Thought they weren't doing it this year. But either way I couldn't think of someone more deserving.
Photo by Jamie Maury
Aggie baseball has its new #12.
On Friday, it was announced that senior right-handed pitcher Josh Stewart will wear the number synonymous with Texas A&M for the 2026 season.
“Like many of the players on our team, Josh embodies what it means to be a Fightin’ Texas Aggie,” head coach Michael Earley said. “Being recognized by his teammates is a true reflection of his character, work ethic, resilience and willingness to put others before himself.”
Stewart joins the likes of Troy Claunch, Austin Bost, Ryan Targac and Hayden Schott to don #12 since the program began issuing the jersey to the individual who best represents the core values of the university — Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service.
“I never knew that I was going to be able to play for a fifth year, so it’s just exciting to be back with the guys,” Stewart said earlier this week. “Everyone’s just excited to get back on the field.”
Additionally, Stewart is the second player chosen by Earley for the honor and will now trade in #34 for #12.
A year ago, Stewart made just one appearance — throwing only six pitches vs. Cal Poly on Feb. 22, 2025 — before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Now, he expects to be fully healthy and a key piece for Jason Kelly’s staff in 2026.
“I’ve just been working to get back to where we can pitch again, play again and all that good stuff,” Stewart said. “The best ability is availability, so just being available every week, being able to pitch Tuesdays, if needed, Fridays, Sundays.
“Get as many outings as possible whenever I’m needed is all I’m thinking about.”
In 2024, the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder owned a 4.26 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP across 31.2 innings and 25 appearances in helping A&M reach a winner-take-all national championship game against the Tennessee Volunteers. That summer, Stewart became one of the most trusted relief options for the Aggies, and in Omaha, he pitched four times, allowing just three runs in 13 innings while accumulating an ironic 12 strikeouts.
Stewart began his collegiate career in Austin, making 10 appearances for the Longhorns in 2022 before transferring to Aggieland for his sophomore campaign in 2023.
The fifth-year arm’s Aggie ties run deep as a recent Instagram post included a childhood photo of himself — in Maroon — on Kyle Field ahead of the 2011 Lone Star Showdown in College Station.
Opening Day is fast approaching as the Aggies begin the season on Feb. 13 vs. Tennessee Tech at Blue Bell Park.
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