TRAINING TEAM
Our training team will bring together the best baseball minds in the region
Aby was raised in the heart of Dominican Republic. Aby is the KMBA training lead and guides all training. A quality program begins with a quality leader. We have found that leader in Aby Valdez. He completed his Bachelors in Physical Training and is certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association(NSCA) and holds a Sports Nutrition and Biochemistry Certificate, an Advanced Certificate I and II in Exercise Physiology, Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Sports Supplement. Aby brings 20 years of experience in Hitting, pitching, defense, and physical training in both areas baseball and conditioning (individual and team) atmospheres. Aby is our training lead and works closely with all trainers to ensure our program lives up to his high standards. Athletic Trainer, Tigres de Licey, Santo Domingo 2010-2013 Responsible for physical training (field and conditioning), nutrition, physical rehabilitation in case of injury, and massage therapy for: Pedro Antonio Liriano- pitcher (former MLB player) Ramon Ortiz- pitcher (former MLB player) Athletic Trainer, Gigantes del Cibao, San Francisco de Macorís 2008-2009 Responsible for physical training (field and conditioning), nutrition, physical rehabilitation in case of injury, and massage therapy for: Antonio Bastardo- pitcher, former MLB player (trained 2008-2010) Fabio Castro- pitcher, former MLB player (trained 2007-2009)…
Luke is a former IBL Panthers player and field manager with a love for the game and for the challenges it creates. Luke works with coaching clients and team members to use powerfully proven tools and techniques to achieve desired mental and emotional states that allow them to perform at their highest levels. A former all-star, and 2002 IBL MVP, Baker played 14 seasons for the IBL Panthers
B.J. is currently an Assistant Coach with the 14U BearCats and an instructor with the Fieldhouse Pirates. He has previously coached with the Waterloo Tigers, Tri-City Giants, Ontario Giants, Ontario Nationals, and Kitchener Panthers. In 2019, he was the catching coach for the KSAC Oilers in Clarion, Pennsylvania. As a CIS student-athlete, B.J. was a 4-time Academic All-Canadian with the University of Waterloo and the University of Winnipeg. He currently teaches at St. David Catholic High School in Waterloo.
We believe that athletes are BUILT, NOT BORN. Through a holistic and individualized approach we are able to systematically break down and target the factors holding athletes back from reaching their goals. We help athletes build robust systems for quality human movement, strength and self-awareness.
Team Field Managers
A little league All-Star from Largo, Florida, Kevin has had playing success both north and south of the border. Kevin is a former ICBA Champion and provincial semi-finalist with the Kitchener Junior Dodgers, and has volunteered for KMBA in many roles – currently as the Rep Program Director. Working with colleagues in 2021, Kevin created and facilitated a workshop for KMBA coaches titled “Not Just Skills and Drills” which provided insight and training for coaches to better understand and navigate the mental health of players and families. “After coaching my son through 18U, the Bearcats program is a natural fit for me to contribute as a non-parent coach in the ICBA. I look forward to incorporating my mental health expertise in my coaching strategies for the 2007 team. We will build an immediate contender with the best talent from across the ICBA.” – Kevin Phillip, 2007 Field Manager
A current member of the Kitchener Panthers EBLO 14U Elite coaching staff, James will transition to the new Bearcats Program, bringing with him his coaching experience from ICBA in Guelph, and the Fergie Jenkins League. James has playing experience in both the ICBA and BDMBA, and has been umpiring for 30 years. “I look forward to supporting Kevin, and working with the rest of the Bearcats program to take an Elite 2007 team to the top of the PBLO.” – James Charbonneau, 2007 Assistant Field Manager
As a dual-sport athlete, Jason is a former MVP on the baseball diamond, and the basketball court, who played competitively until 2018. Jason has experience bringing together the best of the ICBA as a former ICBA AllStar head coach, and currently also serves as an ICBA convenor. Jason has over 20 years coaching experience across three Rep sports. “Having been selected to attend an MLB combine in high school, I understand as a player what it takes to succeed. The 2008 Bearcats team is well positioned to see immediate success. Bringing together the best talent from across the ICBA and showcasing our talent in not only league play, but also in provincial championships – players will have the best opportunity around to display their talents to a wide variety of post-secondary options.” – Jason Luscombe, 2008 Field Manager
As a player Mark was selected as a Cambridge Cub to the first ICBA Junior Elite team versus Canadian Junior series, and then enjoyed success as a junior Cambridge Bulldog. Mark has enjoyed success as a coach leading teams to ICBA Championships, Baseball Ontario Championships, coaching on the staff of an ICBA AllStar team, and as a current EBLO Elite Coach. Mark is a former Coach of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year, and developed the Panther Pipeline program for player development within KMBA. “Jason and I have worked together with the best talent from the ICBA before – and I look forward to working with him again. The Bearcats program is uniquely designed to mimic the success found at 11U and 13U in the ICBA AllStar model, but in a year-round, league program. Every centre should be proud to send the best players to represent their local as a part of this team.” – Mark Couch, 2008 Assistant Field Manager
The Front Office
