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.