By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
BG Youth Baseball has honored two long-time volunteers – one who keeps the players fed, and one who keeps returning to coach teams.
Shaun Crusa and Mike Leslie were both given the Tony Aspacher Volunteer of the Year Award, Tuesday evening at the baseball fields in Carter Park.
Crusa, the owner of Sundae Station, supplies about 4,000 hotdogs for free each year to the BG Youth Baseball program – taking over the tradition that started with Chip Myles.
“It’s pure profit for the park,” Crusa said of the well over 10,000 hotdogs he has donated.
He also supplies the Player of the Game certificates that can be exchanged for Sundae Station ice cream and taken home to hang in the rooms of young baseball players.
And this year, Crusa added the sponsoring of a baseball team.
“It’s such a good program for Bowling Green,” he said of the youth baseball organization.
Inspired by his dad, who coached ball for many years, Crusa began volunteering at the baseball concession stand when very young. At age 16, he was promoted to manager of the stand.
“My friends knew I was spending my summers at Carter Park,” he said.
“That was such a learning experience for what I do here,” Crusa said about Sundae Station.
Tim Dunn, president of the BG Youth Baseball organization, said Crusa is an example of a business that gives back to the community.
“He’s sponsoring a team. He gives all this ice cream away to any kid in a uniform,” Dunn said. “I love seeing businesses give back.”
Mike Leslie was recognized for his years of coaching youth baseball. He coached his daughter, Beth Snyder, when she was younger, then returned to coach his grandchildren – and just keeps volunteering year after year, Dunn said.
“He’s out here coaching kids constantly,” Dunn said. “He’s real quiet. He just coaches.”
BG Youth Baseball currently has 38 teams – each that needs a volunteer coach.
“If I could have all Mike Leslies, it would be amazing,” Dunn said.
The award is named after Tony Aspacher, a longtime coach and supporter of youth baseball in Bowling Green.
