This Sunday, Feb. 5, the PBR Illinois team is hosting the Unsigned Senior Showcase at The MAX in McCook, Ill. This is an open event for all members of the 2023 class, and gives our staff an ample look at the area's top players that are still uncommitted. 

For a closer look at the showcase details and the technologies we'll have on-site to assist our in-person evaluation for all in attendance, click here. For a complete look at those registered to attend this event, view the most up-to-date version of the roster by clicking here.

Event History

Each fall and winter – prior to, and at the conclusion of, the offseason – our staff hosts this event designed to collect the area’s top uncommitted senior talent in order to relay our findings to the college recruiters seeking to fill out their incoming recruiting class. Among the players in attendance at this event in 2022, there are already 39 commitments among them.

Last year's event proved to be a success once again, with players such as RHP/OF Jake Kohanzo (Barrington, 2022; Northern Illinois) and INF Tommy Stricklin (Mundelein, 2022; Iowa Western) committing to play at extremely notable programs. There were plenty more players that landed roster spots on talented collegiate programs; such as RHP Daniel Alworth (Geneva, 2022; McHenry County commit), RHP Logan Kottmeyer (Kaneland, 2022; Wisconsin-Whitewater commit) and LHP Nolan Larson (Lincoln-Way West, 2022; Triton commit), just to name a few. 

We're looking forward to checking in on the next crop of talent from this event to earn next-level attention in the coming weeks, months, and years.

Roster PReview

This year's roster is already shaping up nicely, with Illinois State Games participants OF/RHP Aidan Capone (Auburn, 2023) and RHP Michael Boyce (Naperville Central, 2023) set to attend the event. 

Capone, listed at 6-foot-2, 180-pounds, has some thunder in his right-handed bat; having reached up to 96 mph for his max exit velocity in the past. Defensively, he boasts a well above-average arm, reaching up to 90 mph from the outfield. Also a 6.77 runner in the 60, Capone brings a well-rounded and athletic skillset to the table.

Boyce on the other hand, is an intriguing arm that has shown well in front of our scouting staff in previous looks. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-4, 192-pounds, the right-hander ran his fastball up to 88 mph at the Illinois State Games, and we've heard reports of higher velocities since then. 

An intriguing two-way prospect to know heading into this event is Jason Sullivan (Sandburg, 2023). Listed at 6-foot-1, 175-pounds, Sullivan is athletically built with plenty of room to fill out. On the mound, the right-hander can run his fastball up to 86 mph and looks to have more in the tank. Also listed as an outfielder, he brings above-average athleticism (6.93 60-runner), a 91 mph max exit velocity, and his aforementioned arm-strength to the field. 

Another name to know going into the event is INF/OF Luke Bafia (Benet, 2023). The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior is another name on the list that possesses an impressive set of tools. The right-handed hitter has reached up to 96 mph in the past and works with a simple/repeatable stroke through the zone. He has shown the ability to play quality defense in both the infield and the outfield, and boasts a strong arm from all over the diamond (T86 mph INF; T90 mph OF). Bafia is also a 6.90 runner in the 60, which certainly adds to his versatility. 

Check-in process

Because of the high number of prospects set to attend Sunday's event, it is imperative that you read our adjusted showcase itinerary below, which will allow our staff to swiftly and efficiently educate and evaluate the players set to attend.

Additionally, in an effort to continue and develop contactless check-in strategies, upon arrival, players will scan a QR Code with their smart phone camera that will lead them to a Google Form. On that Form, players will enter their name (matching the spelling on their PBR profile) and hit submit. Upon submission, players will be prompted to click a link that will direct them to their jersey color and number, located next to their registered name.

Itinerary 

POSITION GROUPS

+ All Registered Pitchers & Catchers (two-ways and POs):

• Pitcher only's, Two-way's (pitcher and position player) and catchers: 3:30 pm
• Catchers will stay for both sessions

+ Registered Position Players-only:

• Position players only (non-catchers): 4:30 pm

MORE EVENT DETAILS

Click here to learn more about our tech partners that have enhanced our players showcase experience. Partners like TrackMan and Blast Motion have helped both our in-event evaluation process, as well the compilation of our post-event scouting reports – and they're also a tool for our players to learn more about their measured and collected data, that can be applied to improve upon their game.

Wear baseball clothes; assigned and numbered PBR jerseys will be provided.

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