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Peoria Preseason ID: Preview Story

February 20, 2024
By: Gavin Smith
Area Scout, Content

Tomorrow, February 20th, the Prep Baseball Illinois team is hosting the Peoria Preseason ID at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria, Ill. This is an open event for all high school classes (2024-27), and gives our staff an ample look at the area's top players.

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

We've been hosting this event for the past six years, and it's consistently provided us a look at prominent players who've later gone on to receive invitations to select events, like the PBR Future Games and Illinois State Games.

Last year we saw prospects C Lawson Alwan (Peoria Notre Dame, 2025), RHP Jake Branch (Normal Community, 2024), RHP Ben Carnahan (Normal U-High, 2024; John Wood CC), RHP Joseph Catalano (Williamsville, 2024; Kankakee CC), RHP Alex Chopra (Glenwood, 2024), RHP Andrew Dawson (Tremont, 2026), C Sam DesCarpentrie (Normal West, 2024), RHP Gage Luttrell (Sacred Heart Griffin, 2024; Southwestern Illinois JC), 3B Luke Martin (Mt. Pulaski, 2026) and SS Enrico Veach (Springfield, 2024; Wabash Valley JC) all attend the event and eventually earn invites to the 2023 Illinois State Games.

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

2024 ROSTER

This year's roster is already shaping up nicely, just like in years past.

C Tyler Humphrey (Washington, 2025) stands in a lean and strong 6-foot, 200-pound frame. Ranked No. 104 in Illinois’ 2025 class, Humphrey has a fluid and easy right-handed swing that stays mostly flat through the zone. At the same event last year, he consistently produced mid-80s exit velocities, including a max exit velocity of 90.8 mph and a max batted distance of 343 feet.

1B Sam Mitre (Marquette Academy, 2025) is a big-bodied right-handed hitter that we’re excited to get an updated look at. We first saw Mitre during a high school game last spring, and he impressed with a multi-hit game where he pummeled the ball at the plate, recording two doubles, with both hits nearly being home runs.

C Anson Zaiser (Washington, 2026) provided a loud look at this past weekend’s A’s Scout Day in Missouri, and he’s headed to Peoria tomorrow, too. Zaiser is an athletic and strong prospect that stands in a lean 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame. He posted six barrels at 95 mph plus, peaking at 97.1 mph, and a max distance of 363 feet. He’s also an advanced defender and blocker behind the plate, and is a sure-fire name-to-know heading into our event at the Louisville Slugger Dome.

A member of Team Illinois at the 2023 PBR Junior Future Games, RHP/UTL Kash VanHouten (Canton, 2027) is set to attend this year’s Peoria Preseason ID. VanHouten, ranked No. 10 in Illinois’ freshman class, has all kinds of athleticism in his 6-foot, 175-pound frame. He has a mature approach at the plate with above-average bat strength, and he’s a fluid mover on the infield with a strong arm across the diamond. On the mound he has a quick arm, and we’ve seen him up to 85 mph in our looks, with confidence in his mid-60s breaking ball.

Perusing the event roster, we’re set to meet a majority of players who’ve not yet attended a PBR showcase, and we’re eager to add more names to our follow lists.

EVENT CHECK-IN PROCESS

Because of the high number of prospects set to attend Wednesday’s event, it is imperative that you read our 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

Please bring snacks and drinks as events can run long, especially depending on your position.

CHECK-IN TIMES:

  • All Players: 5:30 pm

MORE EVENT DETAILS

Click here to learn more about our tech partners that have enhanced our players showcase experience. Partners like TrackMan, Vizual Edge, 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.

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