Founded in 2020 by Mark Sheehan, Canes Illinois emerged from the merger of
Evolution Athletics and Savage Baseball to create a program focused on player
development over trophies. A Master Pitching Instructor and the 2014 Collegiate
Baseball News Teaching Professional of the Year, Mark has spent over 15 years
training players in science-backed pitching mechanics and arm care, producing
athletes across all levels of baseball.

Recognizing the need for a health-first approach to travel baseball, Mark built Canes
Illinois around preparing players for their next level—whatever that may be. He
assembled a coaching staff of former collegiate and professional players, trainers,
and coaches dedicated to better mechanics, off-season arm development, in-season
arm care, and in-game pitching management.

To strengthen the offensive side, Mark brought in Zach Teske, now Hitting Director.
With eight years of coaching experience and a background in Counseling
Psychology, Zach not only refines hitting mechanics but also helps players master
the mental side of the game, contributing to the program’s reputation for
developing top-tier hitters.

Today, Canes Illinois is co-owned by Mike Tumpane, Kyle Kolb, and Tom Nelson, wholead a professional team of trainers and coaches. Together, they reinforce the CanesWay—a culture emphasizing personal accountability, self-awareness, team pride,open communication, player empowerment, and both mental and physical health.A Development-First Approach