Stewart looks foward to Arkansas opportunity

Hello everyone, I'm Dan Lucy on the Ozarks First digital desk.

It's been quiet a month of July with Missouri State officially entering Conference USA.

And the red hot Springfield Cardinals winning games at Hammons Field.

And slipping under the radar may be Missouri State outfielder Zack Stewart's decision to transfer from the Bears to Arkansas for his senior season.

Stewart is a 6-foot-2 Lebanon product who played three years for the Bears before entering the transfer portal.

The Razorbacks are an elite Southeastern Conference program that made it to the College World Series in June.

Arkansas will most likely need to replace its entire outfield following the Major League Baseball draft Sunday and Monday.

And the slugging outfielder went to Fayetteville.

It was a little awkward because the last time Stewart was in Baum Stadium, he ripped a home run and helped MoState upset the Hogs.

But that was ancient history, and Stewart loved the opportunity Arkansas is offering.

Zack Stewart/Transfer to Arkansas:"I got a good opportunity there, I was really happy with my visit and everything there. That's kind of what got me to go there. There's an opening in the outfield that I have a shot to take. Obviously I have to go earn it and work for it. That's my plan and I want to go do it."

Zack Stewart made an immediate splash when he came to Missouri State from the Yellowjackets.

He hit .302 with 12 homers and won the Valley's freshman of the year.

The slugger followed it up with with 21 homers and a .300 batting average as a sophomore.

But no Major League team wanted him in the 2024 draft.

So Stewart returned to Hammons Field but had a disappointing junior campaign, hitting .269 with 11 homers and 31 RBI.

His Bears shared the Valley regular season championship with Murray State.

Bt lost to the Racers in the Valley tournament.

Stewart:"It was a tough year, alot of things happened. That's part of it, that's baseball. Nothing goes according to plan obviously. But I was very happy with the opportunity I have there. I figured I might as well because it was the best opportunity that I had."

Going to Arkansas will give Stewart a reset and a chance to catch the eyes of the MLB scouts for the 2026 draft.

He's looking forward to his senior campaign.

And he's thankful for Missouri State and Bear Nation for his first three years of college ball.

Stewart:"Oh yea, I'm super pumped. It can be a great season for sure. No matter what it's going to be a very competitive team in a regional for sure. I'm pumped for the opportunity to work with the coaches there. And get better. And get better perspectives on how I can develop and get better. I'm very thankful for all the Bears fans. I've been very blessed to call this place home for the past three years. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. That's for sure. These three years were very special to me. And honestly thank you to all of them."

The Bears baseball schedule is not out for next spring.

But I'm sure Missouri State and Arkansas will continue their series.

And Stewart will be swinging for the Hogs instead of the Bears.

For more sports watch Ozarks First news at nine and ten.

And I'll see you then.