PROVO, Utah — Former BYU shortstop Daniel Schneemann and pitcher Justin Sterner, who are currently enjoying MLB success, will be the featured speakers at BYU baseball’s annual First Pitch Dinner and fundraising auction on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Provo Marriott.
The baseball fundraiser includes a silent auction, dinner and program featuring keynote addresses from Schneeman and Sterner, as well as the presentation of the Cameron Tuckett Award, given annually to the player who demonstrates consistent effort in academics, citizenship and baseball from the previous season.
The silent auction includes memorabilia from MLB, NFL, NBA and former Cougar greats, with a few larger items saved for the live auction.
SCHNEEMANN, from Chula Vista, California, played three seasons at BYU (2016-18) where he stared at shortstop. In 2016, he helped BYU to a West Coast Conference Championship and a trip to the NCAA Regionals. The following season, as a junior, he started all 50 games, leading the Cougars with his stellar defensive play and seven game-winning RBIs. For his efforts Schneemann was named WCC Defensive Player of the Year.
Following his junior year, Schneemann was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 33rd round of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft. He made his MLB debut for Cleveland on June 3, 2024. Schneemann followed his rookie season with a breakout campaign in 2025, appearing in 131 games for the Guardians, where he scored 48 runs and collected 48 RBI. Defensively, he played every position except catcher, first base and pitcher, and was selected as a Gold Glove finalist at the utility position.
Schneemann is married to Allie Hancock-Schneemann who played first base for the BYU softball team from 2016-2019 and is currently an assistant softball coach for the Cougars. The couple have two daughters.
STERNER joined the BYU baseball team in 2018, following a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Apia, Samoa. He pitched three seasons for the Cougars (2018-20), where he appeared in 27 games with 17 starts. The Laguna Niguel, California native recorded a career 8-3 record, with a 2.86 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 100.2 innings.
Sterner signed a free agent contract with the Miami Marlins in August 2020 and was later acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays organization. The right-hander made his MLB debut for the Rays on May 31, 2024, pitching two scoreless innings versus the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. The following off-season, Sterner joined the Athletics organization where he appeared in 59 games for the A’s during 2025 season, recording 70 strikeouts on his way to a 4-3 record and 3.18 ERA.
Sterner is married to Courtney Judd Sterner. The couple have two children, a son and a daughter.
Those interested in attending the First Pitch Dinner can click HERE to purchase tickets online.