Canes Illinois Coaching Staff
Mark Sheehan
Mark Sheehan
Founder

A Master Pitching Instructor, Mark was named the Collegiate Baseball News 2014 Teaching Professional of the Year for his training efforts nationwide. With more than 13 years teaching science-supported pitching mechanics and arm care, he has developed players now competing in college, the Minor Leagues, and the Major Leagues. One of the most sought-after instructors in the country, he also advises and mentors coaches across the U.S., including college programs and several MLB coaches.

Mike Tumpane
Mike Tumpane
Owner & General Manager

I've coached my two boys since the first time they picked up a ball, and somewhere along the way it became the thing I love most. Kids I coached at 9 and 10 are 17 and 18 now and still call me “Coach” (much to my youngest son's horror), and I've watched some go from struggling at 14U to earning Division I scholarships — helping them grow as ballplayers, and more importantly as people. I started helping Mark Sheehan build the youth program at Canes Illinois in 2020, and going from the very beginning to owning it today has been a journey I never expected.

Josh Kay
Josh Kay
Director of Player Development

A Saint Viator High School Hall of Famer and current Varsity Assistant Coach there, Josh played at the University of Cincinnati, where he transitioned from catcher to pitcher. He was later drafted by and played professionally in the Oakland Athletics organization.

Kevin Davis
Kevin Davis
Pitching Director

A pitcher from Homer Glen, Kevin played two years at Olney Central College and three at USC Upstate before pitching professionally in the Evansville Otters, Chicago White Sox, and Washington Nationals organizations. Now in his fourth year as Canes Illinois Pitching Director, he holds a degree in Exercise Science and is Co-Founder of Spades Pitching.

Anthony Drago
Anthony Drago
Hitting & Catching Director

With eight years of coaching experience, Anthony focuses on hitting and catching, emphasizing proper mechanics, consistency, and game-ready skills. For the past three years he has coached out of Canes Illinois in Mount Prospect while also coaching at Saint Viator High School. He's passionate about building players' confidence and fundamentals in a positive, competitive environment.

Nate Jendras
Nate Jendras
Pitching Coordinator
Bryce Hellgeth
Bryce Hellgeth
Pitching Coordinator

Director of Pitching at Harper College, Bryce specializes in complete pitcher development — throwing, arm care, movement quality, and strength — including return-to-throw programming after elbow and shoulder injuries. He pitched six seasons at the NCAA Division I level and three seasons professionally.

James DeGeorge
James DeGeorge
Hitting & Fielding Coordinator
Carter Stubitz
Carter Stubitz
Hitting & Catching Coach

Based at the Naperville location, Carter coaches hitting, catching, and strength and conditioning. A Wartburg College graduate and all-conference catcher, he built his game through determination, confidence, and discipline — traits he aims to instill in his athletes. His lessons mix teaching with competition, putting players in game-like situations where they improve most.

Zaid Walker
Zaid Walker
Hitting & Outfield Coach
Ron Cacini
Ron Cacini
Hitting Coach
Jonny Carrera
Jonny Carrera
Hitting Coach

A current St. Ambrose University player with two years of JUCO experience, Jonny coaches hitting with a focus on mechanics, consistency, and confidence at the plate, including the mental side of the game. He welcomes hitters of all ages and skill levels.

Chris Heywood
Hitting Coach

A former Oakton Community College player, Chris is entering his ninth season coaching. He works with hitters and catchers on defense and skills training, along with agility, strength, and athletic development.

Dylan Manna
Dylan Manna
Hitting & Catching Coach

A catcher at Glenbard West High School, Dylan spent four years on Canes Illinois' top team and has two years of varsity experience behind the plate. He coaches catching and hitting, passing on what he's learned to the next generation of players.

Rod Ramos
Rod Ramos
Pitching Coach

Rod is an NPA Certified Pitching Instructor trained in the National Pitching Association system developed by Tom House. He helps pitchers build efficient, arm-friendly mechanics while increasing velocity, improving command, and developing the confidence to compete — with a focus on staying healthy and progressing year over year.

Nick Sobieszczyk
Nick Sobieszczyk
Pitching Coach
Tony Valenza
Tony Valenza
Pitching Coach
Evan Maze
Evan Maze
Pitching Coach

A Canes organization alum and three-year varsity athlete (baseball and golf) at Carmel Catholic, Evan coaches the pitching mindset and approach — attacking hitters, sequencing pitches, and commanding a consistent release point. He listens first and coaches second, building on each pitcher's strengths.

Noah Tumpane
Noah Tumpane
Pitching Coach

A right-handed pitcher committed to Harper College and a Class of 2027 player at Naperville North, Noah developed through the Canes Illinois program, including time on the top 17U Scout team. He coaches the mechanical and mental sides of pitching — mound presence, composure, and habits that hold up under pressure — and starts every lesson with video so players diagnose the real issue instead of guessing. His goal is to help players develop the right way, for the long term.