Alumni Memories of Coach Bill Stewart
Recently, EHSA reached out to a handful of Alumni who played for Coach Bill Stewart, Jr. Below we are sharing a couple of the heartwarming responses that we received. If you have memories of Coach Stewart that you would like to share, please send to Mike Thomas ’67 – mthomas@englishhighalumni.org
Richard Howe ’65
From Richard Howe ’65
I played baseball under Coach Stewart from 1962-65. One thing I always remember about him is that he was very detailed oriented. Never missing any opportunity to teach the nuances of the game. He wanted you to be the best ball player and person you could. He loved teaching situational baseball. What would you do if this happened or position yourself for an upcoming batter?
Practices was about learning baseball with your mind not just your body. To anticipate your strategy on each pitch. I carried that thinking throughout my life. Always anticipating the next circumstance or condition that life might bring your way.
Coach Stewart (center) in his uniform with the Co-captains of the 1964 English High Baseball team.
We always called him Coach never Mr. He was all in when it came to sports. As I recollect, he was the only coach who wore a baseball uniform. He was proud of that uniform and what it represented. That uniform made him part of the team, not just the coach.
I once asked, “Why did we have our home games so far away at Billings Field in West Roxbury when the Fens baseball field was down the street.” His answer, “That is the way it is and if you love baseball, it does not matter where you play.”
When the Red Sox were home he would send us to Fenway Park with a pencil and pad and score the game. The usher let us in the bleacher seats in the middle of the game and we scored the contest. The next day during practice Coach Stewart would quiz us on the different aspect that we saw in that game. I loved it.
Coach Stewart was a wonderful mentor in developing many of the characteristics and attributes that I have carried throughout my teaching career and life. I am grateful that I was able to be a part of his life because he taught me that the little things make you a more accomplished human being.
From Richard Connolly ’65
Thomas Connolly ’65
Baseball was always my favorite sport and watching Bill Stewart’s English High baseball team play at Billings Field is one of my favorite childhood memories. I had hoped to play for him when I reached high school, but heart surgery and accompanying complications changed all that.
In my last year I went out for baseball for the first time. Most coaches would be reluctant to take a chance on a senior with no high school experience, but Coach Stewart must have seen something in me and, to my surprise, added me to his roster. My season went very well and my new found confidence encouraged me to go on to play Division 3 baseball and, later, enjoy two years in the competitive Boston Park League. I am forever grateful to Coach Stewart for giving me a chance to resume my baseball activity.
Whenever I came to bat in a Park League game with Bill Stewart umpiring behind the plate, I would thank him for having faith in me.
Michael Thomas ’67
From Mike Thomas ’67
My favorite Coach Stewart quote:
Upon getting thrown out trying to steal 2nd base (I did not get thrown out very often) Coach Stewart would say:
‘Hey Clashmore, I don’t mind you carrying the piano to second base, just don’t stop to play it!’
He is quite famous for that specific quote for sure.
Read About EHSA’s Revival of the Coach Bill Stewart Jr. Scholarship
