The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – Covington Lumberjack pitcher Clayton Stewart has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Eric Workman Memorial Award, an annual honor presented by the team to a player who exemplifies hard work, leadership, loyalty, and selflessness.
A native of Lexington, South Carolina, Stewart has been a standout this summer both on and off the field. A Valley League All-Star, he currently boasts five wins on the mound for the Jacks and plays collegiate baseball at Francis Marion University.
Since 2014, the Lumberjacks have presented the award in memory of Eric Workman, a former player who left a lasting impact on the Covington community. Workman pitched for the Lumberjacks during the 2007 season and later went on to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a West Virginia State Trooper. Tragically, he and a fellow officer were shot and killed in the line of duty just one year and eight months into his career after making an arrest.
The award honors not just performance, but the character traits that defined Workman’s life—dedication, team-first mentality, and sacrifice.The award was presented by Mark Pifer, along with team owner Dizzy Garten, Coach Ched Aparicio, and Eric’s parents, George and Connie Workman, during a ceremony at Casey Field prior to the Lumberjacks final home game of the season.
