Bevill State Community College (BSCC) is excited to announce the appointment of Steve Woodard as the new Head Coach of the Men’s Baseball Team. A native of Hartselle, Alabama, Woodard’s exceptional journey from high school championships to Major League Baseball sets the stage for an exciting new era for Bevill State Baseball. The Bevill State Baseball Program is located on the College’s Fayette Campus.
Bevill State Community College President, Dr. Joel Hagood, said, “As the newly appointed head baseball coach at Bevill State Community College, Steve Woodard brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a deep-rooted passion for the game. His commitment to excellence, coupled with his proven track record of success, positions him as a transformative leader poised to elevate Bevill State’s baseball program to new heights. Join us in welcoming Steve Woodard as the newest addition to the Bevill State family. Go Bears!”
Woodard’s passion for baseball began during his formative years in Hartselle, where he honed his skills and led his team to an impressive three state championships, with an additional runner-up finish, during his tenure. Following his standout high school career, Woodard’s talent caught the attention of the University of Tennessee, where he signed during the early signing period, setting the stage for his collegiate and professional endeavors.
The pinnacle of Woodard’s playing career came early, as he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 5th round of the 1994 draft. Making his Major League debut at the young age of 22, Woodard faced off against his childhood idol, Roger Clemens, and won with a memorable 1-0 victory. Woodard struck out 12 batters while allowing just one hit, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the Major Leagues.
Throughout his seven years in the Major Leagues, Woodard earned two Opening Day starts and donned the jerseys of esteemed franchises including the Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Oakland A’s, and Miami Marlins. Following his playing career, Woodard transitioned seamlessly into the world of sports analysis, serving as an analyst for the American Legion World Series on ESPN in Shelby, North Carolina.
Steve Woodard is married to Brooke Sawyer, a kindergarten teacher at TR Simmons Elementary School in Jasper, AL. He has two stepsons, Preston and Parker Sawyer.
Coach Steve Woodard said of the appointment, “I am truly honored to join the Bevill State family. I am deeply impressed by the players’ enthusiasm and determination to achieve excellence. They are hungry to do great things for the rest of the year. My family and I embark on this new journey with great excitement and anticipation.”
BSCC Athletic Director, Chris Harris stated, “We are excited to welcome Steve Woodard as the new head baseball coach at Bevill State Community College. His remarkable journey from Hartselle to the Major Leagues exemplifies the kind of dedication, skill, and character that we strive to instill in our student-athletes.”
