Prep Baseball Report

Aurora Preseason ID: Preview


By: Peter Hamot
Area Scout, Staff Writer

 

On Saturday, Feb. 4, the PBR Illinois staff will head to the Sport Zone in Aurora, Illinois to hold the Aurora Preseason ID. This open event features players from the 2023-2026 grad classes, and they'll participate in a pro-style workout while gathering measurable data via our state-of-the-art tech partners. 

For more information about this event, click HERE. To see which players are set to participate in this event, click HERE

Event history 

This is the fourth time we are hosting this event, and it has produced some highly impressive prospects in it's short history - with a number of these players earning invites to select events, as well as scholarships to play at the next level. 

Last year's event was highlighted by a trio of impressive arms, starting with RHP Dominic Voegele (Columbia, 2023), who later earned invites to the PBR ProCase - Midwest and Illinois State Games, committing to Kansas not long after. 


(Dominic Voegele - 2.5.22)

RHP Michael Belbot (Stevenson, 2023) was another arm that stood out to our scouting staff, earning himself an invite to the Preseason All-State - Upperclass where he ran his fastball up to 91 mph, later committing to Illinois-Chicago in late June. 


(Michael Belbot - 2.5.22)

Continuing on the trend of arms that popped at last year's event we come to LHP Luke Brown (Plainfield North, 2023). Brown was a name our scouting staff was familiar with, having represented Team Illinois at the Junior Future Games a few years prior, and his 'pen was among the best of the day. He continued his ascent throughout the spring and into the summer, landing with Lewis University in late June. 


(Luke Brown - 2.5.22)

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

There are a number of players set to attend the event so far, one of the most notable names is INF James Love (Joliet West, 2024). Currently ranked No. 24 in the state, Love was a standout throughout the PBR Tournament circuit last summer, capping off his 2022 campaign with yet another strong showing at the Illinois State Games, committing to Eastern Illinois in late September. 


(James Love - 8.9.22) 

Another exciting player set to be in attendance is INF Jimmy Anderson (Joliet West, 2024). Currently slotted at No. 57 in the state, Anderson brings an intriguing two-way skillset to the Sports Zone. On the infield, Anderson is a quality defender up the middle that pairs with a smooth and repeatable right-handed stroke at the plate. He can also run his fastball up to 86 mph on the mound with little perceived effort. 

Moving down the roster, another name that catches the eye is RHP Kolten Schmoll-Burton (Geneseo, 2025). Initially a standout at the Central Illinois Open after he ran his fastball up to 84 mph, the right-hander would go on to earn an invite to the Illinois State Games where he showed similarly impressive arm-strength. 

A 2024 to be on the lookout for is OF Ryan Coon (Freeport). Coon, a standout from last year's Aurora ID is set to attend once again, and he brings an athletic L/L profile to the table. His left-handed swing is simple, producing consistent hard-contact on a line, pairing with above-average speed (6.76 runner in the 60). 

Check-in process

Because of the high number of prospects set to attend Saturday'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

+ Registered Position Players:

  • Check-in time: 8:30-8:45 a.m.

+ Registered Pitchers-only:

  • Check-in time: 12 p.m.

+ Catchers will stay for both sessions

More Event Details

Click here to learn more about our tech partners that have enhanced our players showcase experience. Partners like TrackMan, Blast Motion, and Vizual Edge 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 strongly encouraged during non-baseball activity. We will facilitate a contact-less check-in. Staff will wear masks throughout the event. Wear baseball clothes; assigned and numbered PBR jerseys will be provided.

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