Prep Baseball Report

Central Illinois Open: Preview


By Taylor Castro
Illinois Staff

On Wednesday, Aug. 4, the PBR Illinois staff will be hosting the Central Illinois Open at the Corn Crib Stadium in Normal, and is open to players in all high school classes.

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.

This event has previously helped us receive a closer look at players from this area of the state who have shown well through the summer who we may have not yet seen. In 2019, for example, we were treated to a closer look at Illinois-Springfield recruit Richie Snider (Springfield, 2021), a two-way talent with upper-80s velo from the mound. He's since become a top-60-ranked player in the state's '21 class and he helped his high school win the 3A state championship this past spring, too. It was also at this event in 2019 where we saw upside '22s like RHP Jack Bach (Normal University; uncommitted) and LHP Gavan Wernsing (Stewardson Strasburg; uncommitted), two arms who have since earned spots on our state's Class of 2022 rankings.

CHECK-IN PROCESS

In an effort to continue and develop a simplified, contactless check-in process, 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. From there, players will be instructed to the area where they’ll pick up their designated jersey color and number.

CHECK-IN TIMES:

+ Registered position players: 9:30 a.m.
+ Registered pitchers-only: 12:30 p.m.
+ Catchers will stay for both sessions.

POSITION PLAYERS

  • Warm-up/stretch

  • 60-yard dash

  • Offensive Evaluation

  • Defensive Evaluation

  • Vizual Edge vision testing

PITCHERS & CATCHERS

  • Warm-up/stretch

  • Bullpen Evaluation

  • Catchers will be evaluated for receiving during this time as well.

MORE EVENT DETAILS

Click here to learn more about our tech partners that have enhanced our players showcase experience. Partners TrackMan, Blast Motion, Driveline, and Vizual Edge will enhance the players’ data collection both in-event and post-event. These technologies will assist our evaluation process, while providing players with insight on their own skills in addition to areas of improvement for the betterment of their abilities.

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