The Stenhouse Legacy: A Family of Baseball
The Stenhouse family has left an enduring mark on the world of baseball. While Dave Stenhouse Sr.’s recent passing on November 11, 2023, was met with sorrow, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions of his sons, Dave Jr. and Mike, in the realm of professional baseball.
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The Stenhouse Sons: Dave Jr. and Mike
Dave Stenhouse Sr. was not the only member of his family to grace professional baseball rosters. His two sons, Dave Jr. and Mike Stenhouse, followed in their father’s footsteps, embarking on impressive careers in the world of sports.
Mike Stenhouse’s Journey
Mike Stenhouse, an esteemed outfielder, commenced his baseball career at Cranston East High School, earning a place on the Rhode Island Interscholastic baseball team in 1974. Despite receiving offers from renowned college baseball programs, including Arizona State, Mike made a distinct choice: he opted to attend Harvard University.
At Harvard, Mike Stenhouse thrived, receiving recognition as an All-Ivy League player during his freshman year. His remarkable success included a .475 batting average, ranking second in Division I. In 1979, he was drafted 26th overall by the Oakland Athletics. However, he chose to return to Harvard after a salary dispute with Major League Baseball.
In January 1980, Mike was selected 4th overall by the Montreal Expos. By 1982, he earned a spot on the Major League roster. Throughout his career, Mike Stenhouse displayed immense potential, notably during his time with Triple-A Wichita, where he excelled with a .355 batting average and twenty-five home runs over three seasons.
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Mike’s career reached its zenith in 1985 when he was traded to the Minnesota Twins, experiencing career highs in various categories. In December 1985, he joined the Boston Red Sox, realizing the dream of playing in Fenway Park, the same stadium where his father was celebrated by hometown fans in 1962. Despite this warm reception, Mike’s career with the Red Sox was relatively brief, marking the end of his Major League journey.
Following his playing career, Mike Stenhouse transitioned into roles as an analyst for the Pawtucket Red Sox and an announcer for the Montreal Expos during the 1996 season. Today, he serves as the CEO of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity, a public policy organization.
Dave Jr.’s Baseball Journey
Dave Stenhouse Jr. was another notable figure in the world of baseball, embarking on a six-year stint in the minor leagues, with three of those years at the Triple-A level. Dave Jr., a catcher, was selected in the fifth round of the 1982 amateur draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. He began his professional career with the Medicine Hat Blue Jays, where he posted an impressive .305 batting average and eight home runs.
In 1983, Dave Jr. received an invitation to the Blue Jays’ spring training camp. The following season, he made significant advancements in the minor league system, rising to the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs. While he never received the call to the Major Leagues, Dave Jr. displayed consistent dedication to the sport.
Dave Stenhouse Jr. retired from professional baseball after the 1987 season. He did, however, participate in games with the barnstorming Grey Sox team alongside his brother, Mike.
A Legacy That Lives On
The Stenhouse family’s involvement in professional baseball is a testament to their passion and talent. While there is limited information available about Dave Stenhouse Sr.’s cause of death or the presence of a wife, his contributions to the sport remain invaluable. The Stenhouse legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the world of baseball.


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