Bantam Staff

Bantam Staff

steve chatzispiros | head coach


Coach Chatz brings nearly two decades of coaching experience and an unwavering passion for player development to the Langley Blaze organization. A multi-sport athlete turned coach, 2023 marked his fourth season with the Blaze and his 19th year of coaching overall.

Known for his commitment to team unity, community involvement, and fostering a family-like atmosphere, Coach Chatz exemplifies the core values of the Blaze program: hard work, dedication, and a team-first mentality.

Coaching Highlights

  • 2014 – BC Minor Bantam Provincial Champion (Burnaby) & BC’s Representative at Nationals in Vaughan, ON
  • 2015 – Whalley JPBL Provincial Champions
  • 2022 – Langley Blaze Bantam PBL Provincial Champions
  • 2022 – BC Minor Bantam Western Canadian Champions

Playing Career Highlights

  • 2× Canadian National Champion
  • Starting CF – 1996 BC AAA Bantam Team
  • Starting SS – 1999 BC Midget Premier Team
  • 1997 BC Summer Games Gold Medalist (Zone Representative)

Coach Chatz’s experience as both a high-level athlete and a decorated coach make him an ideal leader for the Langley Blaze Bantam team. His mission to help players maximize their potential and transition to the next level of their baseball careers is perfectly aligned with the goals of the Blaze organization.

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aaron mcrae | coach


A standout product of the PBL and Team BC, Aaron brings a wealth of experience from every level of the game. After a decorated collegiate career at Nicholls State and LSU-Shreveport, where he earned All-Conference, All-Region, and NCAA All-American honours, Aaron helped lead his team to a 3rd place finish at the NAIA College World Series.

Aaron’s talent earned him a selection in the MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers, where he spent three seasons competing in Minor League Baseball. Since finishing his pro career, Aaron has devoted himself to developing young athletes and brings extensive youth coaching experience to the Blaze program.

We’re thrilled to have Aaron’s leadership, knowledge, and energy on the field with our next generation of players. Welcome to the Blaze family, Aaron!

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MIKE ESKILDSON | coach


The Langley Blaze are proud to welcome Mike Eskildsen to our coaching staff. Mike brings an exceptional blend of high-level playing experience and a strong coaching background to the Blaze program.

A product of the BCPBL, Mike is an alum of Team BC and Team Canada. His post-secondary career began at Central Arizona College (NJCAA Division I) and continued at NCAA Division I Florida International University. As a player, he achieved numerous accolades, including:

  • Gold Medalist at the Canada Summer Games

  • Named Top Male Athlete by the BC Sports Hall of Fame

  • 1st Team All-World 3rd Baseman at the World Championships

  • Drafted by the Texas Rangers

Mike spent the last six years developing young talent in Cloverdale Minor Baseball and has since served as Head Coach at BLE Academy and On Deck Baseball. Under his leadership, On Deck captured back-to-back championships at the prestigious Best of the West tournament.

Mike’s passion for teaching the game, combined with his elite-level playing and coaching experience, makes him a valuable addition to the Langley Blaze. His focus on fundamentals, work ethic, and high-performance development aligns perfectly with the Blaze's commitment to excellence on and off the field.