Baseball Coach Strikes Out on Delivering Promises

The St. Louis Better Business Bureau issued a warning on a fraudulent baseball coach, who has been charging area families for training, games and programs without following through.

More than a dozen parents, including at least one family in Oakville, filed complaints with the BBB, each losing between $400 and $1,700.

Eric Schifferdecker of Chesterfield put together three teams of 15 boys last fall and collected $1,200 to $1,400 from each family, the warning states.

He promised conditioning programs, practice, tournaments and uniforms. Parents said they never got what they paid for and took over coaching the games. They have not received a refund.

Schifferdecker is associated with Midwest Baseball Academy, A Game Sports, Play Ball USA and Gateway America Sports.

Businesses as well as parents complained to the bureau. Two representatives from different sporting goods stores said Schifferdecker failed to pay up in ordered uniforms.

“Is there any way to stop this guy?” asked a St. Louis County businessman who said his company lost $10,000 in a deal with Schifferdecker involving a series of baseball training videos.

BBB President and CEO Michelle Corey condemned Schifferdecker’s behavior.

"If he, indeed, has cheated these kids, it’s reprehensible,” Corey said in the warning.

The BBB suggests several tips for families when seeking athletic instruction for their kids:

• Get all agreements in writing and make sure a refund clause is included.
• Research individuals or businesses before doing business.
• Seek references or credentials.
• Check BBB Business Reviews at www.bbb.org or by calling 314-645-3300.