Lafayette Drillers Flashback: Thomas Stedman

The Lafayette Drillers, a Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, called Lafayette, Louisiana their home for two years, from 1975-1976.

The Drillers, who played their home games at Clark Field, were co-champions of the Texas League in 1975 with the Midland Cubs, finishing 72-57, before going 58-76 in 1976, the last year of affiliated professional baseball in Lafayette.

A number of outstanding players, who eventually made it into Major League Baseball ranks played at Clark Field in 1975 & 1976, including five former Lafayette Driller players.

All summer long, we’re taking a look back at some of the former players for the Drillers.

Today, Thomas Stedman.

A native of Bethesda, Maryland, Stedman played one season with the Drillers, in 1975, which also turned out to be his last year in professional baseball.

The right-handed hitting second baseman played 65 games at second base, nine at shortstop, and six at third base in 1975 with Lafayette.

More known for his defense and versatility, Stedman hit a .266 in 1975, with one home run and 31 runs batted in.

The 6-foot-2, 165-pound Stedman also accumulated 102 hits, 57 runs, 14 doubles, and two stolen bases, while walking 36 times, and striking out 19 times.

Stedman spent parts of four season in AA ball, but never made it to AAA.