Honoring Paul Smeton's Living Legacy
Paul Smeton's Story
Paul is married to a wonderful caring wife Debbie, and they have two children, Joe 29 and Adele 24. He was born and raised in Baltimore and has lived in Maryland all but 2 - 3 years of his life. With modesty, Paul states, "I have a non-existent baseball background other than having played little league as a kid. I never even made my high school team. I've learned to play the game over the years, sometimes as a social event and sometimes being more competitive." He also loves playing golf, tennis, and most other sports involving a ball.
Since 2015 Paul has been battling follicular non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He's been through four treatment plans; two rounds each of radiation and chemo. Paul is now experiencing his 5th battle to ward off three active tumors. He will be undergoing CAR-T cell immunotherapy at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. This year Paul doesn’t expect to play much ball. We join him in hoping that next year will be better!
When asked about lessons learned from baseball, Paul responded, "I have broken both ankles and had each shoulder operated on. One must be resilient, being able to overcome setbacks and adversity. Romans Ch 5, v 3-4: We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." The baseball community is an important form of support for Paul, along with his family and faith.
The Heart of Baseball
Lifelong Passion
Baseball has shaped Paul’s life both on and off the field. He will always remember winning the championship via a JSB Tournament in Cooperstown as well as winning another championship in Cooperstown by way of a Father/Son Tournament. Although most of his cherished baseball memories are tied to his father and his son, Paul also cherishes the lifelong friendships and sense of community that baseball has brought into his life. For young players, his advice is to embrace the highs and lows of the game and the importance of hard work.
Beyond the Game
Baseball is more than a game to Paul Smeton; the lessons and friendships he has gained from baseball play a central role in how he lives his life. The resilience learned on the field from the inevitable ups and downs have helped Paul face all of life's challenges. Furthermore, his love of the game and desire to get back to enjoying it with friends serve as powerful motivators through treatments.
Giving Back
Paul's involvement with causes that support young people is key to his identity. He "likes seeing young people be given an opportunity and a pathway to having a better life in the future." Paul was one of the founding sponsors of the Technology 4 Causes Transformation Guild because it aligns with his passion for quality education and pushing young people to go beyond their comfort zones. He also supports education through The Legacy Project at Saint Casimir Catholic School in Baltimore City. Additionally, Paul serves Baseball 4 Causes as a program chairperson for the Over 60 Series, shaping future events with his vision and energy.
Paul’s goal is to conquer cancer for the fifth time and continue his ongoing commitment to living life to the fullest. And his hope for all of us is that we learn from his commitment to faith, family, and baseball to accept life's journey even when its full meaning may not be clear... and to keep giving back.
Paul's Story Wall
Story From John Kutcher
A lanky man in his late 60s takes the mound on the iconic birthplace of baseball itself—Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York. A four-time cancer survivor, he delivers the pitch. A slow grounder is hit to the right side. He runs over to it and, without hesitation, dives to cut it off. As he slams to the ground, he somehow manages to shovel the ball toward first base.
I honestly can’t remember whether the runner was safe or out.
But in that moment, I witnessed true grit—and true love. Not even cancer was going to stop Paul Smeton from playing the game he loves, alongside his baseball brothers and friends.
What we saw wasn’t just a lifetime love of the game that he’ll keep playing as long as he can. We saw the deeper drive: the friendship and camaraderie that fuel him. Paul’s competitive spirit is flint—but his heart is as big as the diamond itself.
When we floated the idea of starting a youth mentoring program—one where young writers could help others while learning transformative skills themselves—Paul didn’t hesitate. He said, “Count me in.” That night, he put a check in the mail—not only supporting The Transformation Guild, but helping spark the very concept of Baseball 4 Causes itself.
His early support helped ignite a movement that’s now impacting students, nonprofits, and charitable initiatives across many communities.
Paul has always found a way to connect the many circles in his life: to nurture relationships, help everyone have fun, and make a lasting impact on others and the world around him.
This is why Paul Smeton is one of our inaugural Living Legacies.
Championed By
Baseball Legacy Society
The Baseball Legacy Society (BLS) honors the lasting contributions of those who have shaped the baseball community—both those we remember and those still making an impact. Through shared stories, personal tributes, and legacy-driven initiatives, we celebrate their impact both on and off the field. Our mission is to preserve these legacies, support one another through all seasons of life, and ensure that the spirit of our baseball family continues to inspire for generations to come.
Baseball 4 Causes
Baseball 4 Causes (B4C) is the baseball philanthropy division of Technology 4 Causes, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact through technology and support services.
Our mission is to create a positive impact in the baseball community and the wider local community by fostering fellowship through the playing of baseball, enhancing educational activities and event experiences through our technology platform, and engaging in initiatives that support worthwhile causes that give back to the community.