London, ON - For more than a quarter century, Mike Lumley has been the steady hand behind the Western Mustangs baseball program. He's coached championship teams, mentored hundreds of student-athletes, and helped shape a culture rooted in hard work and genuine connection. As he steps away from the Head Coach role, Lumley's true legacy isn't measured by wins alone — it's defined by the lessons he's instilled in generations of Mustangs.
"There isn't just one lesson," Lumley said. "Commitment, work ethic, brotherhood, discipline, passion — they all matter."
The veteran coach believes that no single value stands above the rest. Instead, he's built his program on a foundation where each principle strengthens the others, creating a team identity that extends far beyond the diamond.
26 Years of Moments That Matter
Ask Lumley about his proudest memories, and he doesn't start with championship celebrations or record books. He talks about bus rides, Tim Hortons runs, and late-night karaoke sessions — the small moments that knit a team together.
One memory, though, stands out above the rest. During a game years ago, an umpire suffered a heart attack on the field. Without hesitation, then-player Chris Chant sprinted from right field to help save the official's life. "It was life-changing," Lumley said. "That's the kind of person he is — and the kind of young men I've been lucky enough to coach."
This year, when Lumley was inducted into the Hall of Fame, former and current players flooded him and his wife with messages of gratitude. "Those words will travel with me forever," he said. "Beth (Emery, Varsity Clubs Coordinator) and Bonnie (Cooper, Varsity Sports Coordinator) have been part of this journey from the start. Their patience and commitment to the student experience are second to none."
Building a Championship Culture
Under Lumley's leadership, the Mustangs captured six OUA championships, including a memorable three-peat. The team was inducted into the Western Athletic Hall of Fame, cementing its place in university history. But trophies aren't what he talks about first.
"I'm most proud of having a small part in the lives of so many student-athletes," Lumley said. "Some of them are now great young adults — even parents. I'm actually coaching a few of their children now."
That sense of family has always been at the heart of his program. It's also shaped the way he's handled challenges behind the scenes.
Purple and Proud Through and Through
Those who have played for Lumley or coached with him paint the picture of how the often stoic leader, goes above and beyond.
"Mike's meant everything to the program. I mean, he is the program," said Ben Rich. "He's the only coach the program's ever known. It's been his leadership, his work ethic, his passion, and his hours spent that have brought the team success."
"Not only did he coach me for four years at Western, but he was my London Badgers coach and head of the entire organization that I played for every summer since I was 14 or 15 years old." said Paul Lytwynec "In my eyes growing up, when you said the sport of baseball in London, the first name you think of is Mike Lumley. "
"A notable memory I have with Mike, besides winning two championships with the guy, is after my first game pitching for the Mustangs." said Ryan Butkowsky "We were at practice, and he was handing advice to all the pitchers. When he got to me, he explained to me that I was trying too hard to pitch around batters and be too crafty. He taught me how to be more aggressive and just go after them. That's something that's always stuck with me, not only on the baseball field, but in life in general, in business, and just a way to live."
Leading Through Adversity
"People say I've softened over the years," he said with a laugh. "Having your own kids — and coaching other people's kids — does that. But I've always believed in consistency, rules, and structure. We all need it, and we usually thrive in it."
That balance of compassion and accountability has helped players carry those same values into their next chapters — whether that's professional careers, medical school, or parenthood.
A Legacy That Lasts
Even as he steps away from the head coach role, Lumley isn't going far. He plans to mentor the new coaching staff, stay connected with alumni, and continue working toward one of his longtime dreams: an on-campus field.
His advice for the next generation is simple. "Always remember where you came from," he said. "Remember the people you spent your time with — and always pay it forward."
Lumley's impact isn't something he fully grasped when he first started coaching. "I knew the job, but I didn't realize the impact it could have on people," he said. "The players have probably impacted me more than I ever imagined."
For Lumley, the most important quality a coach can have is authenticity. "When the players know you care, they care," he said. "You can't fake passion for the game. I'm grateful for every day I get to spend teaching and coaching baseball."
As the Mustangs turn the page on a new chapter, Lumley's legacy endures — not just in banners and trophies, but in the lives he's touched and the lessons that will carry on long after the final out.
Messages from the Mustangs
"Just want to say congratulations on your retirement, probably long overdue, never thought it would actually happen." said Brook Coatsworth "I appreciate you as a person, a coach and as a friend. I played under you for three years, and I've coached with you for a year, where I got to win my second championship in 2015. Winning the 2005 championship, coaching with you in winning another championship in 2015 and then 2025 coming back and becoming a Hall of Famer with my cohort there of 05, 06, 07 teams. So I've got nothing but love Mike, good luck with whatever is next,"
"I don't think you'll ever truly understand or realize the positive impact that you had on the players that you coached and the positive impact on the baseball program," said Mike Winter "I just want to say thank you on a personal level that playing for you made me a better baseball player and that really helped me open up doors for baseball I played after my time at Western. So I will always be in debt to you for that."
"Mike's commitment to the program and the atmosphere that he fostered as a leader to set the tone for the team as a cohesive unit starts with Mike." said Jon Rubin "I just want to thank him for leaving such an indelible mark on the program and for our squad from '04 to '07 and I'm sure all the rosters before and after. Just a big thank you, Mike. Congratulations on a fantastic career and all the best in the next steps of that career.
"Sincerely, thank you. Thank you for your mentorship, your leadership, and your coaching. Thank you for what we accomplished and your tutelage and for being a great coach, guy, mentor and leader. " said Matthew Bekar "Thank you for the countless hours you spent at the ballpark and the hard work behind the scenes. Thanks for the dedication, the road trips, the bus trips, the wins, the losses, the championships, the instructions, the countless pitches thrown for BP, everything.
"Mike, you're the best coach I've ever had in any sport. I've learned so much from you within the game and outside of it," said Bruce Craine "You're a true leader, and I'd like to think I've adapted much of these leadership lessons in my career and in my life. I became a better player, learner, and leader, and person, as a result of your tutelage during my years on the Mustangs."
The Mustangs Sports & Recreation Department thanks Mike for his years of dedication and all of the hours and hard work he had contributed to building such a successful program over the last 25 years. We are excited that he will be part of the transition to a new coaching staff, which will be led by incoming Head Coach Tyler D'Alessandro.
"Working alongside Mike has had a tremendous impact on my coaching career. I am incredibly grateful for his guidance, leadership, and the trust he placed in me. Mike's knowledge of the game has been instrumental in the growth of our players and the success of the program." said D'Alessandro "He has built a first-class program in every aspect—on the field, off the field, and within the culture of Western baseball. The foundation and standards he established will continue to guide this program moving forward."
