Coaches overview

The Wilmette Tide prides itself in finding the best-in-class coaches in the New Trier Township district to help players learn things the right way and to get them familiar with the terminology and coaching style that the high school programs provide. To that extent, the Tide is please to announce the head coaches for the 2024 season.

Coaching the top 15U team will be former New Trier High School head varsity baseball coach & Northwestern University assistant coach, Chris Beacom. Chris played four years at Northwestern University as well as professionally in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. As the former head varsity baseball coach at New Trier High School as well as an assistant coach at Northwestern University, Chris will provide expert level coaching while furthering your athlete's baseball career through rigorous hands on coaching.

Coaching our second 15U teams will be former University of Illinois & Chicago Dogs outfielder, Taylor (TJ) Jackson.  TJ has a wealth of baseball knowlege and experience that will provide a high level of  expert level coaching through rigorous hands-on coaching.

Coaching one of our 16U teams will be former Loyola Academy JV head coach and 15U New Trier Feeder/Wilmette Tide head baseball coach, Liam McKeough. Liam played at Loyola Academy and pitched and played outfield at Dennison University. Liam has coached all levels of travel baseball over the past seven years.

Coaching one of our 16U team will be Alex Vannucci. Alex was pitched at Lyons Township High school & North Park University. He finished his collegiate career with 122 innings pitched. He was also named to the D3 Baseball Team of the week in 2015.

Coaching our 17U team will be former professional baseball player and D1 infielder, Drew Thomas. Drew played at DePaul Prep/Gordon Tech where he was an all-state and 4 year all-conference as well as the current home-run record holder. Drew has coached high school travel baseball over the past few years.

Clinic Instructors overview

Beyond our excellent in-season coaches, the Wilmette Tide has gone to great lenghts to bring in instructors to not only provide Nov-Dec clinical work but to be a part of our Winter Workouts.

Charlie Tilson was a former second round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals and a former New Trier High School Graduate. He was ranked the 9th best prospect in 2014 and will provide defensive and hitting instruction throughout the year.

Christian Friedrich was a former first round draft pick of the Colorado Rockies. He was ranked the 33rd best prospect in 2010 and was a graduate of Loyola Academy. He will be providing pitching instruction throughout the year.

Brian Schlitter was drafted in 2005 by the Los Angeles Angels and again in 2007 by the Philadelphia Phillies. He pitched for both the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics. He was a graduate of Maine South. He, like Christian, will be providing pitching instruction throughout the year.

Bobby Garrick was a former catcher at Elmhurst College and brings a wealth of catching experience to our program. He will be intregral in the development of our catchers.