Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Brotherhood is an unbreakable bond that exemplifies one of the truest forms of love.
For Virginia Tech pitcher Griffin Stieg, the youngest of four siblings, his bond with his brother, Drew, in the fraternity of baseball was particularly cherished.
In McLean, Virginia, the Stieg brothers played together on the same McLean High School baseball team – Drew wearing No. 3 and Griffin wearing No. 24. Both went on to play NCAA Division I baseball – Drew trekking to George Mason as an outfielder in 2021, two years before Griffin joined the Virginia Tech pitching staff in Blacksburg.
"He shaped me to be the person I am today," said Griffin. "Things he has taught me contribute to how I play. He taught me work ethic, how to show up and how to play the game the right way."
On the morning of March 16, 2023, as the Hokies were departing for their series at Miami, Griffin learned of Drew's tragic passing from an accidental overdose. He was 20 years old.
In that heartbreaking moment, Griffin leaned on his father, Forrest, his family, his faith and his teammates for strength as they navigated the unimaginable loss together.
"Drew had a passion for athletics, fitness and wellness," said Forrest. "This passion along with his commitment to building strong friendships was core of who he was and how we want to remember him and share his legacy."
Following Drew's passing, the Stieg family established the Drew Stieg Aspiring Wellness Program which strives to facilitate health and wellness through community building, value sharing, education and activity participation. The family provides scholarships to McLean High School students, the Potomac Collegiate Baseball League in Northern Virginia and MLS Educational Consultants.
The 4ward for Mental Health Awareness non-profit organization supports the Drew Stieg Aspiring Wellness Program through its annual golf charity tournament (to be held this year on July 1) at the private Cutalong at Lake Anna golf course in Louisa County, Virginia. Information will made available this spring by visiting 4Wardmha.org, as well as through the Drew Stieg Aspiring Wellness Program online and via Facebook.
Additionally, the McLean Community Foundation supports the Drew Steig Aspiring Wellness Program through its annual 5K race (to be held this year on Oct. 4) in downtown McLean. Information will be made this spring through the McLean Community Foundation online and the Drew Stieg Aspiring Wellness Program Facebook page.
Video narration provided by Giovanni Heater.