Founders

Tom Gillespie and Stephan Rapaglia have worked together in European baseball circles since 2004. In addition to various other playing, scouting and coaching experiences, between them Tom and Stephan have coached in Europe at the Junior (16-18) and Senior (18+) National Team levels against the likes of Cuba, Japan and Holland, and alongside former big leaguers such as Barry Larkin, Bruce Hurst, Lance Painter and Mike Nickeas.

Tom Gillespie

Coaching and Administrative Career

  • Head Coach, German 18U and 23U National Teams - 2016 - present

  • Pittsburgh Pirates International Scout – 2012 - present

  • European Academies Consultant, Major League Baseball International – 2006 – 2012

  • Oakland Athletics International Scout – 2009 – 2011

  • Director & Coach (various roles), Great Britain Baseball – 2002 – 2007

  • Director of Game Development – Baseball, BaseballSoftballUK – 2002 – 2006

  • MLB Scouting Bureau Graduate – Scout Development Program 2009

Playing Career

  • Stockholm (Sweden Elitseries) – 2008

  • Tuebingen Hawks (German Bundesliga 1) – 2004 – 2007

  • Bracknell Blazers (Great Britain National League) – 2002

  • Macalester College – 1997 – 2000

Tom is originally from Iowa, but he has lived in Europe (England and Germany) since 2001. He currently lives in Hamburg, Germany with his wife Sonja, his daughter (Fiona) and his son (Anton).

Stephan Rapaglia

Coaching and Administrative Career

  • Special Advisor, Great Britain Senior National Team – 2016 WBCQ

  • Bench Coach, Great Britain Senior National Team – 2012 WBCQ

  • National Teams Executive Committee – British Baseball Federation – 2010 – present

  • Head Coach, Great Britain Senior National Team – 2004 – 2010

    • 2007 British Baseball Federation Coach of the Year

  • Head Coach, Tuebingen Hawks (German Bundesliga 1) – 2001

  • Pitching Coach, Iona College – 1997 – 2000

  • Manager, Johnstown Johnnies (Frontier Professional League) – 1998

  • Head Coach, B’s Baseball Academy (Stamford, CT – 18U Select Team) – 1996 – 1997

  • Varsity Head Coach, Rye Country Day School – 1994 – 1996

  • Associate Scout, Houston Astros – 1993 – 1997

Playing Career

  • Tuebingen Hawks (German Bundesliga) – 2001

  • Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs (Northeast Professional League) – 1995 – 1997

  • Neptunus Baseball Club (Dutch Hoofdklasse) – 1993

  • Houston Astros (Gulf Coast Astros/Auburn Astros) – 1992

  • Amherst College – 1989 – 1992

    • 1991 – 1992 Co-captain

Stephan has lived in Europe on four different occasions (Austria, Holland, Germany and England). He currently lives in Connecticut with his wife (Meg) and three daughters (Hannah, Sarah and Katie).