Sep 29, 2025 | Dan Murrell | 21 views
OBA Coach Announcement
Congratulations to the following individuals who will be our OBA coaches for the 2026 season.
Scott Walsh - U11
Robin Van de Gevel - U13
Scott McCutcheon - U15
Justin Ewing - U18
We are still looking for a U9 coach.
Congratulations to the following individuals who will be our OBA coaches for the 2026 season.
Scott Walsh - U11
Robin Van de Gevel - U13
Scott McCutcheon - U15
Justin Ewing - U18
We are still looking for a U9 coach.
Scott Walsh
I've been coaching boys' and girls' baseball for 15 years, and it remains a true passion of mine. For me, coaching goes beyond just the game. It’s about being able to teach kids how to be better ball players and even better people. That's a huge part of what drives me.
Tryout Expectations
During these tryouts, I expect all the kids to demonstrate a few key qualities:
Show Up on Time: Being prompt shows respect for everyone else's time.
Be Good Listeners: Paying attention to instructions is crucial for safety and skill development.
Actively Participate: I want to see effort and enthusiasm in every drill!
Respect the Volunteers: We have a great group of people helping out, so please be courteous to them.
Goals for the Season
For this upcoming year, my goals are simple yet comprehensive:
1. Increase Baseball Knowledge: We'll work on understanding the strategy and nuance of the game.
2. Develop Skills: We'll focus heavily on strengthening both infield and outfield skills and learning to hit off live pitching.
3.Have Fun and Be Competitive: We are here to enjoy the game, but we also want to challenge ourselves in every game.
The Four Types of Respect
The foundation of all my teams is built on respect. We will always adhere to the following four key values: Respect One Another: This is the most important one—we are a team. Respect Your Coaches: Listen, be attentive, and trust our guidance. Respect the Umpires: They are a part of the game, and their decision is final. Respect Your Equipment and the Diamonds: Take care of your equipment and the place we play.
Robin Van de Gevel
My name is Robin Van de Gevel. I work at the high school as an Educational Assistant and also serve as the Homestay Coordinator for international students in St. Marys and Listowel. Outside of work, I am a proud mom of two boys and a lifelong competitive athlete. I grew up in Stratford playing competitive softball throughout my childhood, university years, and well into adulthood. A fun fact about me—I spent many years dragon boating across Ontario and internationally, including Las Vegas, and concluded my paddling career representing Team Canada at the World Championships in Hong Kong.
Coaching Experience & Philosophy
This will be my fourth year coaching boys’ hardball, and I am excited to begin a new chapter with the U13 team. My goal is to build a group of competitive, like-minded young athletes who are ready to work hard, play hard, and—most importantly—have fun.I believe in fostering a team culture that emphasizes energy, respect, growth, and support for one another. Every player brings unique strengths and areas for development, and that’s something to embrace. We are one team, one unit—winning and losing together.
Expectations for Players & Parents
For tryouts, I ask that players bring their best effort, focus on the drills at hand, and give their full attention to executing each skill. A positive and supportive attitude will be just as important as athletic ability.Once the team is selected, I will ask for dedication not only from the players but also from the parents. Commitment to practices, games, and the season schedule will be vital in building strong team culture and achieving success. Together, through teamwork and dedication, we can create an environment where the boys grow as athletes and individuals, while striving for both development and accomplishment throughout the season.
Scott McCutcheon
I've been coaching at the U15 level for several years and bring a strong background as both a high school coach and former player. My goal is to create a positive, competitive environment where players can grow and succeed both on and off the field. I believe in the importance of effort, sportsmanship, and being a supportive teammate. I expect players to attend practices regularly, show commitment, and always give their best. Playing time is earned through a combination of skill, coachability, and being a positive influence on the team. I'm passionate about helping young athletes develop not only as players, but as respectful and responsible individuals.
Justin Ewing
Has coached the last 11 years coaching in St Marys Minor Ball. For tryouts the expectations are simple follow instructions, have a great attitude and give me the best effort you are capable of. Goals for the team are to build on past seasons learnings, failures and successes. I think this is a very strong group. The results will be dictated by the work we put in. We play for each other and everyone has a role. Practices are pivotal in team success and are mandatory. Don’t practice dont play. Everyone is busy including the coaches. I want a team 1st mentality.