Stewart made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 1978. Initially, he struggled to find his footing in the major leagues, bouncing between the starting rotation and the bullpen. His early years with the Dodgers were marked by inconsistency, but he gained valuable experience and honed his skills. In 1981, he was part of the Dodgers team that won the World Series, although his role was limited.
In 1983, Stewart was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he continued to develop as a pitcher. However, it wasn't until he joined the Oakland Athletics in 1986 that his career truly began to flourish. Under the guidance of manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan, Stewart transformed into one of the most reliable pitchers in the league. From 1987 to 1990, he won 20 or more games each season, becoming a cornerstone of the Athletics' pitching staff.
Stewart's tenure with the Athletics was highlighted by his performance in the postseason. He played a crucial role in leading the team to three consecutive World Series appearances from 1988 to 1990. In 1989, Stewart was named the World Series MVP after the Athletics swept the San Francisco Giants in a series that became known as the "Bay Bridge Series." His dominance on the mound during this period earned him the nickname "Smoke" for his blazing fastball and intimidating presence.
After leaving the Athletics in 1992, Stewart signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. He continued to excel, helping the team win the World Series in 1993. His leadership and experience were invaluable to the Blue Jays, and he was awarded the ALCS MVP for his outstanding performance against the Chicago White Sox.
Stewart returned to the Athletics in 1995 for a brief stint before retiring as a player in 1995. Over his 16-year career, he amassed 168 wins, 1,741 strikeouts, and a 3.95 ERA. His postseason record was particularly impressive, with a 10-6 record and a 2.84 ERA in 22 appearances.
Following his playing career, Stewart transitioned into various roles within baseball management. He worked as a pitching coach for several teams, including the San Diego Padres and the Milwaukee Brewers. His deep understanding of the game and ability to mentor young pitchers made him a valuable asset in these roles.
In 2014, Stewart took on the role of General Manager for the Arizona Diamondbacks. During his tenure, he made several bold moves, including the signing of pitcher Zack Greinke to a lucrative contract. However, his time as GM was short-lived, as he was dismissed from the position in 2016.
Throughout his career, both on and off the field, Dave Stewart demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and succeed in various capacities.
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