One year ago, Zack Stewart was a senior at Lebanon and dreaming of one thing. “I want to be the next Jake Burger,” Stewart said.
A year later, the Missouri State outfielder has accomplished something even Burger never did. Stewart’s 61 RBIs as a true freshman are second in Bears history behind only former MLB National League MVP Ryan Howard. “Knowing, he’s an MVP in the big leagues, he has a really known reputation around here,” Stewart said. “Being just behind him in a few categories is really neat.”
It earned him Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year honors and an invite to the prestigious Cape Cod League this summer. That’s a league where more than 1,000 of its players have gone on to play in Major League Baseball. “Really pumped,” Stewart said. “I mean, you’re going to play against the best of the best in that league. And I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity.”
Major League Baseball may come calling soon too. But Stewart says he has unfinished business first. “That’s obviously my dream and I’d love to go play pro baseball at any time,” Stewart said. “Right now I’m just kind of focusing on next year and this summer. And hopefully, get some wins with the Bears and win a championship.”
Whatever the future holds, Stewart says his time at Missouri State has already been something he’ll always cherish. He has a favorite moment too. “Lebanon Day was pretty sweet,” Stewart said. “That was probably one of my favorite days. [The] first at-bat, I think it was the first pitch, honestly, got a curveball low and in. Somehow hit it perfectly. Got it down the line and it got out of the ballpark.”
He shared that moment with his favorite people. “The thing is, I didn’t even realize it until I rounded second base,” Stewart said. “Saw everybody standing up and I saw a Lebanon flag over there behind me which is really sweet. There is always someone from Lebanon coming to watch me.”
And where Stewart’s heading someday, they’re sure to rack up the frequent flyer miles.
