Category Coaches, REP (Tecumseh Minor Ball Association)

I’ve been coaching baseball for the past nine seasons, working with age groups ranging from 8U to 13U. Over the last two years, I’ve had the pleasure of coaching the 2016 age group and am excited to continue with them into the 2026 season. Last year was a memorable one—our team captured three tournament championships, including the 9U “A” OBAs in Tecumseh, which was a true highlight.

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside some incredible coaches who have greatly influenced my development. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from them and continue to stay in touch, regularly discussing coaching philosophies, strategies, and shared experiences. These ongoing conversations help me grow as a coach and bring fresh perspectives to each season.

As a player, I came up through the Tecumseh Rangers travel program, where I won an OBA Championship. I later joined the Tecumseh Thunder, playing from Midget through Senior levels and earning two more OBA titles. I played catcher throughout my career, a position that gave me a strategic understanding of the game—something I’ve carried into my coaching. Tecumseh Baseball has been a meaningful part of my life since childhood, and coaching allows me to give back while helping young players develop a love for the game.

Baseball should be fun. I believe in creating an environment that balances development, competitiveness, and enjoyment. Success comes when every player grows and contributes toward the team’s goals. Our focus is on building skills, fostering teamwork, and making sure each player feels valued and engaged.

Outside the diamond, I’m a proud father of three young boys who are all active in sports. Whether it’s at the ballpark, the rink, or on some kind of adventure, I’m always on the move with them. I’ve been a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan though I was only three when they won the World Series, I’m hopeful they’ll bring another one home soon!

Our mission is to put the team above ourselves, compete with heart, support one another on and off the field, and chase victory together.

2 Years

Matthew Summerfield is entering his second year of coaching baseball, bringing with him a unique blend of leadership and mentoring skills from a 15+ year career as a Registered Nurse and healthcare executive. His professional background in team management, staff development, and performance improvement directly informs his coaching style — emphasizing structure, accountability, and growth. 
On the field, Matthew has coached at the youth and travel levels, focusing on player development, sportsmanship, and fundamentals. His experience has allowed him to connect with players of all skill levels, helping them improve both their technical abilities and their understanding of the game.

Matthew believes successful teams are built on fundamentals, effort, and character. His coaching philosophy emphasizes:
1. Teaching strong mechanics and baseball IQ.
2. Developing confidence through positive reinforcement and accountability.
3. Encouraging teamwork, respect, and resilience in every practice and game.
4. Balancing competition with development, ensuring each player grows as both an athlete and an individual.

Off the field, Matthew is a Registered Nurse and healthcare leader with extensive experience in coaching and mentoring professionals. He enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active, and being with family. A lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, Matthew draws inspiration from coaches and players who embody discipline, resilience, and team-first values.

Our mission is to create a positive, competitive, and supportive environment where players develop their skills, grow in confidence, and learn the values of teamwork and perseverance.

Gary has coached youth sports (baseball, hockey, soccer) for about 5 years, including House League, Selects, and Travel programs with Tecumseh Minor Baseball and Tecumseh Shoreline Minor Hockey and House League with McAuliffe Park Soccer.

He is a former player with the Amherstburg Cardinals and LaSalle Turtle Club organizations, where he was fortunate to learn the game from strong mentors who instilled a deep respect and love for baseball. His professional experience as a Human Resources professional and personal coaching experience at multiple levels have given him a great foundation on which to build a successful program and a focus on player development, skill-building, and team culture.

He believes youth baseball is about much more than wins and losses. His philosophy is built on two goals:

1. Teaching life lessons and character traits such as resilience, teamwork, sportsmanship, and accountability that players can carry beyond the diamond.

2. Developing baseball fundamentals, work ethic, and game intelligence that will help players reach their potential and achieve success at the next level.

When he's not at the diamond or at the rink, he enjoys watching the Leafs, putzing around the house and working on various projects, reading, travelling and spending time with his wife, Ashley and kids, Gavin and Emma.

Our mission is to build a team where players learn to love the game, grow as athletes, and develop character that lasts beyond baseball. We will create an environment where players have fun, hustle at all times, and practice with the same intensity as they play. We believe in being “Best Teammates Forever” — supporting one another, celebrating successes, and lifting each other after mistakes. Through hard work, respect, and sportsmanship, we will compete with pride, embrace challenges, and never give up. Every Rep. Every Play. Every Day. All In.

Coach Dave has over 12 years experience coaching baseball at the House League, Travel and Adult level. This will be his fourth year at the helm of the 2013 Tecumseh Rangers.

Coach Dave is a Tecumseh Baseball graduate, playing House League and then Rangers Travel until his mid-teens. Following that, Coach Dave played for nearly twenty-five years in Woodslee, reaching the finals of the Ontario AAA championships in 2004 and helping the Orioles to numerous OBA and Essex County League titles in Senior League baseball. Despite growing older and slower, Coach Dave helped Woodslee win back-to-back National Championships in 35+ Vintage League Baseball in Burlington, Ontario and Charlottetown, PEI. His latest achievement was back-to-back 43+ Vintage League championships in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Red Deer, Alberta with the Tecumseh Green Giants.

Players on Coach Dave's teams are expected to work hard, have fun and be good teammates. Given the right attitude, effective instruction, and a fun environment, players are given every opportunity to succeed and hopefully become life-long baseball players and fans.

Coach Dave is an elementary school teacher in the local public board. An avid Tigers fan, he was cheering in his living room when Kirk Gibson hit two home runs to win the World Series in 1984, and he was cheering in the stands at Comerica Park when Magglio Ordonez sent a ball into the left field seats to send the Tigers to the World Series in 2006.

The Team Comes First.