Stew Cliburn hails from Jackson, Mississippi and played college baseball at Delta State University.  He played four years in the Major Leagues as a pitcher with the California Angels.  Stew was the winning pitcher for the Angels in the game in which former Twins great, Rod Carew recorded his 3,000th Major League hit off of Frank Viola on August 5, 1985 at Anaheim Stadium.

After his playing career ended, Stew became a pitching coach and is currently the pitching coach for the Twins AA affiliate, the Chattanooga Lookouts.

Stew's twin brother, Stan, also played in the Major Leagues as catcher with the California Angels.