Chicagoland Open: Preview
August 22, 2018
Since 2013, PBR Illinois has hosted the Chicagoland Open, an event designed for the Chicago area’s budding prospects, marking the last major showcase of the summer circuit. On Sunday, Aug. 26, our staff will make its way to Triton College to host this year’s Open where we’ll evaluate the near-40 high school prospects who have signed up to attend. There is still time to be a part of the event and you can sign up with a CLICK HERE.
For a look at the most up-to-date version of this year’s roster, CLICK HERE. For more information on the event itself, including directions, check-in details, and registration forms, CLICK HERE.
The Chicagoland Open has been known for producing high-level prospects in the past. Last year’s event featured Nick Bonk (Stevenson, 2018), who committed to play at Northern Illinois a little over a month following the showcase.
Two years ago, Thomas Farrell (St. Laurence, 2017; Illinois-Chicago), Zach Fricke (Buffalo Grove, 2018; Valparaiso), Riley Gowens (Libertyville, 2018; Illinois), Andrew Hoffmann (Plainfield East, 2018; Oakland), and Brett Taucher (Elk Grove, 2017; SIU-Edwardsville) all participated in the Open, enhancing their next-level resumes.
Among those joining us this Sunday is 2020 OF Braden Highley (Mt. Zion). We first saw Highley last spring at the PBR Metro East Kickoff Classic. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed hitter was starting on varsity for a squad that ended up going 26-6 on the season. Highley is making the Chicagoland Open his first-ever PBR showcase.
Another prospect who should be of interest come Sunday is RHP/3B Casey Pickering (Neuqua Valley, 2019). Last summer, at the Class of 2019 Showcase, Pickering was up to 82 mph on the mound, swung a simple left-handed bat and flashed natural infield actions and a quick release.
ITINERARY
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8:20 to 8:40 a.m. – Position Players Check-in
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Offensive Evaluations
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Defensive Evaluations
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11:15 to 11:30 a.m. – Pitchers Check-in
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Bullpen Sessions
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Catchers will stay for both sessions