Instructors

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Matt has been a cornerstone of Play Ball USA since 2008, when he joined the team as a Hitting Instructor. His leadership and commitment to player development quickly elevated him into expanded roles as Facility Manager and Program Coordinator before ultimately becoming General Manager. In 2013, Matt, alongside Ross Wolfson, purchased the business from founder Nelson Gord, further solidifying his long-term leadership within the organization.

As a player, Matt enjoyed a standout career at North Central College, where he was a four-year Varsity Outfielder while also contributing at first base and on the mound. In 2007, he led the Cardinals in hitting as a junior and finished both his junior and senior seasons ranked among the top two in nearly every major offensive category. Beyond college, Matt competed in the Chicago Suburban Baseball League, playing four summers of semi-pro ball with the Oak Forest Shooters. In 2007, he earned recognition as one of just two Division III athletes selected to the league’s prestigious All-College Team.

Matt’s impact extends far beyond his own playing career. He has coached and mentored athletes at every level, from youth players to top-tier travel teams. In 2013, he was named Head Coach of the USA Baseball NTIS Great Lakes 12U team, leading athletes in competition at the USA Baseball Complex in Cary, NC. He also served as Head Coach and Program Director for the Illinois Indians Travel Baseball Club, where he played a key role in building one of the region’s most respected programs.

Today, Matt continues to guide the growth of both Play Ball USA and the Illinois Travel Baseball Club, overseeing all programming, operations, and player development. His deep knowledge of the game, coupled with his dedication to teaching and leadership, has made him an invaluable resource for athletes, families, and the baseball community.

Luis “Coach Louie” Saldaña is a highly respected figure in the world of baseball and softball, with a career spanning more than three decades. A Chicago native, Coach Louie began his journey in baseball before making a successful transition to softball in 1992. Over the years, he competed with some of the nation’s most prestigious teams, including Aurora Dolan Murphy (IL), Pete’s Blues (St. Louis), Fedlock (Washington, D.C.), and even represented the USA National Softball Team in the Dominican Republic.

Throughout his 32-year playing career, Coach Louie consistently competed at the highest levels of fastpitch softball. His remarkable accomplishments include 17 ISC World Tournament appearances, 16 USA National Tournament appearances, and 7 AAU International Championships, where he went head-to-head with some of the world’s top male players.

Now dedicated to coaching, Coach Louie brings his wealth of experience and passion for the game to the next generation of athletes. Specializing in pitching and hitting instruction, he works with high school baseball players to refine their skills, improve their performance, and develop a deeper understanding of the game. His unique background across both baseball and softball provides players with a broad perspective and invaluable insights for success on the field.

im is a dedicated professional in the field of Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Enhancement, with a strong foundation in both athletics and education. An alumnus of the Illinois Travel Baseball Club and a former two-year Varsity Center Fielder at Brother Rice High School (Chicago), Tim displayed his athletic ability early on. Following labrum reconstructive surgery after his 2017 graduation, he shifted his focus toward helping athletes recover from and prevent similar injuries.

In 2021, Tim earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Movement/Pre-Physical Therapy from the University of Dayton. His academic background, combined with his personal athletic experience, enables him to design safe, effective, and individualized strength and conditioning programs for athletes and teams alike.

Tim’s approach goes beyond performance enhancement—he emphasizes injury prevention, proper technique, and sport-specific training to ensure athletes maximize their potential while protecting their long-term health. His goal is to help every athlete perform at their best, both on the field and in life.

Anthony Stecker brings a strong passion for player development and years of playing experience to Play Ball USA. A graduate of Elk Grove High School, Anthony went on to play collegiately at Harper College, where he continued to sharpen his skills and knowledge of the game.

With a focus on teaching fundamentals, work ethic, and game awareness, Anthony is dedicated to helping players of all ages reach their full potential on and off the field. His background as both a student-athlete and coach allows him to connect with players, push them to improve, and foster a love for the game.

When he’s not working with athletes, Anthony continues to stay connected to the game he loves, always looking for ways to learn and pass along his experience to the next generation of ballplayers.