A Menacing Glare & A Meaningful Moment

That famous scowl gave way to a warm and wide smile and a few tears last Sunday as the Oakland A’s retired Dave Stewart’s #34 in front of the mound that he commanded so well.

The ceremony came before Oakland’s game against the White Sox, and included many A’s royalty –Reggie Jackson, Rickey Henderson, Dennis Eckersley, Terry Steinbach, and Mark McGwire. Nashville Stars Board Chair Alberto Gonzales, his wife, Becky, and Stewart's wife Lonnie Murray?(shown at left below)?were present to celebrate the moment. Also present were former Oakland A's manager, current White Sox manager, and Baseball Advisor Tony La Russa and former A's president Wally Haas?(shown at right below).?Oakland went on to win 10-3, making the day that much sweeter.?Oakland went on to win 10-3, making the day that much sweeter.

In his time with Oakland, Stewart went 119-78 with a 3.73 ERA. Four of those years (1987-90) he won 20 games or more. His time in Oakland gave him one of his three World Series Championships, in 1989. Stewart was an All-Star?in?1989, as well as the World Series MVP that year, and the 1990 ALCS MVP. He was not short of personal or team accolades.?

Known for his pitching and perhaps even more intimidating?“death stare”, Stewart was an Oakland A?through and through. “He exemplifies what it means to be an Oakland A. He gave his heart and soul to this Club and our Oakland community,” said Oakland A’s President Dave Kaval.?

Despite his intimidating presence on the field, Stewart had a special place in his heart for the Oakland community.?In a discussion with NBC?earlier this month, Stewart reflected on the year 1990 when he helped in the earthquake relief.?“San Francisco, they were a community all themselves, and Oakland was a community in itself, and I felt that the athletes that helped me with what we were doing here in Oakland, it wasn't just for Oakland," Stewart added, “it was for both communities.”?

His personality wasn’t only reserved for Oakland;?in fact,?in 1991, Stewart made sure to crack a joke when shaking hands with the late Queen Elizabeth II.?"She laughed. Well, cracked a smile,"?Stewart recounted.?

?Stewart is just the sixth Oakland A’s player to have his number retired, joining Eckersley, Rollie Fingers, Henderson, Catfish Hunter, and?Jackson. His legacy will remain in Oakland, but it also now belongs in Nashville – where he is a board member for Music City Baseball, committed to honoring the legacy of the Negro Leagues and all of baseball with the Nashville Stars.?