CANES BASEBALL ILLINOIS
A different brand of baseball!
Canes Illinois was founded in Fall 2020 by Mark Sheehan, who merged high school teams from Evolution Athletics and Savage Baseball. A Master Pitching Instructor, Mark was named Collegiate Baseball News’ 2014 Teaching Professional of the Year for his nationwide training efforts.
Recognizing the need for a new approach to travel baseball—one centered on player health and development rather than trophies and titles—Mark set out to build a program that prepares athletes for their next level, whatever that may be.
Today, Canes Illinois is co-owned by Mike Tumpane, Kyle Kolb, and Tom Nelson. They have expanded on Mark’s foundation, growing the organization into a powerhouse with two locations, 18 teams, and nearly 250 players from 12U-17U. In just five years, Canes Illinois has produced over 100 college commitments and two Major League players— and they’re just getting started.
Canes Illinois is dedicated to best-in-class training and development. From our youngest players at 10U through high school athletes preparing for college baseball, every player and team works with our expert coaching staff to improve their game and foster a true love for baseball.
Our entire staff is committed to building The Canes Way—a culture rooted in personal accountability, self-awareness, team pride, open communication, player empowerment, and both mental and physical well-being.
At Canes Illinois, we are committed to nurturing the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of young athletes while fostering their personal growth and development through the transformative power of travel baseball. Our mission is to create a dynamic and supportive environment that empowers players to excel not only on the field but also in life.
Our Core Values
- Health and Wellness: We prioritize the health and well-being of our youth athletes by promoting proper physical conditioning, injury prevention, and nutrition education. We believe that a strong body and mind are essential for reaching peak performance both on and off the baseball diamond.
- Skill Development: We strive for excellence in baseball skills and fundamentals. Our coaching staff is dedicated to instilling a passion for the game and providing personalized instruction to help players reach their fullest potential.
- Character Building: Beyond the sport itself, we aim to instill important values such as integrity, sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance. Our program emphasizes the importance of becoming not just skilled athletes but also responsible and respectful individuals.
- Community Engagement: We encourage our players to actively contribute to the community by participating in outreach programs, charitable events, and volunteer opportunities. Through these experiences, we believe they will develop empathy, leadership, and a sense of responsibility to give back to society.
- Academic Excellence: We recognize the importance of education and strive to foster a supportive environment that encourages academic achievement. We believe that a strong commitment to education is the foundation for long-term success, both on and off the field.
- Lifelong Learning: We encourage a growth mindset and continuous learning. Our organization is dedicated to providing ongoing educational opportunities for players, coaches, and parents to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in baseball and youth development.
Through our travel baseball program, we aspire to create well-rounded individuals who are not only skilled athletes but also compassionate, responsible, and confident leaders. Together, we aim to make a positive impact on our players’ lives and contribute to the betterment of the communities we serve.