Redbird duo makes big league splash in Minnesota

Trying to preserve a 2-0 lead in the seventh inning, Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli unknowingly made Illinois State University baseball history June 17 when he called upon one former Redbird, Brock Stewart, to take the mound in relief of another, Brent Headrick ’19.

Pitching in his fourth Major League Baseball (MLB) game, Headrick threw 2.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen and was in line for the win. Stewart’s appearance immediately following Headrick’s marked the first time that former Redbirds have pitched back-to-back in a big-league game.

In his inning of work, Stewart retired the side in order, and the Twins beat the Detroit Tigers, 2-0. Headrick earned his first MLB victory; Stewart recorded a hold. After celebrating the win with their teammates on Target Field, the duo returned to the Twins clubhouse to find a slew of congratulatory text messages from Redbird baseball teammates, coaches, and friends.

“It’s really cool to see two ISU guys going back-to-back,” Headrick said. “It was great to get the win, but also to see Brock have the success he had in that game—he’s been unbelievable all season long. I was really happy for him and really happy for the team.”

To say the odds were low for Stewart, 32, and Headrick, 25, to end up on the same MLB roster at the same time would be an understatement.

Stewart, drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers following his redshirt junior season at Illinois State, hadn’t pitched in the big leagues since a disappointing 2019 season with the Toronto Blue Jays. A COVID-shortened 2020 season, followed by elbow surgeries in 2021 and 2022, had Stewart questioning his baseball future.

“Hang it up? It crossed my mind. Time only goes one way,” Stewart said. “But really, I didn’t want 2019 to be my last big-league experience. It left a bitter taste in my mouth because I knew I could be better than that.”

Stewart was also personally motived by his wife, Chrissy, who he married in 2019. Their son, Jett, was born in March 2022.

“I love baseball, and I hope it’ll always be a part of my life; but now, it’s not the most important thing,” Stewart said. “My wife and Jett are the most important. Baseball is just a cherry on top this year.”

While Stewart felt like he was “pressing, anxious, and nervous” in 2019, his renewed perspective on life has him relishing every moment. He is also working harder than ever before. In the offseason, Stewart focused on getting stronger, more explosive off the mound, and improving his mechanics.

The Minnesota Twins took notice, signing Stewart to a minor league contract in July 2022. Beginning the 2023 season with Triple-A St. Paul, Stewart was called up to the Twins in April, where he recorded a win in his first relief outing April 27. Consistently hitting the upper-90s with his fastball throughout the season, Stewart is excited about the road ahead.

“My goal is to keep making good pitches and help the team win,” Stewart said.

Headrick, drafted by the Twins in 2019 following his junior season at Illinois State, worked his way up to Double-A Wichita in 2022 and started the 2023 season on the Twins’ 40-man roster in Triple-A St. Paul. 

After two outings, he was called into the manager’s office, where he was told to pack his bags to join the Twins on the road at Yankee Stadium.

“I was in total shock,” Headrick said. “It didn’t feel real.”

Stewart, who was Headrick’s Triple-A teammate at the time, joined in the clubhouse celebration for Headrick’s big-league call-up. Headrick made his MLB debut a few days later against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. He pitched the final three innings, allowing just one run on one hit, while striking out three Boston batters to earn the save in a 10-4 Minnesota victory.

“To get put into a game—in a situation where I had never come out of the bullpen in my life—that was definitely different,” Headrick said. “So, getting the save definitely helped me out, just proving to myself that I belong there, and I can do it.”

When Stewart joined Headrick on the Twins’ roster a few days later, it marked the first time since Matt Herges and Jeremy Accardo ’16 played together for the San Francisco Giants in 2005 that two Redbirds were MLB teammates. However, Stewart and Headrick were not the only Illinois State baseball alums playing in the big leagues in 2023. Other Redbirds in the pros include Paul DeJong ’15 (St. Louis Cardinals/Toronto Blue Jays/San Francisco Giants), Owen Miller (Milwaukee Brewers), and Jeff Lindgren ’19 (Miami Marlins).

“To see how many big leaguers we’ve had recently is a testament to Illinois State and the coaching staff,” Headrick said. He credits Redbird head coach Steve Holm, a former MLB catcher, for preparing him to compete at baseball’s highest level.

Although Headrick was optioned back to Triple-A St. Paul in July after earning two wins and a save in eight appearances (including another back-to-back outing with Stewart June 25), he is pitching with more confidence than ever considering his success with the Twins.

After getting married in October to fellow Illinois State alum Hannah Gilson ’19, Headrick—like Stewart—is eager for the future.

“Getting to the big leagues is everything we’ve worked for to this point. And now, our next goal is to stay in the big leagues,” Headrick said. “I’m focused on being the best version of myself and continuing to go out there and compete and just get guys out.”