Former Blue Jays star Marcus Stroman supports teenagers in their college dreams

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A former Toronto Blue Jays All-Star steps in for two teenagers.

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Marcus Stroman, who currently pitches for the New York Yankees, knows a lot about passion and is awarding $25,000 scholarships to two New York students in whom he recognizes this trait.

Elani Wyatt, 18, of Equality Charter High School, and Geurys Florentino, 18, of Monsignor Scanlan High School, not only received scholarships – which will cover their first year’s expenses – but were also honored at Tuesday’s game between the Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians.

“I was so overwhelmed with happiness. I never expected this for myself. My family and I practically cried together,” Wyatt told the New York Post.

Florentino grew up in the Edenwald Projects in Eastchester, which he described as a “dangerous environment,” but focused on his education and baseball to stay out of trouble.

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“Coming from a single-parent household, the opportunity to continue my education and spare my family some hardship is a blessing I do not take for granted,” Florentino said.

Stroman said he saw in Wyatt and Florentino the same passion he had during his childhood in Medford, New York.

“When you put hours into something you’re passionate about, you’re ultimately pursuing a goal that will give you something back throughout your life and doing something you love,” Stroman told the outlet.

“I really don’t believe in overnight success. You really have to find out what you’re passionate about and put in the work and time necessary to be successful,” he added.

Stroman, a two-time All-Star, attributed his work ethic to his father, who was a police detective. “My father made me work a lot harder than any other kid. My confidence comes from working.”

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Thanks to his hard work, Stroman received a scholarship to Duke University in 2009.

“The Duke scholarship has helped me a lot to give back,” he said. “I’m grateful to be able to help kids get into their dream schools and support their development.”

Wyatt will study architecture at the New York Institute of Technology this fall, while Florentino will attend Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, and study business and sports management.

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