McHenry Preseason ID: Preview

Wed February 8, 2023
By: Peter Hamot
Area Scout, Staff Writer

On Saturday, Feb. 11, the PBR Illinois staff will travel to Pro Player Academy in McHenry to host the McHenry Preseason ID - an event that’s been on our winter calendar since 2016. This event provides our staff an up-close opportunity to check on high school prospects hailing from this region of the state, and the Fox Valley Conference, early in the year.

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

Last year's roster was packed full of talent, with seven players in attendance later committing to play at Division One programs, and 24 others committing to play at the next level. Building off of that, there were nine players from last year's roster that earned invites to the inaugural Illinois State Games, and 13 more players that earned invites to our invite-only PreSeason All-State events. One player that took advantage of this in particular was RHP Parker Schuring (Huntley, 2023), who's strong showing earned himself an invite to the Illinois State Games, later going on to commit to Northern Illinois.

(Parker Schuring - 8.9.22)

There was no shortage of talented underclassman in attendance either, with former Junior Future Games participants OF/RHP Ryan Dabe (Huntley, 2025), CIF/RHP AJ Putty (Huntley, 2025) and C/RHP Charlie Meister (Hersey, 2025) all showing well for themselves - and all three are set to attend this year's event as well.

Roster Preview

Just like it has in past years, this event’s roster is already shaping up nicely with plenty of intriguing names from top to bottom.

One of the first names that stands out is Illinois State commit, INF Dominic Bonilla (Hope Academy, 2025). Currently ranked No. 24 in the state's 2025 class, Bonilla initially stood out this past summer - and his smooth left-handed swing is one we are definitely excited to see in a showcase setting.

(Dominic Bonilla - 6.24.22)

Another 2025 to be on the lookout for is MIF TJ Jakubowski (Huntley). Currently ranked No. 54 in the state, Jakubowski is a well above-average defender for his age with smooth and savvy actions. His left-handed swing shows plenty of upside, too; staying inside and on top of the baseball with loose hands and a whole field approach.

(TJ Jakubowski - 2.26.22)

A high-level arm set to attend Saturday's event is RHP Ethan Dorchies (Cary-Grove, 2024). An Illinois-Chicago commit, he stands at a towering 6-foot-5, 196-pounds and was reportedly reaching into the upper 80s this past fall.

A familiar face that will be in attendance on Saturday is OF Ian Kelly (Huntley, 2026). A member of Team Illinois a the Junior Future Games this past summer, Kelly brings an athletic profile to the table; boasting quick hands (24.3 mph max hand speed) and an impressive max rotational acceleration of 32.3 to the left-handed batter's box.

(Ian Kelly - 7.26.22)

ITINERARY

Saturday, February 11, 2023

+ Check-in Times:

All Pitcher-only's, two-way players (position & pitcher) and catchers: 1:30 pm
All Position Players (non pitchers): 3:15 pm
Catchers will stay for both sessions.

*Times subject to change

Parents will not be allowed inside of the facility.

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.

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.

Wear baseball clothes; assigned and numbered PBR jerseys will be provided.