BCB Announces Chuck Schafer Scholarship Winners

Citing that some of their best friendships still today were formed in their days playing Little League Baseball, Dominic Stilliana and Michael Cunningham have been awarded the 2018 Chuck Schafer Memorial Scholarship from Boardman Community Baseball.

The winners will be honored and receive their checks for $2,500 each during the 15th annual Chuck Schafer Scholarship Tournament June 29 through July 1 at the Fields of Dreams Complex on McClurg Road in Boardman.

“Boardman Community Baseball gave me the opportunity to spend extra time with my father said Stilliana.  “Even though we didn’t see eye to eye all the time, I now understand all the extra time he put into me and baseball while continuing to manage his job”.  When I have kids, “I want to give them that time and build that special bond that only a father and child can have in life”.

Cunningham noted, “I began my career at BCB when I was just five years old.  I remember looking up into the stands and seeing my family cheering me on, some of which who are not here anymore.  Having such a remarkable impact on my life, Little League truly shaped the person I am today”.

Stilliana noted the BCB provided him with a foundation for managing sports with studies.

“It was not easy to participate in three sports and keep your GPA above average in order to attend college. There were many late nights of studying after practice in order to be prepared for tests”.

Stillana who earned a 3.57 GPA at Boardman High School was a three year letter winner, co-captain in both baseball and football and a two year letter winner and co-captain in basketball.  He was also active in other school activities including National Honor Society and Italian Club. He also enjoys giving back to the community by donating his time to various local sports organizations.  Stillana plans to major in Business while attending college and playing baseball at College of Wooster.

“Every day I wake up and see my all-star jersey in its frame.  I have flashbacks to a time when life was simple and nothing else mattered but having a good time with my friends” says Cunningham.

Cunningham was a two year varsity baseball letter winner/captain and helped lead South Range High School to the 2018 Ohio Division III state championship. In addition to baseball he also was a three year letterman/captain in basketball, member of the National Honor Society and student council.  He completed his high school career with a 3.85 GPA. 

Cunningham enjoys playing piano and volunteering his time with those less fortunate along with local sports organizations. Cunningham plans on studying veterinary medicine after attending Youngstown State University beginning this fall.

 “Being part of the first 11 year old team to win a Little League state championship is one of my greatest memories.  A part of me still lives as an eleven year old all-star playing at the Fields of Dreams. Little League is something that every kid needs to experience.  It is what binds friendships, hold the foundation of our memories, and allows us to have something to look back on”.

Stilliana noted, “my work ethic was developed at BCB.  It made me appreciate how difficult it is to be at the top of your profession. It showed me how to be competitive but still a good teammate.  All in all, you need to stay humble and do the best you can.”

Boardman Community Baseball honors its children who have shown that lessons learned on the ballfields can be carried to the classroom and throughout life, with the Chuck Schafer Scholarship.  Chuck Schafer was a past coach, volunteer and league president who used his skills as a talented architect to design the Fields of Dreams Complex to cater to families who love Little League as he did.  He believed in giving back to his community and paying it forward. 

This year will mark the 15th year holding the Chuck Schafer baseball Tournament.  During this time, Boardman Community Baseball has awarded over $70,000 in scholarships to former BCB ball players.