The History of Nate Jurney Field at RVHS

The Legacy of #17

As a sophomore at Ralston Valley High School in 2006, upon his return from Arizona with the Varsity Baseball Team where he had just completed pitching 3 innings of a combined no-hitter, Nate Jurney was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in his left knee and femur. A devastating diagnosis for a young man who ate, drank and breathed baseball 24 hours a day.

Over the course of the next 2 years, Nate underwent several rounds of intense chemotherapy, followed by knee replacement surgery as he battled everyday to return to the diamond.

As a Senior in 2008, Nate once again was intent on returning to the Varsity squad to compete for a state championship. While the cancer in his leg was gone it had begun to spread to other parts of his body, including his lungs. His doctors wanted to perform open chest surgery to remove the tumors growing in his lungs, which would certainly sideline him for the upcoming season and end his high school baseball career. Nate decided to go against his doctors wishes and forego surgery until after the season, knowing the impact his decision could make in his battle with cancer and ultimately his life.

On May 17th, 2008, the team had made it to the 4A State Baseball Championship where they needed 2 wins to secure the first baseball title in RVHS history. After winning the first game, Nate was the DH for the Championship game, wearing his favorite #17 jersey. He produced 2 hits; a sharp single and a double that landed just short of the left field wall. His limping and gritty run to the bag earned a standing ovation from everyone in the stadium, including the opposing team and fans. RV went on to win that game 8-4 to earn the 4A State Championship trophy for 2008.

Following graduation, Nate did undergo his lung surgery and battled for 2 more years before finally succumbing to the disease that is ruthless and indiscriminate. On May 21, 2010, Nate had his final at-bat. His memorial service was held on the baseball field at Ralston Valley and was attended by hundreds wearing baseball attire, #17’s and clothes worthy of a celebration of life that touched so many.