What is Dave Stewart's Net Worth?
Dave Stewart is a former American professional baseball player who has a net worth of $5 million. Dave Stewart stands as one of baseball's most intimidating and successful pitchers of the 1980s and early 1990s. Best known for his intense stare from the mound and his dominant years with the Oakland Athletics, Stewart transformed from a struggling reliever into one of the game's most consistent starting pitchers. His career spans roles as a player, coach, and baseball executive, marked by four straight 20-win seasons and three World Series championships.
Career Earnings
During his career, Dave Stewart earned just under $20 million in salary. That's the same as earning around $34 million in today's dollars after adjusting for inflation.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Oakland, California, Stewart grew up in the shadow of the Oakland Coliseum, where he would later become a hometown hero. He attended St. Elizabeth High School in Oakland, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. The Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the 16th round of the 1975 MLB draft, beginning his professional journey through baseball.
Stewart's early career was marked by inconsistency as he moved between starting and relief roles with the Dodgers, Texas Rangers, and Philadelphia Phillies. These early struggles would later fuel his remarkable transformation into one of baseball's most reliable starters.
Oakland Athletics Dynasty
Stewart's career trajectory changed dramatically when he signed with his hometown Oakland Athletics in 1986. Under manager Tony La Russa, he developed into the ace of one of baseball's most formidable rotations. From 1987 to 1990, Stewart achieved the remarkable feat of winning 20 or more games in four consecutive seasons, becoming the cornerstone of Oakland's three straight American League pennants from 1988 to 1990.
His most memorable performance came in the 1989 World Series, where he led the Athletics to victory over the San Francisco Giants and earned World Series MVP honors. Stewart's intimidating presence and his signature glare from beneath the brim of his cap became legendary during this period.
Post-Playing Career and Legacy
After retiring as a player, Stewart seamlessly transitioned into baseball operations. He served as a pitching coach for several teams before moving into front-office roles. He became the first African American general manager in MLB history when he took the position with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2014.
Throughout his career and beyond, Stewart has been known for his community involvement, particularly in his hometown of Oakland. He established the Dave Stewart Youth Sports Foundation to provide opportunities for underprivileged youth to participate in sports programs.
The Athletics retired his number 34 in recognition of his contributions to the team and the sport. Beyond his statistics, Stewart's legacy includes being one of baseball's most respected competitors and a pioneer for African Americans in baseball management roles. His transformation from a struggling reliever to a dominant starter serves as an inspiration for perseverance in baseball and life.