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Who we are
Canes Massachusetts is a proud state program within the Canes New England network—the regional affiliate of Canes Baseball.
Our Mission
To develop elite, college-ready baseball players who compete with grit, lead with character, and carry the lessons of the game into every area of life.
Baseball teaches lessons that last long after the final out. How to handle failure. How to compete under pressure. How to lead when it matters most. How to work toward something bigger than yourself.
At Canes Massachusetts, we use the game to build those qualities in every player who wears our uniform.
We build unshakable self- trust
We Challenge Every Player
We don’t take shortcuts. We demand effort, accountability, and a competitive mindset at every practice and every game. Players who wear the Canes uniform are expected to compete at the highest level.
We Develop Unshakeable Mental Toughness
Confidence, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure aren’t optional—they’re essential. We integrate mental skills training into everything we do, preparing players for the moments that define their future.
We Provide Elite Competition and College Exposure
We compete where it matters—Perfect Game, PBR, Prospect Select, and premier tournaments across the East Coast. College coaches know the Canes name, and our players get the exposure they’ve earned.
We Build Character That Lasts
How players handle failure, lead teammates, and respond to coaching matters as much as their skills. We’re developing leaders who colleges want in their programs—and who succeed long after baseball ends.
Proud Member of the Canes Baseball Network
Canes Massachusetts is part of the Canes Baseball national network—one of the most respected youth baseball organizations in the country.
What that means for our Players
National Brand Recognition
When you walk into a tournament wearing a Canes uniform, college coaches notice. The Canes name carries weight—100+ teams nationally, 3,750+ college scholarships since 2006, proven track record of developing college-ready players.
Proven Track Record
Since 2006, Canes Baseball has helped 3,750+ players earn college scholarships across all levels—D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO. That’s not luck. That’s a system that works.
Access to National Resources
Our players benefit from the Canes national recruiting network, showcase events, and direct connections to college programs nationwide.
Pathway to Scout Teams
Top performers in Canes Massachusetts have a clear pathway to Canes New England Scout Teams and Canes National Teams—our elite, invitation-only program that competes at national tournaments and provides maximum college exposure.
A Network That Opens Doors
Being part of the Canes network means access to opportunities, resources, and credibility that independent programs simply can’t match.
What We Stand For
Player Development First
Long-term growth matters more than short-term wins. We’re building players who are ready for college baseball and life—not just the next tournament.
Mental Toughness Matters
Confidence, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure are non-negotiable. We systematically develop mental skills in every player.
Character & Integrity
Respect, accountability, discipline, and integrity define who we are. How players carry themselves on and off the field matters.
Teamwork Over Individual Glory
We celebrate collective success and demand mutual accountability. Selflessness over selfishness.
Excellence Through Preparation
Attention to detail, consistent effort, and continuous improvement are expected at all times.
Opportunity Through Exposure
We compete at elite tournaments where college coaches are watching—and we make sure our players are ready when those opportunities come.
Community & Belonging
Every player, parent, and coach is valued. We’re building a culture where everyone belongs and is supported.
Who Leads Canes Massachusetts
Founder & Director, Canes New England/ Massachusetts
Stephen Gambale
Founder & Director, Canes New England/ Massachusetts
Stephen Gambale is a Medford, Massachusetts native and former NCAA Division 1 scholarship athlete who played shortstop at the University of Maine under Coach Paul Kostacopoulos. A four-year letterman and slick-fielding infielder, Stephen went on to play in the Intercity League and has spent the last 11 years coaching high school and travel baseball across New England.
Stephen founded Canes New England in 2021 as a way to give back to the game that gave him everything—and to fill a gap he saw in youth baseball: coaches who genuinely care about the whole player, not just the athlete.
“I’ve seen too many talented players fall through the cracks—not because they lacked ability, but because they didn’t have the right guidance, support, or mental tools to navigate the pressure and adversity that comes with competing at a high level,” Stephen says. “I started this program to help young players avoid the pitfalls I encountered and countless others have faced. Baseball is a vehicle for building character, resilience, and leadership—and that’s what we’re here to develop.”
After coaching under Peter Feeley, the previous owner of Canes Northeast, Stephen built a strong relationship with Canes Baseball GM Dan Gitzen. Following a rebrand in 2022, Canes New England was born—and the program has grown from 3 teams to 10 in just three shorts years.
Stephen’s long-term vision is clear: to develop strong young men who are ready to lead the next generation on and off the field. To build quality people who put others before themselves and carry the lessons of the game into every area of life.
Under his leadership, Canes Massachusetts has become known for its commitment to player development, mental toughness, and genuine care for every athlete who wears the uniform.
director of operations
Mikayla Gambale
Mikayla Gambale is a North Reading native and Fisher College graduate who serves as the operational backbone of Canes Massachusetts. While she didn’t grow up in baseball, she fell in love with the game through Stephen—and more importantly, fell in love with the mission: developing young men of character and integrity.
As Director of Operations, Mikayla manages every logistical detail that keeps the program running smoothly. From registrations and payments to event planning, travel coordination, and everything in between, she handles it all with meticulous attention to detail and unwavering organization. But her role goes far beyond logistics.
Mikayla is the first point of contact for families, and she’s exceptional at it. She’s responsive, proactive, and genuinely invested in solving problems fast. Parents consistently praise her for keeping them informed, answering questions without delay, and making them feel valued and supported. She understands that behind every registration and schedule change is a family investing time, money, and trust in the program—and she treats every interaction accordingly.
As a mother of three young children—Stephen, Giada, and Mila—Mikayla brings a parent’s perspective to everything she does. She knows what families need because she’s living it. She knows the stress of coordinating schedules, the importance of clear communication, and the value of being part of a community that genuinely cares.
“Everyone in our program becomes our family,” Mikayla says. And it shows in how she operates. She’s not just processing registrations or sending schedule updates—she’s building relationships, solving problems, and creating an environment where families feel supported and informed.
Mikayla is the reason Canes New England/ Massachusetts families never feel left in the dark. She’s the reason everything runs on time. She’s the reason parents trust us with their sons. She is the brains behind the heartbeat of this organization.
Creating the standard in communication
One of the biggest frustrations parents face in travel baseball is being left in the dark. Last-minute schedule changes. No updates on player development. Unanswered questions.
That doesn’t happen here.
At Canes Massachusetts, communication isn’t an afterthought—it’s a core part of how we operate. Our families are never left guessing.
Where We Train
Canes Massachusetts is based at the New England Hitting and Pitching Academy in Woburn, MA—one of the premier baseball training facilities in the region.
Our players have year-round access to: - Indoor batting cages and pitching tunnels - Strength and conditioning areas - Video analysis technology - Professional coaching and instruction
Our Players Get Recruited
The Canes uniform opens doors. Our players have earned college commitments to programs including:
Why Families Trust Us
Become Part of Canes Massachusetts
We’re looking for players who are serious about competing at the highest levels, committed to year-round development, and ready to be challenged both on and off the field.
If you’re ready to compete with grit and lead with character, we want to meet you.