While the Erie SeaWolves continue to cope with the tragic death of catcher Chace Numata, the Tigers’ Double-A affiliate has established a scholarship to honor his life. The Chace Numata Scholarship will help Erie-area baseball and softball student-athletes pursue a college education.

The SeaWolves Community Fund will award at least four $1,000 scholarships each year to Erie County high school seniors who participate in varsity baseball or softball. Honorees will be selected based on their on- and off-field accomplishments, their contributions to improving a team and their positive impact on the lives of others. A committee that includes SeaWolves players, front-office staff and the Numata family will choose the winners.

Numata was a popular catcher on the SeaWolves' roster and a beloved member of the clubhouse after joining the Tigers' organization as a Minor League free agent. On the field, he played an integral role in the SeaWolves’ charge toward the playoff race. The 27-year-old passed away following an accident in Erie on the final weekend of the season, a tragedy that hit home for many up and down the Tigers' system.

“He was a talented baseball player and a world-class teammate,” the SeaWolves said in the scholarship statement. “It didn’t matter if you were a professional athlete or a young child, Chace made you feel welcome. His smile was contagious and unrelenting, and his fun-loving personality could light up any environment.”

Numata had elected to be an organ donor, and his heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas were able to go to people in need. The scholarship will help continue his legacy.

Fundraising efforts for the scholarship are already underway. Fans can purchase Chace Numata yellow jersey T-shirts featuring his number 10 and the hashtag #LiveLikeNumi at the UPMC Park team store as well as online at seawolves.com. All proceeds from the sales will go to the scholarship.

More fundraising efforts will follow, including a SeaWolves Night promotion this Saturday at the Erie Otters hockey game. In the meantime, anyone wishing to donate to the scholarship can send a check payable to the SeaWolves Community Fund:

SeaWolves Community Fund
ATTN: Numi Scholarship
110 E. 10th Street
Erie, PA 16501