Erie SeaWolves Open Chace Numata Scholarship Applications

The $5,000 scholarship honors a former SeaWolves catcher and supports college-bound baseball and softball players in Erie and Crawford counties.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Scholarships

Erie SeaWolves Open Chace Numata Scholarship Applications

The Erie SeaWolves opened applications for the 2027 Chace Numata Scholarship, which will award a minimum of $5,000 to graduating seniors playing varsity baseball or softball. The application deadline is February 16, 2027.

Why it matters

The scholarship is named for former SeaWolves catcher Chace Numata and has awarded 81 scholarships over the past seven years through the SeaWolves Community Fund. It recognizes student-athletes for leadership, teamwork and a positive impact on others, not only athletic ability.

Applicants must be college-bound high school seniors on varsity baseball or softball teams in Erie or Crawford counties, plan to attend a four-year school in fall 2027, and hold at least a 2.5 GPA. Participation in collegiate athletics is not required.

The players

Erie SeaWolves

The Erie SeaWolves are a minor league baseball team and the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers that operates the SeaWolves Community Fund.

Chace Numata

Chace Numata was a switch-hitting catcher who played ten professional seasons and died during the 2019 season at age 27.

The details

Recipients are selected based on athletic accomplishments, contributions to their teams and positive influence on others, and applicants must demonstrate good sportsmanship, teamwork and kindness. The scholarship was established in memory of Chace Numata, a switch-hitting catcher for the Erie SeaWolves, the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.

2019 season: Chace Numata died at age 27.
February 16, 2027: Application deadline for the Chace Numata Scholarship.
Fall 2027: Recipients must be enrolled in a four-year college or university.

Season Trajectory

The scholarship continues a pattern of memorial giving by the SeaWolves Community Fund, which has awarded 81 scholarships over seven years. It links the team's ongoing community role to local youth baseball and softball rather than to game results.

Erie-area high school seniors playing varsity baseball or softball can apply for at least $5,000 toward college costs if they meet the 2.5 GPA requirement. Participation in collegiate athletics is not required, so the award is open to students who will attend a four-year school regardless of whether they play in college.

The takeaway

Eligible students should confirm they meet the 2.5 GPA and four-year enrollment requirements well before the February 16, 2027 deadline. The award recognizes leadership and teamwork alongside athletic achievement, so strong community involvement strengthens an application.