On Wednesday, Aug. 4, the PBR Illinois staff hosted the Central Illinois Open at the Corn Crib Stadium in Normal. The event featured over 60 players from all high school classes spanning the state, including a handful of prospects from the central and southern Illinois area. 

Shortly after the event's conclusion our staff published several post-event content pieces, highlighting the day’s top performers, statistical standouts, and all of the advanced analytics captured through our tech partners. You can find all of those by clicking HERE.

We began rolling out our position-by-position analysis yesterday with the catchers and outfielders shortly after, and we’ll continue working around the diamond with the infielders today. Here are a few names that stood out:

+ 2024 two-way prospect Charlie Vercruysse (Normal University) is a premium athlete and showed it on the mound with an advanced fastball for his age sitting 83-85 mph, topping at 86 mph to go along with a tight late breaking curveball. Vercruysse was arguably the highest ceiling arm of the day. Vercruysse also topped at 89 mph across the diamond on the infield where his athleticism stands out as well. Vercruysse moves with ease and fluidity all while showing efficient, natural actions and the ability to play any infield spot. Offensively, the right-handed hitter has a compact swing with present bat speed and the chance to develop power down the road.

+ We mentioned C/INF Jaden Fauske (Nazareth Academy) in our catcher analysis, but the recent Louisville commit also stood out for his prowess on the infield dirt and further solidified his status as one of the state's top 2025 prospects at this event.

+ One of the top infielders on the day was Brock Bacus (Normal Community, 2022). Bacus, listed at 5-foot-5, 130-pounds, is a spark plug type, playing fast and with a high-motor. At shortstop, Bacus displayed advanced range, quick active feet and natural infield actions; plays comfortably on the move, quick glove-to-hand transfer with the ability to throw from multiple angles. At the plate, Bacus has a simple, barrel-controlled right-handed swing with the ability to line balls to all fields.

+ Wandel Campana (Havana, 2022) attended the event after showing well this summer at the Illinois State Games in June. Campana is a fluid athlete with a top of the order profile and plenty of upside to his game. The 6-foot, 170-pound shortstop ran a 7.13 (has been a 6.99 in the past) and has the ability to stick on the left side of the diamond.

+ 6-foot-2, 170-pound infielder William Applegate (Charleston, 2023) is an upside left-handed hitter to follow moving forward. The loose-bodied Applegate hits with all kinds of rhythm taking loose/athletic swings with intent to do damage. Currently, there are a lot of moving parts but when the swing syncs up the ball jumps off the barrel and works gap-to-gap. Also ran a 7.11 laser-timed 60 and registered a max exit velocity of 89 mph during BP.

+ One of the more physical prospects in attendance was 1B Carson Beal (Normal University, 2022). The wide-shouldered 5-foot-11, 190-pound, left-handed hitter, creates easy bat strength and bat speed via a simple, repeatable stroke. Beal sits on his backside, lets the ball travel deep and was consistently on the barrel driving balls with authority and natural lift to the big part of the diamond. Middle of the order profile with a feel for the barrel.

Read below for all of the infield reports from this event. 

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Charlie Vercruysse, Normal University (IL), 2024; Notre Dame commit.
Positional Profile: INF/RHP
Body: 6-2, 175-pounds. Long, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced stance, quick pre-load actions, short stride. Flashed bat speed, athletic hands, compact swing, ability to drive the ball to all fields.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 75.2 mph. 302’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 89 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic footwork with natural hands, clean transfer, quick double play actions.
Run: 7.12 runner in the 60. 

2. Jaden Fauske, Nazareth Academy (IL), 2025; Louisville commit.
Positional Profile: C/INF
Body: 6-0, 155-pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Athletic, balanced setup, leg-kick trigger, smooth, advanced pre-pitch actions. Easy swing, short path, working efficiently through the zone, consistent hard contact, showed gap-to-gap approach in advanced round of BP.
Power: 89.2 max exit velocity, averaged 83.4 mph. 282’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. INF - 82 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Catcher: athletic footwork, soft hands with a quick release, advance blocking. Infield: smooth footwork to the ball, works with proper direction, advanced double play turn.
Run: 7.61 runner in the 60. 

3. Brock Bacus, Normal Community (IL), 2022; Danville Area CC commit.
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 5-5, 130-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balance, wide setup, clean pre-load action, short leg stride. Long swing path to a level plane, hands inside the baseball, opposite field type hitter.
Power: 79.7 max exit velocity, averaged 71 mph. 242’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quick, athletic feet, gets around the baseball, steady hands, clean, quick release.
Run: 7.03 runner in the 60. Best 60 time among infielders.

4. Wandel Campana, Havana (IL), 2022; Lincoln Land CC commit.
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall, narrow stance, smooth pre-pitch load, short leg stride. Short, level swing, level one hand finish, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 85.4 max exit velocity, averaged 71.4 mph. 294’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, fields low to the ground, soft hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.13 runner in the 60. 

5. William Applegate, Charleston (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds. Athletic, high-waisted frame.
Hit: LHH. Open, wide stance, rested hands, bat tilt load, short stride. Quick hands, short, level swing path, line drive type hitter, pull side tendencies.
Power: 89.3 max exit velocity, averaged 81.4 mph. 318’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quick actions, steady hands, quick exchange at times, plays through ball toward target.
Run: 7.11 runner in the 60. 

6. Matt Brummer, St. Teresa (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-1, 195-pounds. Strong, durable lower half.
Hit: RHH. Athletic look, closed stance, minimal pre-load actions, toe tap stride. Flashes bat speed, short, uphill swing with a high finish, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 91.3 max exit velocity, averaged 76.5 mph. 268’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Corner infield, plays low to high, sure handed, clean exchange.
Run: 7.78 runner in the 60. 

7. Carson Beal, Normal University (IL), 2022; Morton JC commit.
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 5-11, 190-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Athletic, wide setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride. Athletic hands, short swing, ability to drive the baseball to all fields.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 85.8 mph. 339’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Corner infielder, natural hands, works to the baseball, fluid footwork around the bag, quick double play action.
Run: 7.55 runner in the 60. 

8. Jaxson Tresenriter, Dunlap (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 5-10, 135-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Simple, balanced setup, minimal load, toe tap stride. Short, direct swing path, level plane, keeps hands inside the baseball, spray hitter type.
Power: 80.1 max exit velocity, averaged 65.7 mph. 242’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Long, loose arm action, side arm slot.
Defense: Quick feet, fields with two hands, funnels to center, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.50 runner in the 60. 

9. Aric Beaman, Burlington Central (IL), 2022; Mount Mercy commit.
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-2, 280-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall, open stance, hands held high, smooth pre-pitch actions, short stride. Strong hands, short, level swing, ball jumps off the bat,  pull side approach.
Power: 93.3 max exit velocity, averaged 85 mph. 332’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: First basemen, attacks the baseball, steady hands, clean exchange on a double play.
Run: 8.45 runner in the 60. 

10. Tyler Adkins, Metamora (IL), 2022; Lincoln Land CC commit.
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-1, 218-pounds. Strong build.
Hit: RHH. Balance, wide stance, hands preloaded, short leg lift. Aggressive, short swing, level bat plane, consistently on the barrel, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 97 max exit velocity, averaged 81.6 mph. 275’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Corner infielder, fluid footwork to the baseball, sure handed, clean exchange.
Run: 7.66 runner in the 60. 

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Landen Bell, Pekin (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-0, 155-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balance setup, hands start high then drop, small leg kick. Short, level swing, line drive, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 83.4 max exit velocity, averaged 73.4 mph. 239’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays to the baseball, works low to high, steady hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.87 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Brucker, Princeton (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Weight on the back leg, pre-loaded hands, quick twitch, short stride. Athletic hands, short, uphill swing, gap-to-gap approach, showed ability to go opposite field.
Power: 86.1 max exit velocity, averaged 71.1 mph. 329’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays through the baseball, out in front of body at times, steady hands.
Run: 7.27 runner in the 60. 

Joe Brummer, St. Teresa (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Simple setup, hands rested, bat lift load, leg lift stride. Repeatable, uppercut swing type, creates lift, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 90.3 max exit velocity, averaged 79.9 mph. 313’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Works to the baseball, fields low to high with two hands, developing hands.
Run: 7.51 runner in the 60. 

Tynan Chamberlin, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-1, 190-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Weight on the back leg, hands rested, smooth load, leg lift stride. Quick, aggressive swing, direct to the baseball, ball jumps off the bat, whole field tendencies.
Power: 89 max exit velocity, averaged 74.6 mph. 298’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady overall defender; lean, efficient footwork, reliable hands and clean release.
Run: 7.28 runner in the 60. 

Colin DeLaere, Pekin (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-6, 230-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall stance, minimal load, short stride. Strong hands, short swing path, line drive hitter, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 90.6 max exit velocity, averaged 75 mph. 290’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Corner infielder, works to the baseball, developing hands.
Run: 8.15 runner in the 60. 

Reed Frazier, Pontiac (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-3, 225-pounds. Strong upper body.
Hit: RHH. Balance, wide setup, rested hands, no pre-pitch load or stride. Repeatable, uppercut swing type, creates lift, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 84.9 max exit velocity, averaged 70.5 mph. 312’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short, loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Second base type, athletic movement, flashed soft hands, quick feet, clean transfer.
Run: 8.56 runner in the 60. 

Andrew Gillihan, Mount Carmel (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 5-11, 160-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Open, wide setup, minimal twitch load to no stride. Short, direct swing on an uphill plane, gap-to-gap approach with the ability to drive it to the opposite field.
Power: 78.7 max exit velocity, averaged 66.6 mph. 238’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short arm action, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Charges the baseball, fluid footwork, developing hand.
Run: 7.75 runner in the 60. 

Kaileb Hackman, Normal Community (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-0, 205-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balance stance, hands rested, smooth arm bar load, short stride. Aggressive, compact swing, ball jumps off the bat at times, hits the ball where it's pitched.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 85.4 mph. 322’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid footwork, clean actions, steady hands, clean transfer.
Run: 7.61 runner in the 60. 

JT Kaiser, Tremont (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 5-9, 130-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open stance, hands held low, big load, toe tap stride. Strong swing, looks to elevate the baseball and works gap-to-gap.
Power: 76.6 max exit velocity, averaged 73.2 mph. 232’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Works to the baseball, fields with two hands, clean transfer.
Run: 7.37 runner in the 60. 

Jack Piper, Dunlap (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-1, 140-pounds. Long levered frame.
Hit: RHH. Balance stance, minimal load, short stride. Direct, compact swing, high finish, line drive approach.
Power: 74.1 max exit velocity, averaged 59.9 mph. 249’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Second base type, active feet, sturdy hands, fields out in front, plays to the baseball.
Run: 8.13 runner in the 60. 

TJ Pipkins, Champaign Central (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-0, 165-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Open, wide stance, simple rocking load to a short stride. Compact swing, quick, level finish, middle of the field approach.
Power: 83.9 max exit velocity, averaged 68.8 mph. 253’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active feet, steady hands, clean double play actions.
Run: 7.53 runner in the 60. 

Cam Semelroth, Limestone (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, tall setup, hands held high, barrel tilt load, short stride. Repeatable, aggressive swing, short path, uphill swing plane, middle of the field approach.
Power: 87.2 max exit velocity, averaged 80.8 mph. 332’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Short arm action, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic, plays with glove low to ground, fields out front, plays through baseball with proper direction.
Run: 7.74 runner in the 60. 

Charlie Severino, Pleasant Plains (IL), 2025
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 5-8, 145-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Closed stance, arm bar pre-pitch load, leg kick stride. Short, level swing, direct to the baseball, line drive type hitter.
Power: 88.6 max exit velocity, averaged 82.9 mph. 325’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays to the baseball, works low to high, developing hands.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. 

Tanner Spangler, Morton (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-4, 195-pounds. Physical, strong build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, hands load pre-pitch, short leg-kick stride. Strong hands, long path, looks to elevate the baseball and works gap-to-gap.
Power: 84 max exit velocity, averaged 72.7 mph. 322’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short, clean arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Prototypical first baseman frame. Steady footwork and hands around the bag, clean release.
Run: 7.72 runner in the 60. 

Haiden Stocks, Decatur Lutheran (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 5-11, 145-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Balance, open stance, rested hands, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride. Easy, repeatable swing, short path, level plane, high finish, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 80.4 max exit velocity, averaged 65.5 mph. 239’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 69 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Developing footwork and hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.82 runner in the 60. 

Jake Troyner, Joliet Catholic Academy (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-2, 160-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall, narrow stance, easy pre-pitch load, short stride. Short, level swing, high finish, pull side tendencies.
Power: 82.8 max exit velocity, averaged 69.3 mph. 300’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 65 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Feet get staggered, stays low to the ground, average hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.76 runner in the 60. 

Chase Wiese, Normal Community (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balance stance, shoulder slightly uphill, arm bar load, short leg lift. Short, direct swing, uphill path, high finish, easy lift, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 78.7 max exit velocity, averaged 67.3 mph. 269’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm action, side arm slot.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, fluid footwork, steady hands, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.32 runner in the 60. Quick first step.

Melvin Worley, St. Joseph-Ogden (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Simple setup, hands held low, arm bar load, short stride. Athletic hands, compact swing, ability to go the other way, middle middle approach.
Power: 82.1 max exit velocity, averaged 75.6 mph. 297’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short arm action, low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quick feet, clean actions, plays through the baseball, out in front of body at times, steady hands.
Run: 7.57 runner in the 60. 

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