Piedmont Macon presents Community Hero Award to Freddie Stewart Jr.

Piedmont Macon has presented its Community Hero Award to Freddie Stewart Jr., the director of the Macon RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Program.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon has presented its Community Hero Award to Freddie Stewart Jr., the director of the Macon RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Program.

Stewart has been involved with Macon Little League Baseball for more than 30 years, according to a Piedmont Macon news release, and has served with Macon RBI since it began in 2015.

“What is outstanding about Freddie is his commitment to helping young people over several decades,” Macon RBI founder Jeff Battcher said. “A lot of people commit for a year or two, but his longstanding commitment to baseball is unbelievable.”

Battcher says Stewart completes often thankless tasks like washing players’ uniforms and cleaning toilets at the organization’s home base, Tom Fontaine Park.

“Freddie gives back so much to this community,” Battcher said. “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.”

Stewart also serves as secretary of the Middle Georgia Football Officials Association and has been officiating games since 1993.

Additionally, he volunteers with Meals on Wheels of Middle Georgia and with Macon Area Habitat for Humanity.

“When our hospitals launched the Community Hero Award last year, Freddie is the kind of person we had in mind to recognize,” Stephen J. Daugherty, CEO of Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North, 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 each quarter to a deserving individual. After receiving nominations from the community and its employees, Piedmont Macon’s executive leadership team selects a winner.

Along with the award, each recipient receives $500 for the charity or nonprofit organization of his or her choice.