USA Deaf Baseball Leadership
Danny Gabel
Executive Director & Head Coach
Born in Staten Island, New York, and now living in Frederick, Maryland, Danny holds both a B.A. in Deaf Studies and an M.A. in Public Administration from Gallaudet University. A General Contractor by trade, Danny has also served as President of the Staten Island Club for the Deaf and the Eastern Athletics Association for the Deaf, championing Deaf sports leadership nationwide.
Baseball Operations
Jonny Furman
General Manager
A native of Long Island, Jonny Furman brings over a decade of coaching experience at Deaf schools and men’s leagues. Known for his inclusive leadership and passion for the game, he combines a strong baseball background with deep commitment to the Deaf community. Coach Furman aims to guide Team USA with pride, unity, and excellence on the international stage.
Kenny Long
Assistant Coach
Kenny Long brings a strategic, data-driven mindset to the coaching staff. A former Gallaudet University player, his playing career was cut short by injury, pivoting him toward coaching. Since then, he’s earned Coach of the Year honors, led multiple playoff teams, and helped guide Team USA to a silver medal at the 2024 Deaf Baseball World Championship.
Tyson Gillies
Assistant Coach
A former professional outfielder with over a decade of elite experience, Tyson Gillies brings star power and grit to Team USA. Drafted by the Seattle Mariners and later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, Tyson was a mainstay on the Phillies’ 40-man roster and represented Team Canada in international play, including the World Baseball Classic and Pan American Games.
Skip Flanagan
Performance Coach
Dr. Skip Flanagan is a High Performance Coach blending elite baseball experience with human performance and sport psychology. A former Under Armour Preseason All-American and RIT standout, he now supports USA Deaf Baseball—on the field and in the dugout—helping athletes develop the physical tools, mental skills, and confidence to perform when it matters most.
Richard Knopf
Statistician
Richard is a native of Long Island and lives in Austin. He has played, coached, and taken statistics for multiple sports in the Deaf and hearing communities. Richard is an avid baseball fan and is excited to share his passion for the sport with the USA Deaf Baseball team and its fans.
Board
Darren Drolsbaugh
Youth Programs Coordinator
Originally from North Wales, Pennsylvania, and now living in Buda, Texas, Darren earned his B.S. in Risk Management and Insurance from Gallaudet University. He currently serves as an Athletics Administrative Assistant at the Texas School for the Deaf, contributing his sports management background and lifelong passion for baseball to the continued growth of USA Deaf Baseball.
Jake Grindstaff
Finance Coordinator
Born and raised in Maryland, Jake currently resides in Frederick, MD, and works in Financial Management in the federal government. A three-time graduate of Gallaudet University, he earned degrees in Risk Management, Business Administration, and a Master’s in Public Administration. Jake previously served with the Maryland School for the Deaf Alumni Association (MSDAA) and is a proud Team USA captain.
Dylan Heuer
Visual Media Coordinator
Dylan Heuer works as a team photographer for the Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wolves, and freelancer for MLB, NBA, and various other organizations — and is a former MLB photo editor. From Des Moines, Iowa, he specializes in capturing sports stories through visual design. He is also the founder of the Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf, a non-profit organization that provides baseball experiences for children who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Clint Squires
Member At Large
Originally from Springfield, Illinois, and now based in Mitchellville, Maryland, Clint serves as an accountant in the federal government. He holds a B.S. in Accounting and Business Administration and brings extensive financial experience to the board, helping guide USA Deaf Baseball’s organizational growth and sustainability.
Chester Kuschmider
Member At Large
Player.
Captain.
Board Member.
Chester dedicated so much of his life to the Deaf baseball community. He played for Gallaudet University and also coached baseball at Maryland School for the Deaf.
He was a kind soul who demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and carried a deep passion for supporting and mentoring youth.
Chester will be missed dearly, but his impact and legacy will never be forgotten. His memory will live on forever in our community.