Jimmy Stewart – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Most baseball fans hear the name Jimmy Stewart and think of Hollywood. But not many realize there was a utility player with the same name who built his own decade-long career in Major League Baseball. James Franklin Stewart played pro ball from 1963 to 1973, showing up in 777 games for four different teams during a time when the sport was shifting in big ways.

Stewart retired from professional baseball on September 29, 1973, after spending his last two seasons with the Houston Astros. He wrapped up a versatile career that saw him play every position except pitcher. People called him “Super Sub” when he was with the Cincinnati Reds. Managers loved him because he could fill in anywhere and give the team some much-needed depth.

This baseball Jimmy Stewart started out in small-town Alabama and ended up playing in the World Series, getting into two games for Cincinnati in 1970. His stats might not blow anyone away, but his story really shows what so many players go through—they’re the backbone of Major League Baseball in the ’60s and early ’70s. Stewart’s path through four organizations and his move into scouting after he hung up his cleats give a glimpse into both the playing and business sides of baseball.

Early Life and Education

James Franklin Stewart was born on June 11, 1939, in Opelika, Alabama, to John Abner Stewart and Nelle Madge Golden. He started showing off his athletic skills early at Lafayette High School, where he played several sports before landing a basketball scholarship to Austin Peay State University.

Family Background

James Franklin Stewart came into the world in Opelika, a small city in Lee County, East Central Alabama. The town sits about 15 miles from the Georgia state line.

His parents were John Abner Stewart and Nelle Madge Golden. Jimmy grew up with one sibling, an older sister named Edith Ann. He was their only son.

The Stewart family lived in an area with a big sports culture. That atmosphere definitely helped young Jimmy become a multi-sport athlete.

Lafayette High School Achievements

Stewart went to Lafayette High School, about 20 miles north of Opelika. He quickly made a name for himself as a top athlete in several sports.

At Lafayette, Stewart stood out in three different sports. Coaches and scouts across the region noticed his versatility and athleticism.

He graduated in 1957. His high school success got him recognized as one of the area’s best athletes, which opened up college opportunities.

Austin Peay State University Years

After high school, Stewart took a basketball scholarship to Austin Peay State College in Clarksville, Tennessee. The school’s teams were called the “Governors,” named after a Tennessee governor.

Stewart led the basketball team to a 22-9 record in 1961, qualifying them for the NCAA Division II basketball tournament. He made both the South Central Region’s All-Regional team and the Volunteer State Athletic Conference All-Star team.

In track and field, Stewart set a school record in the 220-yard dash. That record stuck around for years after he graduated.

Baseball became his strongest sport at Austin Peay. Between 1959 and 1961, he played shortstop and third base for the Governors. In 1961, he hit an amazing .435 average, the second highest in school history.

His college baseball career average was .369. As a senior, he captained the team and led them to an 11-4 record, earning a spot on the all-VSAC team.

Stewart was named the school’s top athlete across all sports in 1961. Scouts started to pay attention. His standout college career eventually got him inducted into the Austin Peay Athletics Hall of Fame in 1978.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Jimmy Stewart put together a ten-season career in Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1973, playing in 777 games for four different teams. He started as a September call-up with the Chicago Cubs and eventually became “Super Sub” with the Cincinnati Reds, showing off his adaptability and determination.

Major League Debut and Early MLB Years

Stewart made his MLB debut on September 3, 1963, with the Chicago Cubs at age 24. He pinch-hit for shortstop Andre Rodgers in a blowout loss to the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park, flying out to right in his first at-bat.

The Cubs called up three minor leaguers in September 1963. Stewart joined Johnny Boccabella and Billy Cowan as new faces from the farm system.

In his first partial season, Stewart played 13 games for Chicago. He covered nine games at shortstop, one at second base, and the rest as a pinch-hitter. He hit .297 in those limited chances, which was a promising start for the young infielder.

Stewart returned to Chicago in 1964 for his first full season. He played 132 games and hit .253, showing off the versatility that would become his trademark. He played second, short, third, and even spent time in the outfield.

In 1965, Stewart mostly played shortstop and left field for the Cubs. His batting average slid to .223 as he tried to lock down a regular spot in the tough National League.

Versatility as a Utility Man

Stewart’s ability to play all over the field made him a valuable baseball utility man. He played every position except pitcher in the majors, earning respect from teammates and coaches.

He really put his versatility on display with the Cincinnati Reds, where he became known as “Super Sub.” Teammate Tommy Helms remembered Stewart’s adaptability: “The thing I remember most about him as a player is that he caught an inning for us in Los Angeles in 1970.”

Stewart handled more than just the infield. He played all three outfield spots and even caught when the team needed it. That complete skill set kept him in the majors for a decade.

The Super Sub nickname fit him well, since he’d do whatever the team asked. Manager Dave Bristol praised Stewart and the other backups as the “Red Raiders,” saying they were “always pulling for the other guy” and “when they’re called upon, they do the job.”

His 1970 season with Cincinnati really showed his value. He played in 101 games, hit .267, and was the team’s top pinch-hitter, batting .333 (13-for-39) in those spots.

Switch Hitter and Defensive Skills

As a switch hitter, Stewart gave managers extra options. He could bat from either side, making him a handy pinch-hitter in tight situations.

Stewart’s defense was solid at multiple positions. At six feet tall and 165 pounds, he had the athleticism to handle both infield and outfield jobs.

He played errorless baseball in the postseason during Cincinnati’s 1970 pennant-winning season. Stewart appeared in both the National League Championship Series and World Series, handling his chances cleanly.

Being able to switch-hit and play all over the field kept Stewart in Major League Baseball for ten years. His .237 career average and 8 home runs show he was more of a defensive specialist than a power hitter.

His final big league game came on September 29, 1973, with the Houston Astros. Stewart pinch-hit for pitcher Larry Dierker and singled off Carl Morton, picking up his 336th career hit and ending his playing days on a high note.

Teams Played For and Notable Seasons

Jimmy Stewart played for four MLB teams during his 10-year career from 1963 to 1973. He had his best years with the Cincinnati Reds, where he earned the “Super Sub” nickname and played on a World Series team.

Chicago Cubs

Stewart started his major league career with the Chicago Cubs in September 1963. He made his debut on September 3, 1963, at age 24 in a tough loss to the San Francisco Giants.

The Cubs brought Stewart up from their Salt Lake City affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. He played 13 games that first season, mostly at shortstop, and hit .297 in limited action.

His role grew in 1964 when he played 132 games and hit .253. Stewart showed his flexibility by playing second, short, third, and outfield. That versatility became his calling card.

Stewart’s average dropped to .223 in 1965 while playing mostly shortstop and left field. In 1966, he split time between Chicago and their Tacoma farm team. He struggled with the Cubs, hitting just .167 in 57 games before heading back to the minors.

Chicago White Sox

The Cubs sold Stewart to the Chicago White Sox on May 22, 1967. He played 24 games for the White Sox that year but spent most of his time with Indianapolis, their Pacific Coast League affiliate.

Stewart hit .320 for Indianapolis, his best average as a pro. That Triple-A performance proved he could still hit when given regular at-bats.

The White Sox moved their PCL affiliate to Hawaii in 1968. Stewart played for the Islanders, his fourth different Pacific Coast League team in six years. His run with the White Sox ended when the Cincinnati Reds picked him in the Rule 5 draft on December 2, 1968.

Cincinnati Reds

Stewart found his best fit with the Cincinnati Reds from 1969 to 1971. He played over 100 games in 1969 and hit .253, becoming part of the “Red Raiders,” a group of backup players who supported each other.

The 1970 season was Stewart’s big highlight. He helped the Reds win the National League pennant by hitting .267 in 101 games. Stewart shined as a pinch-hitter, going 13 for 39 (.333 average).

He played in both the National League Championship Series and World Series. In Game Two of the NLCS, he took over for Hal McRae in left field. During the World Series against Baltimore, Stewart pinch-hit twice in ninth-inning spots at Riverfront Stadium.

Stewart’s teammates respected his versatility and attitude. Tommy Helms even pointed out that Stewart could catch, even though he was mostly an infielder and outfielder. Stewart picked up the “Super Sub” nickname by playing everywhere except pitcher.

His last season with Cincinnati in 1971 saw his playing time drop. Stewart appeared in 80 games and hit .232. He led the league with 48 pinch-hit at-bats but only managed 11 hits for a .229 average.

Houston Astros

On November 29, 1971, the Reds traded Stewart, Tommy Helms, and Lee May to the Houston Astros. The Reds got Ed Armbrister, Jack Billingham, César Gerónimo, Denis Menke, and Joe Morgan in return.

That trade ended up being one of the most lopsided deals in baseball history. The players Cincinnati got helped build their “Big Red Machine” dynasty, while Stewart and his teammates were past their best years when they joined Houston.

Stewart played his last two seasons with the Astros. He hit .219 in 1972 and dipped below .200 with a .191 average in 1973. His playing time dropped off a lot those final years.

His major league career ended on September 29, 1973, in Atlanta. Stewart pinch-hit for Larry Dierker in the eighth inning with Houston down 7-0. He singled off Carl Morton for his 13th hit of the season and the 336th of his career.

Career Highlights and Memorable Moments

Jimmy Stewart’s ten-year big league run had some real highlights, like his versatile play during Cincinnati’s 1970 pennant chase and being part of one of baseball’s most famous trades. His ability to play every position but pitcher and his clutch pinch-hitting made him a classic utility guy.

Outstanding Performances and Milestones

Stewart’s most eye-catching stat came in college at Austin Peay, where he hit .435 in 1961—still the second-best average in school history. That season really put him on the radar for major league scouts and led to his signing with the Cubs.

In the pros, Stewart’s 1970 season with Cincinnati was his best. He hit .267 in 101 games and was a dangerous pinch-hitter with a .333 average (13-for-39).

His versatility became almost legendary to his teammates. Tommy Helms once said Stewart even caught an inning in Los Angeles in 1970: “That’s no easy thing to do, catching a major league pitcher when you’re used to playing the infield or the outfield.”

Stewart earned the nickname “Super Sub” for playing every position except pitcher. That adaptability made him valuable to four teams over his career.

1970 World Series Experience

Stewart played a key part in Cincinnati’s 1970 pennant race. He appeared in both the National League Championship Series and the World Series.

His efforts helped the Reds reach their first World Series since 1961.

Facing the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series, Stewart had two pinch-hitting appearances at Riverfront Stadium. In Game One, he struck out against Jim Palmer in the bottom of the ninth, and Cincinnati lost 4-3.

Game Two gave Stewart his most dramatic moment. With two outs and the Reds trailing 6-5, he pinch-hit for Don Gullett and drove a pitch from Dick Hall deep into center field.

Paul Blair caught Stewart’s drive against the wall for the final out.

Cincinnati lost the series, but Stewart’s clutch at-bats showed how valuable he was in high-pressure spots. That World Series trip really became the highlight of his playing career.

Landmark Trades and Transactions

Stewart’s career included one of baseball’s most lopsided trades. On November 29, 1971, Cincinnati traded him, Tommy Helms, and Lee May to Houston for five players, including Joe Morgan, Jack Billingham, and Cesar Geronimo.

Fans in Cincinnati weren’t happy at first, since all three outgoing players were clubhouse favorites. Hal McRae summed it up: “They’re all great guys, ones you hate to lose. They livened up the clubhouse, kept everyone loose.”

Looking back, the deal turned into one of the worst trades in baseball history for Houston. The players Cincinnati acquired became the heart of the Big Red Machine that won it all in 1975 and 1976.

Stewart’s last two seasons in Houston didn’t go so well—he hit .219 in 1972 and just .191 in 1973. Ironically, his part in that trade helped his old team find even bigger success after he left.

Career Statistics and Legacy

Jimmy Stewart wrapped up his ten-year major league career with solid, if unspectacular, numbers. He posted a .237 batting average over 777 games.

What really set him apart was his defensive versatility. Stewart played every position except pitcher during his time in the majors.

Batting Statistics

Stewart’s offense showed he was more of a utility player than a regular starter. Across ten seasons from 1963 to 1973, he collected 336 hits in 1,419 at-bats.

His .237 batting average put him below league average for that era. Stewart only hit 8 home runs in his entire career, with his best power year in 1964 when he hit 3 homers for the Cubs.

He drove in 112 runs over his career. His best offensive season happened in 1964 with Chicago, when he played 132 games and batted .253 with 105 hits and 33 RBIs.

That year, Stewart drew 49 walks, showing some patience at the plate. He also finished his career with 45 doubles and 14 triples, so he could find the gaps every now and then.

Defensive Contributions

Stewart’s real value lived in his defensive flexibility. The Cincinnati Reds actually called him “Super Sub” because he could play so many spots.

He made 179 appearances in left field, which ended up being his most common position. Stewart also played 122 games at second base and 107 at shortstop.

He saw action in center field 43 times and third base 37 times. He even covered 10 games at first base, 10 in right field, and made one appearance as a catcher.

This kind of versatility gave managers peace of mind when they needed depth. Stewart’s defensive skills kept him on the roster, even if his bat wasn’t always hot.

Recognition and Honors

Stewart didn’t reach the Baseball Hall of Fame. His numbers and utility role put him more in the journeyman category than among the stars.

Still, he got his due at the college level. In 1978, the Austin Peay Athletics Hall of Fame inducted Stewart for his three-sport excellence in baseball, basketball, and track.

He played in two games of the 1970 World Series with Cincinnati, going hitless in two at-bats against Baltimore. Even though it was brief, that World Series appearance really was the high point of his major league days.

After hanging up his spikes, Stewart got into scouting and minor league management. He scouted for Cincinnati from 1984 to 1991 and then joined Philadelphia as a special assignment scout until 2006.

Post-Playing Career and Retirement

When he finished playing in 1973, Jimmy Stewart stayed in the game through coaching and scouting. He managed a minor league team in Oregon and spent over twenty years evaluating talent for big league clubs before retiring to Florida.

Roles as Minor League Manager

Stewart made the jump to managing after his playing days ended. In 1983, he took over the Eugene Emeralds in Oregon, a short-season Class A team affiliated with the Reds.

It wasn’t an easy gig. The Emeralds finished 28-42, which was a .400 winning percentage. They landed in last place in the South Division, 25 games behind the Medford A’s.

Even in a tough season, Stewart worked with future talent. Two of his players, Terry Lee and Terry McGriff, later played for the 1990 world champion Cincinnati Reds.

That Eugene stint ended up being Stewart’s only year managing in the minors. He didn’t return to manage after 1983.

Major League Scout Involvement

Stewart started his scouting career right after managing. From 1984 through 1991, he scouted for the Cincinnati Reds.

His experience caught the eye of other teams. In 1992, the Philadelphia Phillies brought Stewart on as a special assignment scout.

That job meant evaluating specific players and situations, not just covering one area.

Stewart stayed with the Phillies for 15 years, scouting until 2006. All told, he spent 23 years as a scout with two organizations.

His long run as a scout showed he had a real eye for talent. Teams trusted his judgment, thanks to his decade in the majors.

Life After Baseball and Death

After he retired from scouting in 2006, Stewart and his wife Donna settled in Odessa, Florida. This Pasco County community is about 20 miles north of Tampa, and you’ll find plenty of lakes, parks, and spots to unwind there.

Stewart lived pretty quietly in this area, which honestly has some beautiful scenery. He and Donna stayed married for 51 years—they tied the knot back in 1961, when he was 22 and she was just 19.

On November 24, 2012, Stewart passed away at his home in Odessa. He was 73. The family never shared the cause of death.

He left behind Donna, his two sons, James and Joseph, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

They held the funeral in Odessa. Later, family and friends gathered for a memorial service in Lafayette, Alabama. Stewart was buried at Center Baptist Church Cemetery near Lafayette, Chambers County, Alabama.

His tombstone already had Donna’s name next to his.