By JEREMY SELLEW
Along with Joe Perrotta, there may have been no one as dedicated to Donora Youth Baseball as Charles “Snuffy” Smith.
After a donation from the Joe Perrotta Memorial Fund, Smith built the concession stand at the annex of Donora’s Legion Field. He’s maintained the field, cut the grass, lined the field and just about everything else that was needed to take care of the facility for the youth of Donora.
About two months ago while at a game in Jefferson Hills, Smith fell ill and passed out. Testing at a local hospital revealed a diagnosis of esophageal cancer.
Smith has been putting up the fight of his life, and for all his dedication to the youth of Donora, he is not alone.
On July 31 and Aug. 1, the Donora Baseball Association will hold the Strike Out Cancer baseball tournament for Bronco teams at the annex field that Smith adores.
“The field there is named for Joe Perrotta, but even when Joe was still around, Snuffy was involved,” Donora councilman and friend Don Pavelko said. “Along with his own children, he tutored and mentored countless kids. He’s meant a great deal to Donora baseball. That field has been his passion for as long as I can remember.”
Pavelko said Smith probably knows about the tournament and would likely be totally against it.
“He’s always been such a humble dude. He’d never want everyone to do this for him,” Pavelko said. “Even though he’s down a little bit, I’m sure everyone wants him and the family to know this isn’t a fight he has to go alone.”
Sponsorships for the event are available ranging from any amount up to $100.
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