Mars coach, son chase baseball title

MARS, FROM PAGE D-5

Bednar didn’t get to start the championship, but he did hit a two-run double in the bottom of the sixth to break a 6-6 tie. Sto-Rox went on to win, 9-6.

Now the son gets a chance to shine.

“I honestly didn’t think I would have this much of an impact of the team,” said Will Bednar, 16, who did not play on the varsity as a freshman. “I thought I would maybe be a guy to help out the team as maybe the No. 3 pitcher. I never expected to be this big of a part.”

Will admits that his dad is usually harder on him than any other player. But that’s how it often is with fathersons who are coach-players.

“But this season is more special with him being there, instead of just being in the stands,” Will Bednar said. “There is a little bit of pressure on him and me, though, and him just making the right call.”

Pitching is in the genes of the Bednar family. Andy and Sue Bednar have three children (Danielle, 13, is the youngest). The oldest is David, 22, who was a standout pitcher at Mars before enjoying success at Lafayette College. David was a 34th-round draft pick of the San Diego Padres in June 2016 and now is in his second season in the Padres minor league system, pitching relief for the Fort Wayne TinCaps in Indiana in the Class A Midwest League. David Bednar has five saves this spring.

“Obviously, both of them developed a stronger arm when they were younger,” Andy Bednar said. “But a lot of it is just them working and working, and putting the time in. By no means, was it an overnight success thing.”

Andy Bednar said he has trouble watching his sons pitch when he’s not coaching.

“It’s easier when you’re coaching them instead of just a spectator,” Andy said with a laugh. “Some of David’s games in Fort Wayne, I have to walk far away and watch. It’s not as a bad when you’re coaching because you feel like you have a handle on them and an impact.”

Andy Bednar went on to say, “I wouldn’t trade coaching them for the world.”