Aurora Preseason I.D.: Preview

February 24, 2021
By Andy Sroka
Illinois and Wisconsin Assistant Director

This Saturday, Feb. 27, the PBR Illinois team is hosting its annual Aurora Preseason I.D. at the Aurora Sports Dome in Aurora, Ill. This is the showcase’s second edition, after last year’s highly successful inaugural event, in which nearly 150 players attended. There’s already over 100 players registered for this year’s event – and there’s still time to register.

To register, click here. 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 first-ever Aurora I.D. introduced us to a handful of prospects who went on to earn invitations to select events in the summer, or commitments.

It was at this event that we saw Kaneland righty Mason Kottmeyer exit the day looking like one of the top unsigned pitchers in Illinois’ 2020 class, and he committed to Michigan State a couple months later.

Seneca junior RHP Matthew Cruise (uncommitted) was among the top 2022s we saw at last year’s Aurora event, and he earned an invitation to the All-State Games later in the year stemming off this performance.

A couple members of the 2023 class used this event as a launching pad for themselves last year, landing on the sophomore radar eventually as ranked players on the state’s 2023 board: C/1B Andy Roman (Wheaton Academy) and INF Ryan Niedzweidz (West Aurora), who are both uncommitted.

We’re eager to come away from this event on Saturday with more names, new and old, to add to our follow lists.

NEW CHECK-IN PROCESS

Because of the high number of prospects set to attend this 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

Due to state guidelines, and the facility's requirements, there will be a limit to the number of people inside the facility at one time. This showcase will operate in groups, by position, under the format as follows:

POSITION GROUPS

CHECK-IN TIMES:

+ All Position Players: 8:30 to 8:45 a.m.

+ Pitchers-only: 12:30 p.m.

MORE EVENT DETAILS

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