Macon, Ga. (January 19, 2024) – Piedmont Macon presented its Community Hero Award to Freddie Stewart Jr., director of the local RBI program.
RBI, which stands for Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, is affiliated with Major League Baseball and provides under-privileged youth the opportunity to play baseball. Between 300 and 350 players participate in the Macon RBI program each year.
“What is outstanding about Freddie is his commitment to helping young people over several decades,” said Jeff Battcher, founder of Macon RBI. “A lot of people commit for a year or two, but his longstanding commitment to baseball is unbelievable.”
Stewart has been involved with Macon Little League Baseball for more than 30 years, previously serving as president of the organization, and with RBI since its inception in Macon in 2015.
“When a team is playing out of town and staying in a hotel, who is washing the players’ uniforms at night? Who is cleaning toilets at Tom Fontaine Park (the complex where the RBI field is located)?” Battcher said. “Freddie gives back so much to this community. He raises money for the teams and pays for things out of his own pocket. … He’s just been so invaluable to so many people.”
Additionally, Stewart volunteers with the Meals on Wheels program and with Habitat for Humanity. He is secretary of the Middle Georgia Football Officials Association and has been officiating games since 1993.
Stephen J. Daugherty, CEO of Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North, said honoring someone like Stewart is a privilege.
“When our hospitals launched the Community Hero Award last year, Freddie is the kind of person we had in mind to recognize,” Daugherty said. “Our mission at Piedmont is to make a positive difference in every life we touch. Freddie has that same mission, and we are happy to recognize him for the positive impact he has had on the countless number of young people in this community.”
The Community Hero Award is presented quarterly to a deserving individual. After soliciting nominations from the community and its employees, Piedmont Macon’s executive leadership team selects a winner. Along with the award, the recipient will receive $500 for the charity or nonprofit organization of his or her choice.