Mars’ Bednar brothers pitch against each other ahead of World Baseball Classic
Add another chapter to the Bednar baseball story.
Tuesday afternoon in Scottsdale, Ariz., Mars graduates David and Will Bednar pitched in the same professional baseball game for the first time.
David, 32, who tallied 27 saves and an earned run average below 3.00 while pitching for the Pirates and New York Yankees last season, is a relief pitcher on Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Team USA was in Scottsdale to play an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants.
Will, 25, was converted to a relief pitcher last season and is a non-roster invitee to spring training with the Giants. Both were scheduled to pitch in the game.
“When we were told that was happening, we had to be there,” their father, Andy Bednar, said of him and his family.
So Andy — retired Mars Area High School baseball coach, still serving as an assistant with the program — his wife, Sue, and daughter Danielle made the trip out west. Danielle, a former Mars softball player, is a senior communications major at the University of Louisville and does work for the baseball team there.
David pitched a perfect bottom of the seventh for Team USA on Tuesday. Will pitched the top of the eighth for the Giants, allowing a single and walk, but no runs.
“We wanted to see them both pitch clean innings and that’s what we got,” Andy Bednar said. “We couldn’t ask for anything more.”
“Such a blessing,” his wife said. “The whole experience was unbelievable. It reminded me of when Will got drafted and signed by the Giants. They flew us out to San Francisco for an introduction to the team and they happened to be playing the Pirates, so Will and David were able to get together.
“It’s amazing how this stuff works out.”
The 14th overall selection in the 2021 amateur draft, Will was plagued by back problems early in his pro career. He pitched at the Class AA Level last season, with a few appearances in Class AAA, and struck out 84 in 52.1innings pitched. His fastball has been clocked at 99 miles per hour this year.
“Last year was Will’s first pro season where he was completely healthy,” his father said. “He still has some command issues, but it’s coming around. If he doesn’t break camp with the Giants, there’s a good chance he’ll make his major league debut this season.”
Sue pointed out that Tuesday was the first time David had a chance to see Will pitch in a professional game.
“I got a charge out of watching David watching him,” she said. “It was a reward for all the hard work they’ve put in, not only to get drafted, but to even make it to college baseball and do well.”
The Mars baseball team is headed to Tampa, Fla., late this month to begin its high school season. Team USA will be playing in Miami then.
“If it all works out, I’ll get a chance to make a side trip to Miami and see David pitch again,” his father said.
