Parents Cry Fraud on Kids' Alleged Baseball Coach

The St. Louis Better Business Bureau has issued a warning on a Chesterfield man, Eric Schifferdecker, saying he posed as a baseball coach, charging area families up to $1,700 for training, games and programs—without following through.

More than a dozen parents filed complaints with the BBB, each losing between $400 and $1,700.

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

He was said to have promised conditioning programs, practice, tournaments and uniforms. Parents said they never got what they paid for and took over coaching the games themselves. 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 for 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.