Stewart brings wisdom to Junior National Team coaching staff

Former Kansas City Royals catcher Andy Stewart (Oshawa, Ont.) (left) is a new member of the Junior National Team’s coaching staff. Photo: Wade Zanchetta

March 16, 2020

By Wade Zanchetta

Canadian Baseball Network

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Andy Stewart is helping the next generation of Canadian baseball.

The former Kansas City Royals catcher, who grew up in Brockville and Oshawa, Ontario, is now a member of the Junior National Team staff where his experiences are making a valuable contribution.

“It’s just the experience that you can bring to the table for these kids,” said the former big league catcher. “Show them and tell them how hard you’re going to have to work to be able to compete in this business.”

As a member of the Royals’ and Philadelphia Phillies minor league systems, he was able to play in 861 games where he racked up 413 RBI and hit .279.

With the Junior National Team, Stewart provides an example to his young players.

“He brings a ton of perspective, even a ton of understanding of what it takes developmentally to be successful,” said head coach Greg Hamilton. “And [he] understands what they’re going through day to day.

“He’s a great addition.”

As for the opportunity to coach Canada’s next generation, Stewart sees the coaching staff as a great way to push athletes through to the next level.

“Our knowledge, experience, and character, I think it fits in well with these young guys,” he said, at practice on Friday. “Just pass it on to them and try to support them and try to get them to see that it’s going to take a lot of work.”

Before his professional career, Stewart got his start in Brockville where he commends his former club for helping him get ready for his life in the pros.

“They ran it kind of like a professional operation,” said the Bunnies alumni. “It really gets the guys ready for that next step.”

Stewart is one of only two players to be drafted from the Brockville club, which is named in honour of famed coach Richard “Bunny” Bradfield, the other being Peter Hoy in the 1980’s.