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.
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.
Skill Development: We strive for excellence in baseball skills and fundamentals.
Character Building: Beyond the sport itself, we aim to instill important values such as integrity, sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance.
Community Engagement: We encourage our players to actively contribute to the community by participating in outreach programs, charitable events, and volunteer opportunities.
Academic Excellence: We recognize the importance of education and strive to foster a supportive environment that encourages academic achievement.
Lifelong Learning: We encourage a growth mindset and continuous learning.
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.
We are working on the 40u game with our boys!