At Doghouse Baseball Academy, the foundation of our unparalleled training and commitment to baseball excellence is our exceptional staff. Their remarkable achievements, dedication to the sport, and passion for teaching embody what we stand for. Let’s get to know our top trainers:
With a storied career as a pitcher, including time in the Toronto Blue Jays Minor League System and representing Canada’s National Team, Alan Butler stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of baseball.
Alan’s extensive experience, both on the mound and as a coach, brings a wealth of knowledge to Doghouse Baseball Academy. His deep understanding of pitching mechanics and strategies ensures that every pitcher under his wing evolves, refines, and perfects their game.
From standout performances with Team Canada to being drafted by the Chicago Cubs and playing with distinction in the Cubs’ minor league system, Jesse Hodges has solidified his reputation as a top-tier baseball talent, exemplifying dedication, skill, and leadership on and off the diamond.
Jesse’s prowess at the plate is evident in his achievements, but his ability to pass on his knowledge and expertise is what makes him a real gamechanger at Doghouse Baseball. His ability to teach, inspire, and develop young talents truly sets him apart.
Joshua Gouin is an accomplished catcher with extensive experience at the collegiate and competitive youth levels. As the starting catcher for the York Lions in Ontario University Baseball, he played three consecutive seasons and earned the York Lions Playoff MVP award in his rookie year due to his offensive contributions and leadership on the field.
Joshua’s baseball journey began with the East York Bulldogs, where he developed his skills in catching, infielding, and hitting, helping lead his team to several successful seasons. He later joined the AA North York Blues, where he was instrumental in achieving four consecutive City Championships, including undefeated seasons and a Provincial top-four finish.
Today, Joshua continues to play Junior baseball for North York, where he leverages his skills in catching, hitting, and infielding, and brings his expertise as Catching Coordinator at Doghouse Baseball.
Matthew Scarcello is an accomplished pitcher and coach, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as Pitching Coordinator at Doghouse Baseball. In 2021, he made an immediate impact in college baseball, joining the Seneca Sting in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA). During his debut season, he finished third in league ERA and played a pivotal role in Seneca’s historic first medal win, pitching five scoreless innings to secure a 2-0 victory in the bronze medal game. His outstanding performance earned him the Seneca Baseball Rookie of the Year award.
Matthew’s baseball journey began with East York Baseball, where he advanced from House League to AAA/Elite levels, winning back-to-back TBA championships at 16U and 17U. Transitioning to coaching, he served as Pitching Coach for the East York 18U AA team in 2022, leading them to a TBA championship and a top-three finish in the OBA tournament. He currently leads the East York 16U AA team as Head Coach, continuing to shape the next generation of pitchers with his expertise and passion for the game.
Andrew Green’s devotion to youth baseball spans an incredible 40 years, marked by a profound commitment to both playing and coaching. His journey began in 1978 when he took to the field with East York Baseball, transitioning into a coaching role by 1984. His dedication and leadership translated into remarkable achievements, with two Ontario Championships as a player and three as a coach. Other accolades include two Elimination Tournament victories, an 18U Canadian Championship, a Gold Medal at the Ontario Summer Games (16U), and a Baseball Ontario Coach of the Year Award.
In addition to these accomplishments, Andrew has served as a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers and holds the distinction of being one of the two founding coaches of the University of Toronto baseball team. Currently, Andrew serves as a Vice President of Rep at East York Baseball, continuing his unwavering commitment to the sport and its community.
Andrew Needles’ baseball journey began in York Simcoe, where he played Ontario Baseball Association AAA baseball. His talents led him to represent the University of Toronto Varsity Blues from 1997 to 2000, where he shone as a 3-time CIBA Finalist. This early prowess continued as he championed with the East York Bulldogs AAA Junior Team in 1999.
Transitioning to the coaching arena, Andrew displayed a keen aptitude for leadership. His coaching timeline includes roles as the Assistant Coach for East York Bulldogs AAA/EBLO, followed by a stint as the Head Coach for the same team. His expertise didn’t go unnoticed by his alma mater, as he took on the role of Assistant Coach for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, eventually ascending to Head Coach in April 2023.
Under his coaching, the team secured two OUA championships in 2021 and 2023, and reached the finals in 2022. His commitment to baseball is further evidenced by his certification as a Baseball Canada NCCP Provincial Coach and his position as Vice President of the East York Baseball Rep Committee (Elite Programs) which he has held since 2020.
At Doghouse Baseball Academy, training under the guidance of our qualified trainers and committed staff means immersing yourself in world-class mentorship and a rich legacy of baseball excellence. Join us to shape your dreams and future in baseball.
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