About
Level Up Baseball and Softball offers baseball camps, softball camps, clinics, leagues, private lessons, and a travel training program. The facility also provides a monthly cage membership, daily cage rentals, speed and agility training, fielding camp, catching camps, pitching camps, and space for birthday parties and corporate events.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Open daily with afternoon and evening hours on weekdays and extended morning-to-evening hours on weekends
Level Up Baseball and Softball was founded in 2022 by manager and owner Joe Knudsen, who has over 26 years of coaching experience on the North Shore and over 27 years of experience working with North Shore area athletes. The program states that a paramount goal is to provide an all-around positive experience that translates to real life success on and off the field, and that it exists to challenge players to grow in knowledge of the game and ability while developing strong character, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
The leadership and coaching staff includes manager/owner Joe Knudsen; softball coach Samantha Meinken; advanced pitching, hitting, and all-skills coach Chris D’Amato; advanced pitching coach Jack Anderson; and advanced hitting and catching coach Tyler McHolland for baseball and softball. Staff experience includes high school and travel coaching, Division I and Division III college playing experience, professional baseball experience, and work with players of various ages and skill levels.
Level Up Baseball and Softball is described as a premier baseball and softball training facility with a 10,000 square foot, newly renovated space that includes eight batting cages that can be retracted for infield work and pitching, as well as speed and agility training. The facility offers monthly cage memberships, daily cage rentals, and space rental for local baseball, softball, and cricket teams, as well as for birthday parties and corporate events.
Coaching credentials and awards at Level Up include National Recognition for Coaching Excellence for Joe Knudsen and IHSA 4A-Sectional 5 Coach of the Year (2022) for softball coach Samantha Meinken, who was also an NFCA and NCCAA Academic All-American. Jack Anderson was an AA All-Star in 2019 and achieved All-Big Ten honors during his senior season, and instructor James Gargano has been recognized as Chicago Tribune/Naperville Sun Player of the Year (2017), Chicago Tribune First Team All-Area (2016, 2017), PBR All-State Player as a senior, and Second Team All-BIG EAST in 2021.
Level Up Baseball and Softball works with North Shore area athletes and has connections with EBSA travel baseball and Evanston Township High School. Testimonials from former players describe Joe “Coach K” Knudsen as a key figure in their baseball development and as a fantastic instructor who educates young players on the game while keeping it fun and engaging.
Last updated January 14, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Open daily with afternoon and evening hours on weekdays and extended morning-to-evening hours on weekends
Level Up Baseball and Softball was founded in 2022 by manager and owner Joe Knudsen, who has over 26 years of coaching experience on the North Shore and over 27 years of experience working with North Shore area athletes. The program states that a paramount goal is to provide an all-around positive experience that translates to real life success on and off the field, and that it exists to challenge players to grow in knowledge of the game and ability while developing strong character, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
The leadership and coaching staff includes manager/owner Joe Knudsen; softball coach Samantha Meinken; advanced pitching, hitting, and all-skills coach Chris D’Amato; advanced pitching coach Jack Anderson; and advanced hitting and catching coach Tyler McHolland for baseball and softball. Staff experience includes high school and travel coaching, Division I and Division III college playing experience, professional baseball experience, and work with players of various ages and skill levels.
Level Up Baseball and Softball is described as a premier baseball and softball training facility with a 10,000 square foot, newly renovated space that includes eight batting cages that can be retracted for infield work and pitching, as well as speed and agility training. The facility offers monthly cage memberships, daily cage rentals, and space rental for local baseball, softball, and cricket teams, as well as for birthday parties and corporate events.
Coaching credentials and awards at Level Up include National Recognition for Coaching Excellence for Joe Knudsen and IHSA 4A-Sectional 5 Coach of the Year (2022) for softball coach Samantha Meinken, who was also an NFCA and NCCAA Academic All-American. Jack Anderson was an AA All-Star in 2019 and achieved All-Big Ten honors during his senior season, and instructor James Gargano has been recognized as Chicago Tribune/Naperville Sun Player of the Year (2017), Chicago Tribune First Team All-Area (2016, 2017), PBR All-State Player as a senior, and Second Team All-BIG EAST in 2021.
Level Up Baseball and Softball works with North Shore area athletes and has connections with EBSA travel baseball and Evanston Township High School. Testimonials from former players describe Joe “Coach K” Knudsen as a key figure in their baseball development and as a fantastic instructor who educates young players on the game while keeping it fun and engaging.
Last updated January 14, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.