Prep Baseball Report

Chicago Preseason ID: Preview


By: Gavin Smith
Illinois Scouting Staff

This Saturday, Feb. 18, the PBR Illinois team is hosting the Chicago Preseason ID at the Pullman Community Center in Chicago, Ill. This is an open event for all high school classes (2023-26), 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 four 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 2022, there are already 11 commitments among them.

Last year’s event proved to be a success with players such as INF Shemar Harris (Thornwood, 2023; Jackson State), INF Jayden Cummings (Simeon, 2022; Parkland JC), both committing to play at notable college programs. There were plenty other players that landed spots on talented collegiate programs; such as RHP Kenneth Jackson (Simeon, 2023; Southeastern CC), OF William Hill (Brooks, 2023; South Suburban JC), RHP Mason Lei (Freeport, 2023; Rock Valley JC), just to name a few. 

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.

2023 ROSTER

This year’s roster is already shaping up nicely, with Illinois State Games participant RHP Kenneth Jackson (Simeon, 2023; Southeastern CC) and PBR Junior Future Games participant OF Logan Fernandez (Jones College Prep, 2026) set to attend the event. 

Jackson, listed at a strong 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, has reached his fastball up to 85.1 mph. He typically sits 83-85 mph with the pitch, and also brings a curveball into the mix that has 11/5 shape with depth and feel for the zone. To round out his arsenal, he throws a splitter that repeatedly finds the bottom of the zone.

(Kenneth Jackson, 8/9/22)

Fernandez is another prospect our staff is excited to get a look at – listed at 5-foot-11, 160 pounds, the Team Illinois JFG alum has tremendous upside. He has recorded a 6.92 time in the 60-yard dash, and a max EV of 87.1 mph. Fernandez brings a well-rounded and athletic skill set to the table. 

(Logan Fernandez, 7/26/22)

INF Luke Yolich (Whitney Young, 2025) is currently ranked No. 20 overall in the state’s class of 2025 rankings. Listed at 5-foot-8, 160 pounds, the right-handed hitter has shown a quiet approach at the plate with quick hands. Defensively, he has athletic movements with fluid footwork and soft hands. Yolich will provide our staff with an updated look at this event.

C/INF Peter Corthinos (Maine South, 2026) is another intriguing look at this event. Listed at 5-foot-7, 150 pounds, Corthinos has shown a highly-repeatable, athletic right-handed swing that looks to improve as he adds strengths in the coming years. He recorded a max EV of 85.2 mph at one of our past events. Behind the plate, he has a quick and strong arm that topped at 73 mph. 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 Saturday'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

POSITION GROUPS

+ All Position Players:

  • Check-in: 9:30 a.m.
  • Catchers will be counted on to stay for the pitching session.

+ All Pitchers-Only:

  • Check-in: 1:30 p.m.

MORE EVENT DETAILS

Click here to learn more about our tech partners that have enhanced our players showcase experience. Partners like TrackMan, Vizual Edge, Blast Motion, and Swift Performance 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, wear baseball clothes; assigned and numbered PBR jerseys will be provided.

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