THE BEST STAFF IN THE GAME

RYAN CURRY

Ryan Curry has dedicated his career to developing baseball players at every level. Following a record-setting career at Bradley University, Ryan was selected by the Florida (Miami) Marlins in the 21st round of the 2007 MLB Draft. He played six professional seasons, reaching Double-A Jacksonville and earning selection to the prestigious Arizona Fall League before transitioning into coaching. Ryan later served as the Miami Marlins High-A Infield and Hitting Coach and has spent nearly two decades helping athletes maximize their potential.

Today, Ryan oversees the complete player development model for Walk-Off Baseball, focusing on fundamentals, baseball IQ, and preparing athletes for success at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Ryan has helped over 200 athletes continue their baseball careers in college or professional baseball.

Playing Experience

  • Downers Grove South High School

  • Bradley University

    • Missouri Valley Conference Batting Champion (.416)

    • First Team All-MVC

    • Bradley University Career Hits Leader (253)

    • Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame

  • Florida/Miami Marlins Organization (2007–2012)

Coaching & Development

  • Miami Marlins High-A Infield & Hitting Coach (2014)

  • Player Development (2007–Present)

Expertise

  • Hitting

  • Infield Defense

  • Baseball IQ

  • Player Development

OWNER | DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

ERIK LIS

Erik Lis brings nearly two decades of professional baseball and player development experience to Walk-Off Baseball. A standout first baseman at the University of Evansville, Erik was a three-time All-MVC selection before being drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 9th round of the 2005 MLB Draft. During his professional career, he reached Triple-A while also spending time with the Miami Marlins organization and independent professional baseball.

As Director of the Walk-Off High School Program and Hitting Coordinator, Erik specializes in helping hitters build advanced offensive approaches while preparing players for collegiate and professional opportunities.

Playing Experience

  • University of Evansville

    • Three-Time All-MVC

  • Minnesota Twins Organization

  • Miami Marlins Organization

  • Triple-A Baseball

  • Independent Professional Baseball

Coaching & Development

  • Player Development (2010–Present)

Expertise

  • Hitting

  • Offensive Approach

Private Lessons (Hitting)
- Walk-Off Baseball
- Quarry Sports

OWNER | HS DIRECTOR & HITTING COORDINATOR

JOSH ALTMANN

Josh Altmann combines current professional experience with years of player development to help athletes become complete baseball players. Following an outstanding collegiate career at Olivet Nazarene University, Josh was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 22nd round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He spent five seasons in the Rangers organization, reaching Double-A Frisco, before continuing his professional career in the American Association and Australian Baseball League.

Josh specializes in developing confident hitters and fundamentally sound defenders through individualized instruction.

Playing Experience

  • Olivet Nazarene University

  • Texas Rangers Organization

  • Double-A Frisco RoughRiders

  • American Association Professional Baseball

  • Australian Baseball League

Coaching & Development

  • Player Development (2016–Present)

Expertise

  • Hitting

  • Fielding

Private Lessons (Fielding & Hitting)
- Walk-Off Baseball
- Quarry Sports

PROGRAM & FIELD COORDINATOR

JOHN ELY

Former Major League pitcher John Ely serves as Walk-Off Baseball's Pitching Coordinator, bringing elite professional experience and player development knowledge to the organization. Drafted in the third round by the Chicago White Sox out of Miami University (OH), John made his Major League debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2010 and pitched six professional seasons. After his playing career, he joined the Chicago White Sox organization as a pitching coach, advancing through every level of the system before serving as the Double-A Birmingham Barons Pitching Coach.

John works with pitchers of every age, emphasizing command, efficiency, pitch development, and game management while helping athletes prepare for the next level.

Playing Experience

  • Homewood-Flossmoor High School

  • Miami University (OH)

  • Chicago White Sox Organization (Drafted)

  • Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)

Coaching & Development

  • Chicago White Sox Organization (2017–2024)

  • Double-A Birmingham Barons Pitching Coach

  • Walk-Off Baseball Pitching Coordinator

Expertise

  • Pitching

  • Velocity Development

  • Command

  • Pitch Design

  • Arm Care Programs

Private Lessons (Pitching)
- Walk-Off Baseball
- Quarry Sports

PITCHING COORDINATOR

MAX HUFNAGLE

As Walk-Off Baseball's Youth Director, Max Hufnagle oversees player development throughout the younger age levels while helping establish the organization's developmental foundation. His experience allows him to teach age-appropriate skills that prepare athletes for long-term success.

Max emphasizes fundamentals, confidence, and creating an enjoyable learning environment for every player.

Coaching & Development

  • 10+ Years of Coaching & Player Development

Expertise

  • Youth Development

  • Hitting

  • Defense

YOUTH DIRECTOR | COACH

MAX AIELLO

Max Aiello brings over 15 years of coaching and player development experience to Walk-Off Baseball. As a Youth Director, he focuses on developing fundamentally sound players while fostering confidence, teamwork, and a passion for the game.

Max works closely with coaches, players, and families to ensure athletes continue progressing through every stage of development.

Playing Experience

  • Competitive Baseball Experience

Coaching & Development

  • 15+ Years of Coaching & Player Development

Expertise

  • Youth Development

  • Hitting

  • Defense

YOUTH DIRECTOR | COACH

JAKE SUCHOR

Jake Suchor serves as a Walk-Off Coordinator while coaching and developing athletes throughout the organization. A former collegiate player at the University of St. Francis, Jake has spent years helping players build strong fundamentals and improve their overall baseball knowledge.

His passion is creating a positive learning environment while developing complete baseball players.

Playing Experience

  • University of St. Francis

Coaching & Development

  • 8+ Years of Player Development

Expertise

  • Hitting

  • Infield

Private Lessons (Pitching & Hitting)

  • Walk-Off Baseball

  • Quarry Sports

PROGRAM DIRECTOR | COACH

SAM ZAGORAC

Sam Zagorac is dedicated to helping hitters develop a consistent swing and approach at the plate. His instruction focuses on building strong fundamentals while helping athletes gain confidence and compete at a higher level.

Sam works closely with players of all ages to create individualized plans that promote long-term development.

Coaching & Development

  • 30+ Years of Player Development Experience

  • Marlins Coach (2000)

  • White Sox Coach (2011-2013)

Expertise

  • Hitting

Private Lessons (Hitting)

  • Walk-Off Baseball

  • Quarry Sports

INSTRUCTOR | HITTING

MATT BOTTCHER

Matt Bottcher is an active professional baseball player who brings current professional experience and modern player development methods to Walk-Off Baseball. A Romeoville native, Matt starred at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where he earned First Team All-Horizon League honors before beginning his professional career with the Schaumburg Boomers of the Frontier League. Since then, he has continued playing professionally in independent baseball as well as winter baseball, giving him firsthand knowledge of today's game and player development.

Matt works with players of all ages, emphasizing offensive development, defensive versatility, and the daily habits needed to compete at the next level.

Playing Experience

  • Romeoville High School (Romeoville, IL)

  • University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

    • First Team All-Horizon League (2021)

  • Schaumburg Boomers (Frontier League)

  • Lexington Counter Clocks (Atlantic League Partner)

  • Dorados de Chihuahua (Mexican League)

  • Leones de Ponce (Puerto Rico Winter League)

  • Active Professional Baseball Player (Kane County Cougars)

Coaching & Development

  • 8+ Years of Player Development

  • Walk-Off Baseball Instructor

Expertise

  • Hitting

  • Infield Defense

Private Lessons (Hitting & Infield)

  • Walk-Off Baseball

  • Quarry Sports

INSTRUCTOR | HITTING

STEVE HEILENBACH

Steve Heilenbach brings collegiate and professional pitching experience to Walk-Off Baseball, along with a passion for developing pitchers through sound mechanics, command, and competitive preparation. A standout at Illinois State University, Steve earned Second Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors during his senior season after leading the Redbirds in wins, innings pitched, and starts.

Steve enjoys helping pitchers build confidence on the mound while teaching efficient mechanics, pitch execution, and game management that translate to success at every level.

Playing Experience

  • Illinois State University

    • Second Team All-Missouri Valley Conference (2016)

    • Team Leader in Wins, Starts, and Innings Pitched

Coaching & Development

  • Pitching Instructor

  • 10+ Years of Player Development

Expertise

  • Pitching

Private Lessons (Pitching)

  • Walk-Off Baseball

  • Quarry Sports

COACH | INSTRUCTOR | PITCHING

NICK GENOVA

Nick Genova brings collegiate playing experience and a passion for player development to Walk-Off Baseball. A former catcher at Quincy University, Nick understands the leadership, communication, and defensive responsibilities that come with one of baseball's most demanding positions. He is dedicated to helping athletes build confidence while developing fundamentally sound skills that translate into game performance.

Nick works with players of all ages, emphasizing defensive fundamentals, receiving, blocking, throwing mechanics, and offensive development. His goal is to help athletes become complete players while developing the work ethic and baseball IQ necessary to compete at the next level.

Playing Experience

  • Quincy University

  • Collegiate Catcher

Coaching & Development

  • Walk-Off Baseball Instructor

  • Walk-Off Baseball Coach

Expertise

  • Catching

COACH | CATCHING

MIKE SANEW

Mike Sanew brings collegiate playing experience and a player-first coaching philosophy to Walk-Off Baseball. A former catcher at Concordia University Chicago, Mike understands the importance of leadership, preparation, and fundamentals both behind the plate and throughout the game. His experience allows him to develop players in all aspects of baseball while creating a positive and competitive learning environment.

Mike specializes in helping athletes improve their defensive skills and overall baseball knowledge, giving players the tools needed to compete with confidence.

Playing Experience

  • Concordia University Chicago

  • Collegiate Catcher

Coaching & Development

  • Walk-Off Baseball Instructor

  • Walk-Off Baseball Coach

Expertise

  • Catching

COACH | CATCHING