the rough patches.

It's as if an angel is resting on his shoulder, forging a path to help him cope and compete.

"Almost every inning tonight I was thinking about my dad and hearing his voice," Young said after Kansas City's 5-4, 14-inning victory. "Any time I lose focus, I hear my dad in my head saying, 'Concentrate. Focus on what you need to do to help this club win.' He's with me constantly. It's still fresh for me, and tonight brought back a tough night I went through a month ago. Words can't describe the pain I feel for Eddy tonight."

Young was referring to Kansas City pitcher Edinson Volquez, who started Game 1 on the same day his father passed away in the Dominican Republic. In the coming days and weeks, Volquez will rely on the friendship of his fellow Royals to help him through the despair. Two Kansas City players in particular can relate to him in a way that transcends team colors or a shared desire to spray champagne.

Kansas City third baseman Mike Moustakas lost his mother, Connie, to cancer in August -- barely a month before Charles Young's death. Weeks before Volquez's personal tragedy, his two teammates came to grips with the challenge of having to tunnel their way through personal loss.