Illinois Pitching Coach Mark Allen dies at 49

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois pitching coach Mark Allen has died at the age of 49, his family announced.

He is survived by his wife, Angela, and daughters, Skylar and Avery.

FightingIllini.com said, Allen totaled over 25 seasons coaching and scouting in collegiate and professional baseball, spending five seasons as Illinois' pitching coach from 2020-24.

"Today is a difficult day for Illinois baseball," said head coach Dan Hartleb. "Coach Allen was an exceptional leader, coach, husband, and father. He impacted the lives of so many players and coaches here at Illinois and all around the country. Mark will be dearly missed within our program and by his network of hundreds of former players that he continually stayed connected with. Our thoughts and prayers are with Angela, Skylar, Avery, and the Allen family."

The university said Allen helped Illinois to 121 wins during his five seasons, including the 2024 Big Ten title and a trip to the 2024 NCAA Lexington Regional. Ten of Allen's Fighting Illini pitchers were drafted or signed deals with MLB clubs.

Before coming to Illinois, Allen spent nine seasons in professional baseball, including serving as the San Francisco Giants' pitching coordinator during the 2019 season.

Before the Giants, Allen spent eight seasons with the Cleveland Indians organization as a scout, cross checker, national pitching cross checker, and pitching coordinator. During his years with the Indians, Allen also coached on the field in the Arizona League for three seasons. He began coaching in the Indians organization in 2014 with the AZL Indians, helping the team to the Arizona League championship.

His history also included coaching stops at St. Gregory's University (1998-99), Northlake Junior College (1999), Frank Phillips College (2003-04), North Central Texas College (2004-08), the Northwoods' Wisconsin Woodchucks (2007), and Seminole State College (2008-10). He helped lead Seminole State, one of the top junior college programs in the country, to the 2009 JUCO World Series.

Allen played college baseball at Vernon Junior College (1994-96), Texas-San Antonio (1996-97) and Phillips University (1997-98) before going into coaching.

Details on a Celebration of Life for Coach Allen will be announced at a later date on FightingIllini.com.