This Sunday, Jan. 31, the PBR Illinois team is hosting the McHenry Preseason I.D. at Pro Player Academy in McHenry, Ill. This is an open event for all high school classes (2021-24), 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 five 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. Among the players in attendance at this event in 2020, there are already 23 commitments among them.

That group includes current seniors like LHP Ryan Weaver (Cary-Grove, 2021; Illinois State commit), C Daniel Contreras (Rockford Boylan; Iowa Western CC), and OF Joey Hagen (Johnsburg, 2021; Eastern Illinois), as well as underclassmen who later went on to receive invitations to future events, who are on this Sunday’s roster, too.

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.

2021 ROSTER

Those aforementioned underclassmen who performed particularly well at this event in 2020 are back in 2021, headlined by South Carolina commit Ryan Bakes (Huntley, 2023) and Wisconsin native RHP Tyler Deleskiewicz (Badger, 2022; uncommitted). Both parlayed stand-out performances last year into invites to the modified PBR Future Games format held in the outskirts of Milwaukee.

Bakes’ twin brother Brayden (Huntley, 2023; uncommitted) is geared up to be one of the state’s winter breakout sophomores, boasting sub-6.90 speed with advanced arm and left-handed bat strength measured at last year’s Underclass Invitational. High school teammate RHP Andrew Ressler (Huntley, 2023; uncommitted) is also a high-follow arm in the state’s sophomore class, ranked inside the state’s top-30 already.

Brayden Bakes (2/16/20)

Among the more notable juniors set to join us on Sunday is RHP Jameson Sheehan (Cary-Grove, 2022; uncommitted), a physical 6-foot-4 righty who’s also a standout quarterback. He broke out last fall at an event where he was up to 86.8 mph with big spin, and we’re eager to see what an offseason of work did to his arsenal.

Jameson Sheehan (10/18/20)

 A few more 2023s to know ahead of time: LHP Ian Boal (Johnsburg), LHP Lleyton Grubich (McHenry), Sheppard Graf (Lake Forest), SS J.R. Nelson (Stevenson), among many others.

It was also at this same event last year that we were introduced to several follow freshmen, so we’re looking forward to seeing which members of the attending 2024 class land on our follow lists.

NEW 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

Due to state guidelines, and the facility's requirements, there will be a limit to the number of people inside the facility at one time. This showcase will operate in segmented groups, by position, under the format as follows: (Players registered for multiple sessions will need to leave the facility after completing their first session and arrive at the designated check-in time of their next session; parents will not be allowed inside of the facility.)

POSITION GROUPS

CHECK-IN TIMES (Note: Players registered for multiple sessions will need to LEAVE the facility after completing their first session and arrive at the designated check-in time for their next session):

+ All Outfielders: 2:00 p.m.

+ 2021-22 Infielders: 3:30 p.m.

+ 2023-24 Infielders: 4:30 p.m.

+ All Catchers: 5:30 p.m. (catchers will be counted on to stay for both pitching sessions)

+ 2021-22 Pitchers: 6:30 p.m.

+ 2023-24 Pitchers: 7:15 p.m.

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.

Finally, masks are mandatory during non-baseball activity. We will facilitate a contact-less check-in. Staff will wear masks throughout the event. Hand sanitizer stations will be accessible. Wear baseball clothes; assigned and numbered PBR jerseys will be provided.

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