Diamond Drills Training

Meet Coach
Corey Steward Jr.

I’m Corey Steward Jr., a dedicated baseball coach hailing from Wichita, Kansas. My lifelong career in baseball and experience with three different baseball academies has prepared me for the role of a coach, trainer, and mentor to aspiring young athletes.

As a coach, I embody the values of hard work and perseverance. I bring passion for the game, a deep understanding of its nuances, and a unique approach to coaching that helps young athletes unlock their full potential.

My passion lies in providing players from all backgrounds with the tools and opportunities to succeed through discipline and determination.

Growing up

The game runs deep in my family. I spent countless afternoons playing in the yard with my grandfather, who was drafted by the Dodgers in the late ’60s. My dad, a scouted college player whose career was cut short by injury, taught me the mental and strategic side of the sport. Both of my brothers, Casey and Calvin, played college ball, and Casey was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies Organization in 2023.

My journey in baseball began at an early age and I quickly learned that, just like in life, there isn’t only one right way to do things. Instead of a batting cage, I used a tire swing in my backyard. Instead of playing catch, I drew a strike zone on a wall and threw against it for hours. By high school, I excelled as a catcher, earning all-city and all-state honors.

College

I pursued my passion for baseball at Pratt Community College, where I showcased versatility by playing both catcher and outfield. My hard work paid off when I was selected for the all-star team as an outfielder, hitting .287. I also developed my pitching skills by transitioning to a closer, finishing the season with a 2.7 ERA in 11 innings pitched and 9 saves.

My path continued at the University of the Ozarks, where I focused on honing my pitching abilities as a closer. Despite facing personal challenges during that time, I persisted and completed over 52 innings pitched with a 5 ERA over two years, earning 7 wins and 7 saves.

Professional Baseball

In 2020, I began training to play professionally. My determination led me to an independent professional baseball tryout, where I was recruited by the Saranac Lake Surge in 2021. That year, due to Covid-19, we were the only team in the league without a coach. Despite this challenge, my teammates and I persevered and went on to win the championship—a testament to our resilience and teamwork. I finished the season and playoffs with 38.01 innings pitched, a 2.92 ERA, 11 saves, and 2 wins.

I moved to Tucson and began training young athletes as a way to stay connected to the game I love. I focused on coaching while keeping myself in top shape. In 2023, out of the blue, I received a call from the Pecos League North Platte 80’s. Based on my performance in the Empire Professional League, they invited me to pitch as a closer. It was a rare opportunity and I seized it, joining the team mid-season and making an immediate impact.

That summer I earned a 2.00 ERA, 2 wins, 2 losses, and 2 saves over 20 innings pitched. I struck out 20 batters, allowed only 4 walks and 3 hit-by-pitches, and made 16 game appearances, giving up just 18 hits, 4 runs, and 4 earned runs, resulting in a WHIP of 1.16.

Today

As a coach who still plays, I actively compete in professional leagues where I continue to refine my skills and learn. This hands-on approach keeps me connected to the game and ensures my coaching remains fresh, relevant, and effective for the next generation of athletes.