Coach Stewart
It was the State Championship game, and Coach Dan Stewart’s Spartans lost a hard-fought battle against their long-time nemesis, Coach Ramsey’s Knights, in the bottom of the seventh inning on a walk-off home run--- a gut-wrenching way to end his tenure as Spartans’ head coach.
After twenty-five years at the helm, Coach Stewart was retiring, effective immediately, citing age, health, and a desire to spend more time with his family.
The Spartans walked off the field, mostly with their heads down to hide tears rolling down their faces. They knew Stewart had never won a state title and wanted to send their long-time coach off as a state champion. Ultimately, they felt like their season was an utter failure.
Coach Stewart stood in front of the visitors’ dugout, hugging and consoling his players as they walked back in to gather their gear and pick up their trash. Win or lose, Stewart always emphasized the importance of leaving the dugout ‘better than you found it.’ A superstitious guy at heart, he believed the ‘baseball gods’ would reward you with a bloop hit or diving play if the dugout was practically spotless after the game—one of many ‘Stewartisms,’ as his players often called them.
Once the Spartans cleaned their dugout, Stewart summoned his team to the first base foul line for the banner presentations.
“Sportsmanship, gentlemen, shake hands and smile for the camera, savor this moment,” he stated.
Upon the completion of the postgame ceremony, the state tournament director took the microphone and made a special announcement.
“Ladies and gentlemen, after 25 years, Coach Dan Stewart will be stepping down as the Spartans’ head coach. Dan has been an outstanding leader, mentor, and part of our baseball community, and we will miss seeing him on the field. Please join me in congratulating Coach Stewart on a legendary career!” he yelled.
The crowd roared as Coach Stewart faced the stands and tipped his hat in appreciation.
“Dan, my friend, come here and say a few parting words,” he commanded.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Coach Stewart attempted to wave him off, but he finally caved as his long-time friend persisted.
“Wow, those are the loudest cheers I’ve ever received at this field,” he chuckled. “Normally, I’m received with jeers and boos.”
Post-game speeches were Coach Stewart’s ‘bread and butter’ as they were always fluid and packed with a coaching tip, a life lesson, or a punchline. But today, he had to compose himself before speaking.
“I was going to save this for the bus ride home, but I guess I’ll air it out right now,” he began.
“Before this game, a reporter asked me if I would consider this season a disappointment if we lost, since that would mean retiring without a state title. I quickly dismissed that idea, saying I didn’t start coaching to win trophies or gather honors because, at the end of the day, banners, rings, and trophies collect dust and sometimes get thrown away. I began coaching to serve; to give back to the baseball community. The reporter looked at me like I had two heads, I kid you not. So, I went on to explain what I’m about to share with you tonight. For the past 25 years, I have never won a state title, but I have coached more Division 1 athletes and first-round draft picks than anyone in the state. I might not be a state champion, but I have mentored valedictorians, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and top government officials. Yes, you could argue that I wasn’t a good coach because my teams couldn’t win a championship, and frankly, I don’t blame you. If I were in your shoes, I’d probably say the same. But that was never my ultimate goal. My goal was to ensure my players were prepared to succeed beyond high school baseball, whether in sports, academics, or any other pursuit they chose. Every year, after the last out, I thank my players and my staff for their hard work, and after the seniors walk across the stage for graduation, I hug them and tell them that nothing would make me happier than to see them succeed in life—and I genuinely mean it. I always invite them back for homecoming as I host a baseball alumni party. For twenty-five years, I have done that, and every year the group gets bigger. Since this was my final year, we rented roughly two large hotel conference rooms because thousands of people showed up. They showed up with their families and reminisced about my ‘Stewartisms’ and their high school days. Further, I’m proud to say I have never had to beg alumni for donations, because they give generously. We have one of the nation's greatest facilities, thanks to them. Moreover, they always say thank you not just for being their coach, but also for being a second father and for encouraging them to succeed in life. They know they can always count on me, and vice versa. Many still call, text, or email me to talk or ask for advice. So, while my legacy may not be of a state championship, today I consider myself the greatest coach in the nation because I accomplished my goal of preparing my players for success in life. Because ultimately, I judge myself by how successful my players are post-graduation and how many are willing to return for homecoming. To the current parents, players, and staff, thank you for entrusting me with your player’s development and for your hard work and dedication. Without you, this season wouldn’t have been possible. To Garrett (Coach Ramsey), you S.O.B, thank you for pushing and challenging me to be the best coach I could be. Not only were you a great competitor and rival, but an excellent coach and human being. With that, I bid farewell to you all. Thank you; it has been an honor to serve the baseball community for the past 25 years,” he stated as he handed the microphone back to the state director.
In a quarter-century, Coach Stewart never won a state title, but as he walked off the field for the final time in his coaching career, he felt like a winner nonetheless.