Meet our Kobra Leadership team
Behind every great baseball program is a group of dedicated leaders whose vision, expertise, and passion make everything possible. The Ontario Kobras Baseball Club is proud to introduce the leadership team guiding our organization to new heights: Chuck Schembri (President, Business Operations), Dave Maxamenko (President of Baseball Operations & General Manager), and JJ Rutherford (Director of High Performance). Each brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in both business and baseball, ensuring that every Kobras athlete has the best environment to develop and succeed.
Chuck Schembri – President, Business Operations
Chuck is the driving force behind the business foundation of the Ontario Kobras. He successfully opened The Kage Baseball Facilities in Barrie, ON, which has now been home to high-level player development for the past six years and serves as the official home of the Ontario Kobras Baseball Club.
As a player, Chuck’s own athletic career was exceptional. He competed at nationals three times from 14U–16U, including representing New Brunswick twice at the Canada Cup in Medicine Hat, Alberta. A dual-sport athlete, Chuck also played major junior hockey in the QMJHL and junior in the MHL, before retiring at 20. Ten years later, after moving to Barrie, starting a family, and channeling his entrepreneurial spirit, he founded The Kage to give Canadian athletes a world-class training environment.
Chuck’s combination of business leadership, athletic background, and vision continues to shape the Kobras into one of Ontario’s premier baseball programs.
Dave Maxamenko – President, Baseball Operations & General Manager
From the very beginning, Dave has been an essential piece of the Kobras’ success. Known for his tireless dedication, Dave has built a reputation as both an innovative coach and a relentless leader.
Over the past four years, Dave has directed the Max Velocity Pitching Program, which has become the premier pitching development system in Ontario. Year after year, the program has produced outstanding results and measurable growth for athletes across the province.
But Dave’s expertise extends well beyond pitching. With over 15 years of coaching experience, he has developed players at every level of the game, led a 13U team to nationals, and won an OBA championship. His influence has directly contributed to the careers of dozens of players, including four who advanced to NCAA Division I programs and five who continued their careers at junior colleges.
Dave’s greatest strength lies in his ability to connect with every athlete, building trust and helping them reach their full potential. As GM and President of Baseball Operations, his leadership ensures that the Kobras’ on-field product is unmatched.
JJ Rutherford – Director, High Performance
The Kobras’ newest addition to the leadership team, JJ Rutherford, brings a truly world-class perspective to athlete development. A native of California, JJ has worn many hats in the baseball world—player, scout, coach, and analyst—and has worked with Major League Baseball organizations including the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and Toronto Blue Jays. His experience also spans internationally, having contributed to baseball development in Japan, Canada, and El Salvador.
Why JJ is a game-changer for the Kobras:
- Talent Developer: Over 50 players under his guidance have signed professional contracts.
- Global Connector: Producer of the largest U.S.-based Japanese professional showcase, hosted at the San Francisco Giants’ minor league stadium.
- Analytical Edge: Former CBS Sports Interactive data analyst specializing in predictive scouting and player evaluation.
- Academic Excellence: Training includes Baseball Data Analytics (SABR), Sports Marketing (Cal State Fullerton), Data Analytics for Baseball (MIT), and Sports Contract Law (Harvard).
Currently, JJ works with the MLB Nike RBI Program/Stella Olson Foundation, where he designs structured training systems, develops coaches, and builds programs for 18U collegiate and professional prospects. His work also supports international athletes in securing U.S. university and pro opportunities, while growing grassroots baseball communities.
As Director of High Performance for the Ontario Kobras, JJ is building a world-class development system that will maximize player potential and open pathways to the highest levels of the game.
A Leadership Team Built for the Future
With Chuck’s vision and business foundation, Dave’s proven track record of player development, and JJ’s international high-performance expertise, the Ontario Kobras Baseball Club is led by a team unlike any other. Their combined leadership ensures that Kobras athletes are supported with the very best in facilities, coaching, and opportunities to achieve their goals—on and off the field.
