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Outer Black topics include goodies that have been on our mind for some time but haven't made it out of our heads and onto paper (or into a computer). We also hope to include additional topics such as human interest stories, on and off field thoughts and general observations. Much like the "The Outer Black" of the plate, a place we hope to get to as a pitcher and cover as a hitter; valuable nuggets of information to help better serve the New York baseball community

It's been a long and entertaining 2017 here in the Empire State. As 2018 is fast approaching let's catch everyone up to what is happening behind the scenes here at Prep Baseball Report-NY.

2018's and moving on

Our focus through the majority of the fall was to highlight our Class of 2018 (Profiles of the Day, Top Performer Spotlights, Weekly Video Spotlights, etc). Our rankings are pushing 400 strong with an updated release forthcoming around the new year. Be on the look out for our continuation of the "Unsigned Senior Spotlight" and "Commitment Corner" features as we continue to press forward. Commitments have been rolling in since early summer and we will continue to promote those achievements as they happen. As 2017 is coming to a close, the focus will gradually shift to the classes of 2019, 2020, 2021 and beyond.

Rising Stars are back

In 2015 we rolled out our "Futures Showcase" at Sullivan CC that allowed players in 7th and 8th grade to garner some understanding about exposure baseball events. The successful event featured players that are now currently seniors and juniors, including 9 Division I commits (Click here for complete roster from 2015). This February we will revisit that format in what will be titled the "Rising Stars Winter Showcase", again opening the door to 7th and 8th graders who are interested in learning about what lies ahead.

Looking to join the PBR Family? There's no better way to start; click the image below.

Super 60 Invitees

The 16th annual Super 60 held just outside of Chicago, IL this February 4th features potential draft prospects from around the country. This year New York had 6 players invited to attend in what has become the premier preseason event with MLB organizations sending between 3-5 representatives in 2017. Last year's MLB draft featured 4 first round picks who were Super 60 alumni. Here's who was invited from the Empire State:

What's on Deck?

Our winter slate includes three Preseason All-State Events, in which our Western one has sold out as of today (December 11, 2017). There are limited spots available for pitchers at both the Preseason - Downstate (Feb. 21st) and the Preseason - Eastern (Feb. 22nd).

The Winter Open, which had nearly 80 attendees, last year and has been a staple in our past winter schedules will be February 11th (prior to the Rising Stars). This event, like the preseason All-State, will also serve as New York Games Trials, meaning players seen at these events qualify for initial New York Games invites. The Winter Open is a catch all for players that wished to attend the Western event or maybe do not have off from school during President's Week.

Full Winter Schedule

Super 60 Pro Showcase	NATIONAL	02/04	The MAX
Northeast ProCase 2.10.18 (Invite Only - NY)	NY	02/10	Premier Sports Complex - Winston, CT
New York Winter Open	NY	02/11	Paul Gerry Fieldhouse - Loch Sheldrake, NY
Rising Stars Winter Showcase	NY	02/11	Paul Gerry Fieldhouse - Loch Sheldrake, NY
Preseason All-State West (NYS Games Trials)	NY	02/19	Pinnacle Sports Campus - Victor, NY
Preseason All-State Downstate (NYS Games Trials)	NY	02/21	House Of Sports - Ardsley, NY
Preseason All-State East (NYS Games Trials)	NY	02/22	All-Star Academy - Latham, NY

Feature Articles Galore

The dedication to provide unparalleled coverage here in New York is at an all-time high as we continue to expand our state wide coverage, which also compliments our talented writers at the national level and their respective features. As we reset for the New Year, here's a list of our active features and what they entail. The most recent article is linked within the title.

New York

+ Rookie Review  - Focuses on first time players from the 2020 and 2021 classes with 2019's mixed in.
+ Progress Report - Staff favorite, highlighting players who have made recent improvements.
+ Top Performer Spotlight - For those who have caught our eye at recent events.
+ Commitment Corner  -  Q & A session with committed players that have used the PBR platform.
+ On Deck Preview - A spotlight on players that will be attending upcoming events
+ Outer Black - Topics and thoughts on anything PBR-NY, state or baseball related (this article!).
+ Pitching 101 - PBR-NY President Dan Cevette shares his thoughts from the mound as an 11 yr pro.
+ Empire State Rewind - We take a look back at articles that cover the course of a week, one year ago.
+ Inside the Rankings - Diving into certain grad years by position and why they are where their at.
+ Perform Like a Pro - Coach Stephen Gamma brings light to popular topics in the strength world

National

+ The Hotlist
+ In the Weeds
+ Recruiting Essentials
+ JUCO Wire
+ On The Hunt
+ The Buzz