The Journey of Andy Bednar: From Engineer to Teacher and Coach
MARS, Pa. — Just after lunch on a snowy January day, in Room 222, a dedicated math teacher named Andy Bednar is diligently sketching Pascal’s triangle on the whiteboard. Interestingly, Andy didn’t initially set out to teach advanced algebra; his journey began at Cornell University where he played baseball, kicked for the football team, and pursued a degree in civil environmental engineering. However, after spending his twenties examining soil and groundwater around landfills, Andy, the son of a hardworking Pittsburgh steelworker, yearned for a career that would allow him more quality time with his children. This desire led him to obtain his teaching certification, eventually securing a position at Mars Area High School, where he teaches math and coaches the Fightin’ Planets baseball and football teams. His colleagues often tease him, saying, “Think you overdid it with the Ivy League degree?”
Andy and his wife, Sue, still reside in the modest two-story home they purchased upon moving to Mars. He has been teaching in Room 222 long before his current students were even born, earning the admiration of his peers in the math and science wing. With a big smile and graying hair, Andy is a beloved figure who incorporates corny jokes into his lessons on polynomial functions.
The classroom walls, made of cinder blocks, are adorned with college pennants, most of which are gifts from former students now pursuing education beyond high school. However, two columns of pennants behind Andy’s desk stand out: they represent the minor league teams where his sons are making their own marks in professional baseball—Amarillo Sod Poodles, Fort Wayne Tincaps, and Eugene Emeralds.
A Father’s Pride: Tracking His Sons’ Baseball Journeys
This is where Andy tracks the progression of his sons in the world of professional baseball. His eldest son, David, has become the closer for the hometown Pittsburgh Pirates, while his middle child, Will, once a first-round pick, is currently pitching in the San Francisco Giants organization. Their youngest sibling, Danielle, is a junior at Louisville, and all three of them have been students in their father’s class. During their high school years, he was not just their teacher, but also their coach and parent. Andy had a unique way of delivering advice, often referred to by his kids as “life talks.” Whenever he began to impart wisdom, Danielle would jokingly recognize the pattern, saying, “Uh-oh. Life talk No. 256. Press play.”
Currently, both of his sons find themselves at a critical crossroads in their baseball careers. David is coming off the worst season of his professional journey. After two consecutive All-Star seasons, he lost his closer’s role late last season as his ERA soared to 6.32. Now at 30 years old, he is acutely aware of the fleeting nature of a relief pitcher’s career.
Will, now 24, was once celebrated as a College World Series hero and a high-value draft pick. Unfortunately, he has faced a barrage of injuries that have diminished his presence on The Athletic‘s list of the Giants’ top 20 prospects or MLB.com’s list of their top 30. This winter, the Giants chose to leave Will unprotected in the Rule 5 draft, allowing any team that believed in his potential to claim him. However, none did.
Facing Challenges: A Father’s Support
What can a father say in such trying times? David’s journey to the majors was never a guaranteed outcome in the eyes of scouts. He always dreamed of playing college baseball like his father, but during high school, his pitching speed left much to be desired. “I had to work extra hard for his recruiting,” recalls Andy, who diligently emailed college coaches about David’s potential. The responses were few, with most coaches expressing a wish for more velocity.
At a Cornell camp, David finally had a breakthrough day, hitting 88 mph and striking out several batters. However, the pitching coach at Cornell delivered a demoralizing assessment: “I think that fastball is a little flat.” “After he said that, it was like Charlie Brown’s teacher,” Andy recounts, laughing. “All I heard was wah, wah, wah.”
Ultimately, David accepted a partial scholarship at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, a program known for having produced only one drafted player who made it to the majors (Jeff Mutis). Over the next two years, David honed his skills, gaining strength and velocity, starting to realize that his abilities matched those of players who were being drafted.
- Summer after junior year: David’s hopes rise as he waits out a rain delay at the Cape Cod collegiate summer league, listening to the MLB Draft announcements.
- A San Diego Padres scout texted him: Are we still good?
- David was selected in the 35th round, with the 1,044th pick, receiving a $50,000 signing bonus.
In contrast, Will’s path to professional baseball was markedly different. College coaches began to take notice once he hit 90 mph at the age of 16. He initially committed to Ohio State but reconsidered as scholarship offers flooded in from ACC and SEC schools. “That felt like the big leagues to me,” Will reflects.
As he showcased his talent at major venues like Fenway Park and Tropicana Field, scouts began to flock to his games. However, after an underwhelming start on a scorching summer day, his AAU coach, Frank Merigliano, delivered a tough love speech that resonated deeply with Will. “A stern lecture,” Sue, his mother, recalls. Will corrects her, saying, “The ass-tearing of a lifetime. But that flipped a switch for me.” Sometimes, Andy learned, it takes an outsider to deliver the life talk that resonates.
Sibling Dynamics: The Impact of Pressure
The pressure placed on Will was amplified not only by his own potential but also by the accomplishments of his older brother. The week Will began his classes at Mississippi State, he watched from his dorm room as David made his MLB debut for the Padres. As a college freshman, Will was still recovering from a biceps injury that had sidelined him during his final high school season. Anxiety loomed, but Andy reassured him, You’re going to get a chance, just focus on making the most of it.
Then, fate intervened. Two starters ahead of Will on the Bulldogs’ pitching depth chart underwent Tommy John surgery, opening the door for him. In his first start, he pitched into the sixth inning, allowing only one run against Quinnipiac. Unfortunately, the season was abruptly canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Back home, Will and Andy constructed a pitching mound in their backyard, alongside a batting cage that had been there since the kids were young. When Will returned to Mississippi State for his sophomore season, he was pitching like an ace. During the 2021 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, Andy paced the concourse as Will struck out 15 batters over six innings in the opener against Texas. That week, after David secured his first MLB win, he was asked which accomplishment was more impressive. “I think my brother takes the cake,” he said with a grin.
- Will defeated Texas again in his next start.
- In a winner-take-all game against Vanderbilt’s Kumar Rocker, Will threw six no-hit innings.
After the victory, Will was named the College World Series’ Most Outstanding Player, propelling him into the spotlight with major league teams eager to make pre-draft calls.
Draft night brought a mix of nerves for Andy. The family gathered in their living room, where the air-conditioning units ran to combat the summer heat, an important precaution to avoid tripping the circuit breaker. Will kept stepping outside to speak with his agent, who communicated that the Giants wanted him at No. 14 with an initial offer of $3 million. Will decided to counter, which shocked his family. “You did what?!” he exclaimed, laughing when recalling the moment. The Giants eventually raised their offer to $3.5 million, then $3.65 million. Will returned inside to sit with his parents, and as they appeared on TV, the circuit breaker held up.
David was racing back from a road series, listening intently on his phone as he sped home. He dashed toward Will as soon as he arrived, igniting an emotional hug that Danielle fondly recalls—“That hug. Thinking about it makes me want to cry.”
Coping with the Pressure of Professional Baseball
However, the pressures of professional baseball can be daunting. Danielle discovered this when she received a disheartening message on Instagram after David had a rough game. “You should go drink bleach,” it read, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of social media and the scrutiny that comes with being a professional athlete.
On April 9, while interning with the Pirates’ public relations staff, she experienced firsthand the discontent brewing among fans after David’s third blown save in four opportunities. “Oh my God, they’re booing my sibling,” she thought, shocked by the reaction from the crowd.
Back on January 18, 2019, the family experienced a whirlwind of emotions when Will texted the group chat, Is this real?? The Pirates had just traded starter Joe Musgrove to the Padres, and David was included among the five players heading to Pittsburgh. Andy recalls feeling disbelief, while the rest of the family shared a moment of joy—“This is what you dream about,” Danielle remarked. “David is a Pirate.”
Fast forward to the season, however, and the reality was starkly different. With an 11.70 ERA in April, the pressure weighed heavily on David. Following games, his parents refrained from discussing baseball, allowing him to process his feelings without added stress. Meanwhile, Will’s back issues resurfaced, leading to limited pitch counts as he battled to stay healthy.
As summer unfolded, Will found himself unexpectedly transitioning to a relief pitcher, a role he hadn’t anticipated. One day in late July, while sitting at a local coffee shop, Andy meticulously organized David’s and Will’s game schedules, alongside his commitments coaching the Fightin’ Planets baseball team, reflecting on how surreal it was to have both sons pursuing their dreams in such proximity.
A Father’s Reflection on Challenges and Triumphs
On one particular evening, Will gave up four runs in a game while David struggled through his next six outings. Watching his sons face these challenges left Andy feeling helpless. “As a parent watching,” he reflected, “I can’t do anything.” This realization is part of the journey of watching children grow up; while he can’t always intervene, he knows they have each other for support. No one understands Will like David, and vice versa. Danielle plays her part too, offering encouragement and wisdom.
- David, at 30, is navigating the complexities of being a young adult with a family.
- Will, at 24, is still finding his footing in the minor leagues.
Although the age gap between the siblings has historically kept them from being close, their shared experiences in baseball have forged a stronger bond. When Andy has advice for Will, he often turns to David or Danielle to reach out. David shares insights about mental resilience, emphasizing the importance of overcoming adversities. Meanwhile, Danielle reminds Will of his achievements, saying, “You’re the same guy who had 15 strikeouts against Texas. You are that guy.”
As they gather at the dinner table, the family shares a meal of roast beef sandwiches and sweet potato fries, while Moose, the family’s Great Pyrenees, tries to sneak a bite. The dining room is decorated with Will’s College World Series trophy, cases of Iron City beer featuring David’s likeness, and an unopened Rapsodo pitch-tracking camera. Nearby, the lineup card from David’s first MLB win hangs on the wall.
When Will briefly steps away, Sue quietly expresses her contentment, “It’s been really nice having him here.” Andy nods in agreement, acknowledging that it’s been a fulfilling winter in Mars. Their sons are close by, and they have embraced the role of grandparents. Baseball has gifted them with some of life’s most cherished moments as they’ve witnessed their children pursue their dreams, experience failures, and rise again.
Yet, Andy understands the realities of the sport. He knows that David, after a rough spring training with a 10.13 ERA, is fighting to reclaim his closer’s role. At the same time, Will is expected to return to Double-A Richmond, still two steps away from the majors.
Finding Hope Amidst Uncertainty
So, what does a father say now? Before the Bednar boys departed for spring training, the family gathered for a farewell dinner at a local steakhouse. Andy knew he had much to impart to his sons. Life talk No. 256. Press play. But in the end, he refrained from delivering another lecture. His sons are acutely aware of the crossroads they face. They don’t need their dad to reiterate the obvious; they understand that failures are part of the game, just as finding their own paths is an integral part of life. After dinner, Andy embraced his sons, expressing his pride in their journeys, and made plans to see them soon. “I’m sad they’re leaving,” Sue reflected, “but it’s time to go.”
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos: Jess Rapfogel, Chris Coduto / MLB Photos / Getty Images)
