On Wednesday, June 15, the PBR Illinois staff hosted the Class of 2022 Showcase at Lee Pfund Stadium in Wheaton, Ill. This annual event was open to all incoming juniors in the state and serves as a PBR Future Games identifier. 

Today, we’ll dive a little deeper into the nitty gritty of the event and highlight some of the top statistical performers.

TOP 60-YARD DASH

We saw six athletes post sub-7.00 times in the 60-yard dash, an impressive feat from this collective group. Neuqua Valley speedster Justin Nonnemmamn led the pack with a 6.64 mark. Jayden Cummings’ (St. Laurence) wiry athleticism was on display all day as he nearly topped the leaderboard here. Bearden Awadzi (Wheaton Warrenville South) was arguably the event’s top statistical performer, finishing towards or at the top of several different categories.

MAX FASTBALL VELOCITY

Glenbrook North’s RHP Sam Pritchard topped the velocity leaderboard with an 87 mph high, though it was C/RHP Osvaldo Ballesteros Jr. (St. Laurence) who averaged the day’s firmest fastball, after sitting exclusively 85-86. Awadzi’s athleticism works here, too, surprisingly – his overall performance was arguably the day’s biggest takeaway. These three are all at similar heights and weights, in the 6-foot, 170-pound range, and each earned themselves some serious attention from our staffs – especially Pritchard and Awadzi, as this was both of their first times participating at a PBR event.

MAX EXIT VELOCITY

The quick-twitch Awadzi showed off the sneaky raw pop he has in his athletic 6-foot, 170-pound frame by posting an event high 97 mph exit velocity. Proportionally strong right-handed hitter Jake Munroe (Champaign Central) showed off some impressive raw power, both off the tee and in batting practice, and there’s more to come in his strong 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame. Joey Little (Stevenson) is a compact athlete with twitchy hands that caught our staff’s eye last summer and displayed some power potential today, too. 

MAX INFIELD VELOCITY

Mason Weckler (Belvidere North) and Illinois State commit Shai Robinson (Homewood-Flossmoor) were the only two infielders to top 80 mph across the diamond. Robinson, in particular, is one of the state’s top middle infield prospects and has continuously shown well in front of our staff. Four different infielders, including the previously mentioned Munroe, each topped at 79 mph. 

MAX OUTFIELD VELOCITY

Here’s Awadzi again, leading his positional group in velocity and showing off above-average arm strength for his age. The aforementioned Little clocked in at a few ticks below Awadzi, who was another statistical winner from Wednesday’s event. From Normal Community, Kyle Theirry earned the third spot on this board with an 80 mph high to home.

MAX CATCHER VELOCITY

Ballesteros Jr. led the catchers group pretty handily. His advanced arm strength for his age and quick release complete an overall well-rounded profile. Max Oliveira (Loyola Academy) was a solid all-around performer on the day, especially behind the plate. There’s plenty of projection left in his 6-foot-1, 160-pound frame too, making him a name to remember moving forward. 

TOP POP TIMES

Ballesteros Jr. and Jack Desmond (Glenbard West) were virtually tied for the lowest average pop time at this event – while Ballesteros’ big arm strength helps him record quick throws to second, Desmond’s quick feet and transfers help his arm play up. Hinsdale Central’s Aidan Rowe was similarly efficient from the chute, as was Robb Meister (Hersey), Max Oliveira (Loyola Academy), and Colin Husko (Wauconda), who were all situated near each other on this leaderboard.

CLICK HERE for the complete statistics from the event.

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