On September 25th, 2014 the Last Black Ace, Dave Stewart, was named as the new General Manager for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joining him on the staff as the Chief Baseball Officer is Tony La Russa, a member of the MLB Hall of Fame who managed Stewart and the Oakland A’s during four straight 20 win seasons. The winning duo reunites to turn the once winning franchise around.
Dave Stewart’s intelligence, hard work and success as a player and a coach made him the front runner for the Diamondback’s general manager position. He is now the only African American General Manager currently in Major League Baseball and the only GM to have both played and coached in the Majors.
His stellar history as an MLB player includes two league championship series, most valuable player awards, and a world series MVP award. Drafted in 1975 by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixteenth round of the amateur draft, he made his MLB debut with a 12-3 loss to the San Diego Padres. After stints with the LA Dodgers, Texas Rangers, and Philadelphia Phillies he finally found his way in Oakland.
He came into his professional apex in the late 80’s developing his patented forkball, fastball, and slider, all leading up to his 1987 season where he struck out 205 batters. Stewart’s signature scowl displayed his determination and dedication, earning him the nickname "smoke", and at that moment, the legend was born. In 1989, he won a World Series Championship with the Oakland A’s and the MVP of the World Series as well. His prestigious track record as an MLB player and coach, along with the intangibles that made him a MLB great to begin with, will hopefully translate into setting this franchise on the right path towards success.
