For Matthew Rusch, a lifelong baseball devotee, the prospect to return to the mound was an irresistible call. With a more flexible schedule during the baseball season, he didn’t need much convincing to reignite his passion for pitching fastballs.
“Aside from my family, baseball is my greatest love. The decision to return was a no-brainer. coaching and watching games are fulfilling, but nothing compares to being on the field.I’ve always admired the Cascades, especially their approach and the leadership of their new GM, Gabriel Thibodeau. The past few years have been tough for the team, and I’m eager to contribute to their success,” Rusch shared.
Prepared for the Challenge
Despite a three-year hiatus, Rusch, originally from Rotterdam, New York, feels confident about his physical condition. He acknowledges the hurdles ahead as he steps back into the LBMQ but remains optimistic about his readiness.
“The key is ensuring your body—arms, legs, and core—is in top shape. I’m feeling good about that. you also need to recall the mechanics of pitching to strike out batters effectively. Coaching has sharpened my understanding of the game, and I think that perspective will help me perform better now. It’s like riding a bike; once you’ve got it, it’s hard to forget,” he explained.
A fierce competitor, Rusch is eyeing a spot in the Cascades’ starting rotation. Known for his ability to pitch multiple innings, he’s confident he can reclaim his role as a pivotal player for the Shawinigan team.
“I believe this is the best way I can contribute to the Cascades. My goal is to help the team secure a win every week. In a series, anything can happen, and I’m ready to step up whenever needed.”
— Matthew Rusch
Now a father, Rusch is thrilled that his children are old enough to appreciate his high-level baseball career. He considers it a privilege to share this journey with them, knowing they’ll be in the stands cheering him on.
“Having my family with me during my time with the Eagles was special, but the kids were too young to grasp what was happening. Now, my son William understands hockey and baseball deeply. It’s an incredible feeling knowing he’ll be there to watch me pitch and see me doing what I’ve loved for moast of my life.”
Matthew Rusch has always been passionate about baseball, and he dreams of sharing that love with his son.“I’d love for him to pick up the sport and maybe even learn a thing or two from me,” Rusch says.“It would be great to have him join me in the dugout occasionally.”
Currently, Rusch is employed at Uni-Recycle, a company specializing in electronic waste management. When he’s not working, he spends his time running in local arenas while his son, William, practices hockey. With such a busy schedule, boredom is never an issue for him.
A Second Shot at Leadership
Rusch’s departure from the Eagles marks the end of a significant chapter in his career,but it’s far from the final page. Following discussions with the team’s management at the close of the 2024 season, he decided to step away from his role. However, the American coach has made it clear that he harbors a strong desire to return to baseball, this time as a manager. While several opportunities have surfaced recently, personal commitments, especially his dedication to his family, led him to decline them. For now, his focus remains on being a present and supportive father and partner.
despite this, Rusch hasn’t ruled out a future return to the dugout. he believes the timing simply needs to align with his personal priorities. “I have a strong sense that I’ll be back in the game,” he shared. “My time with the Eagles was a fulfilling experience, but I’ve passed the torch. I’m curious to see how they’ll perform without me. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I’m confident it was the right one.In the near future,I plan to rejoin the coaching community—whether with the Eagles or another team,it’s a path I’m eager to pursue.”
Rusch’s tenure with the Eagles, spanning from late 2020 to 2024, was a period of immense growth.Leading the trois-Rivières baseball department allowed him to deepen his understanding of the sport. Reflecting on this phase, he acknowledges the invaluable lessons he gained, particularly in analyzing the game and fostering team cohesion. “I learned how to connect with players across different experience levels,” he explained. “The Frontier League has evolved considerably.It’s no longer just veterans; there’s a blend of seasoned players and newcomers. This shift required me to develop strategies for building a cohesive team. Additionally, the rise of advanced statistics has transformed the game. It was engaging to witness this evolution and contribute to it. Balancing data interpretation with maintaining team unity was one of my greatest challenges.”
Potential Future Collaboration with the Eagles
During the press conference where Rusch expressed his gratitude, Eagles’ president René Martin hinted at the possibility of retaining Rusch within the organization, albeit in a different capacity.rusch acknowledged this idea, stating that while no formal agreement has been reached, he remains open to the opportunity.
“René’s dedication to the Eagles mirrors my own, if not surpasses it. He understands that I’m willing to step in and assist the team if necessary. Over the years, he’s treated me exceptionally well, and I still feel a strong sense of belonging to the Eagles family. If the chance arises to contribute, I’d gladly embrace it. My ultimate goal is to see the Eagles thrive.”
