Steve Novak, president of Milton American Baseball, received Boston College's Community Service Award on June 10.

Novak, a 25-year BC employee, was recognized for leading one of the state's largest youth baseball programs. Three coworkers, all Milton residents, nominated him independently, the Milton Times reported.

Katie Dalton, director of BC's Women's Center and Student Engagement Initiatives, submitted one nomination. Associate Professor Daniel Daly of BC's Clough School of Theology and Ministry and his wife Kate Daly, director of BC's Volunteer & Service Learning Center, submitted the others.

Thomas J. Keady Jr., vice president of BC's Governmental and Community Affairs, presented Novak with a framed certificate at the ceremony.

"My initial reaction was complete surprise," Novak told the Milton Times. "There was also a dose of humility as we [the coaches, volunteers, Board Members, etc.] don't usually do this for the recognition, it's more so for the kids."

Novak, a senior philanthropic advisor for principal giving in BC's Development division, first got involved with Milton American as a parent. His two sons joined the league at age four. He coached, served on the board, spent a year as vice president and has now led the organization for six years. Both sons have since aged out, but Novak stayed on, according to Boston College.

The league is a Cal Ripken Baseball affiliate and nonprofit serving more than 450 players ages four to 12 east of Randolph Avenue. It has operated continuously for over 60 years.

Under Novak's watch, teams have won seven district championships, a 2021 state title at the 10-year-old level and a Suburban League crown across two age groups. He also helped establish the Thomas J. Gunning Sportsmanship Award, given annually to a Milton American player.

The work goes beyond the scoreboard. Novak has overseen upgrades at the league's three main parks: Cunningham, Andrew's and Mary C. Lane. Newer backstops, dugouts, benches and improved playing surfaces now mark all three sites. He personally mows grass, rakes infields, paints lines, checks drainage and coordinates fundraisers, according to BC's write-up. He also organizes the annual Opening Day parade to Cunningham Park alongside Milton's police and fire departments.

Daly, in his nomination letter, praised Novak's attention to developing players at every skill level, writing that Novak gives as much time to beginners as he does to top-tier athletes.

BC has given the Community Service Award annually since 1986 to employees whose volunteer work reflects the university's Jesuit mission. Novak said the recognition belongs to the broader volunteer network and credited past presidents, coaches and families for making the program what it is.

Milton American's roster now tops 450 players across its three parks, all of them volunteer-maintained.