Former Oakland A’s Pitcher Dave Stewart’s Says ‘It’s A Dream Come True’ As Team Retires Number
Sep 9, 2022, 1:04 PM | Updated: Nov 11, 2022, 11:58 am
(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Dave Stewart’s number 34 will never be worn by another member of the Oakland A’s.
The A’s announced this week that they will be honoring the right-hander this Sunday, September 11th when Oakland faces the Chicago White Sox at the Coliseum.
Stewart, 65, won three World Series championships during his 16-year career, bringing home World Series MVP honors during Oakland’s Bay Bridge Series title in 1989. Over eight years in the green and gold, Steward posted a record of 119-78 to go along with a 3.73 ERA and 1,152 strikeouts over 1,717.1 innings pitched.
“It’s a dream come true for a hometown kid that grew up in the backyard of the Coliseum,” Stewart said on a conference call to reporters before Sunday’s ceremony. ”
1x All-Star
2x ALCS MVP
3x WS Champ
WS MVP
Roberto Clemente Award
Athletics Hall of FameWe're celebrating the legendary Dave Stewart this Sunday when we retire his No. 34 jersey number before the start of the game against the White Sox: https://t.co/OAsG3jaJYP pic.twitter.com/CrVY9aZazH
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) September 8, 2022
The following is a release that was issued by the Oakland Athletics’ communications team
The Oakland Athletics will celebrate Athletics Hall of Famer and Oakland legend Dave Stewart on Sunday, Sept. 11. Stew’s No. 34 jersey number will be retired during a special pregame ceremony before the start of the 1:07 p.m. matchup versus the White Sox. Early arriving fans will receive a Dave Stewart replica jersey giveaway.
“Dave is one of the great legends in Oakland A’s history. He exemplifies what it means to be an Oakland A. He gave his heart and soul to this Club and our Oakland community,” said Oakland A’s President Dave Kaval. “It seems fitting that Dave wore Rollie Fingers’ number – another legendary Athletics pitcher. We retired Rollie’s No. 34 in 1993, and we are proud to add Stew’s No. 34 to honor and celebrate his incredible contributions to our Club.”
Stewart’s famous “Death Stare” was nearly as merciless as his pitching. Born in Oakland and a graduate of St. Elizabeth High School, he spent six seasons in the Majors with three teams before breaking through with the A’s. He joined Oakland in 1986 and won 20 games in four consecutive seasons from 1987 to 1990. The big-game pitcher went 8-3 with a 2.22 ERA in 14 Postseason starts, including two wins in the 1989 World Series when he earned MVP honors in the A’s sweep of the Giants.
Stewart will be joined by family, friends, local little leaguers, and A’s legends for the ceremony. His No. 34 will be officially retired on Mt. Davis, marking his legacy in Oakland history. Fans are encouraged to get to their seats by 12:30 p.m. to enjoy the on-field ceremony. Tickets are available at athletics.com/tickets.
