Instructor Bios
Chris joined the Play Ball staff in 2007, and is currently responsible for developing the Play Ball USA pitching curriculum. In addition to his management of the Des Plaines location, Chris is also the Director of Operations at our satellite location in Lindenhurst, IL.
Chris pitched professionally with the Gary South-Shore Railcats in 2003. After two seasons with the 'Cats he was traded to the storied St. Paul Saints where he was one of the top relievers in the Northern League. He most recently spent the 2006 season with the Schaumburg Flyers. His collegiate career began at Illinois State University, and finished at North Central College.
Prior to joining Play Ball USA, Chris was one of the most sought after independent instructors in the Chicago Area. He has conducted clinics throughout the nation, and his ability to teach the game has gained enough notoriety for his services to be requested in the Cayman Islands in recent years!
Instructor Availability:: Monday’s 7-9pm
Cory Lapinski
Cory joined the Play Ball Staff in 2007 where he coached one of Play Ball USA’s Fall Developmental Teams. In addition to his coaching skills, Cory is an experienced hitting and pitching instructor.
Cory played professionally in the Houston Astros Organization (2005-2006), and most recently with the Gateway Grizzlies in the Frontier League in 2007. His collegiate career was played at Illinois Wesleyan where he played both centerfield and pitcher while receiving the Player of the Year Award in the CCIW his junior season.
In addition to joining Play Ball USA’s staff, Cory received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan in Biology and is currently a substitute high school teacher.
Instructor Availability: Friday’s 5-9pm
MIKE ROHDE
Mike Rohde just recently joined the Play Ball USA Staff in 2009, where he is an experienced hitting instructor.
Rohde began his professional career in 2007 with the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League where he was a contender for the league Rookie of the Year award. In 2008, Mike was traded to the Gary Railcats where he was a mid-season All-Star and finished 10th in the league in hitting at .319.
Rohde was a first baseman and third baseman at the University of Illinois where he spent three years, batting a combined .327 with 12 home runs and 130 runs batted in. He enjoyed his best season as a sophomore in 2005 when he earned 2nd Team All-Big 10 honors, batting .355 with four home runs and 38 runs batted in.
In addition to joining Play Ball USA’s staff of professional instructors, Rohde works for a law firm in the off season. Mike has aspirations of attending law school.
Instructor Availability: Mondays 7-9pm, Fridays 5-9pm & Saturdays 12-5pm
JOE RYBACK
Joe joined Play Ball USA in 2006 where he is an experienced hitting and catching instructor.
Ryback played professionally in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Currently he is the Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach at Buffalo Grove High School, where during his first year as coach, he helped to take the team to the state finals! Prior to this, Coach Joe played college baseball at John A. Logan College, Quincy University, and SIU-Carbondale.
Ryback spent the summer of 2008 as an assistant coach for the 12U Illinois Indians, the head coach for the 16U Schaumburg Seminoles American team, and assistant coach for the Buffalo Grove HS summer squad.
In addition to his playing and coaching experience, Coach Joe also specializes in various team building workshops. Joe is also one of Play Ball USA's Fall Team coaches.
Instructor Availability: Wednesdays 7-9pm
Kevin Penn
Kevin recently joined the Play Ball USA staff 2008 and is currently coaching one of Play Ball USA's Fall Developmental Teams. In additon to his coaching skills, Kevin is a trained pitching and hitting instructor under Chris Andel's curriculum.
Kevin also coaches in the Lake Villa Baseball League and is a highly recommended coach/instructor.
Kevin received his Business Management Degree from the College of Lake County and is currently the President/Director of Operations of Symphony Creative Solutions
Instructor Availability:Wednesday’s 7-9pm, Saturday’s and Sunday’s 12-5pm
Lanaya Gutkowski
(Picture Coming Soon!)
Lanaya just recently joined the Play Ball Staff in 2008.
Lanaya is an experienced softball pitching instructor.
Lanaya most recently played at the College of Lake County, where she earned All-Conference honors her freshman and sophomore year. Also in her sophomore year she was named All-Region. Her high school softball career was played at Antioch High School.
Please call 847-535-7601 for Instructor Availability.
