O'Hare Preseason ID: Preview
February 9, 2022
This Sunday, Feb. 13, the PBR Illinois team is hosting the O'Hare Preseason ID at Bo Jackson's Elite Sports in Bensenville, Ill. This is an open event for all high school classes (2022-2025), and gives our staff an ample look at the area's top players.
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
This is the second year we will be hosting this event, and it already has provided us a look at prominent players who've later gone on to receive invitations to select events. Among the players in attendance at this event in 2021, there are already 23 commitments among them.
RHP/1B Nick Drtina (Nazareth, 2024; Louisville) proved to be one of the strongest members of the 2024 class over the course of last year's showcase, slotting himself at No. 4 in the state and No. 385 nationally. The strong-bodied right-hander possesses a mature four-pitch mix to pair off his 83 mph fastball that should only continue to trend upwards in the coming years.
One of the strongest showings on the day came from 2023 RHP Calvin Proskey (Oak-Park River Forest; UC-Santa Barbara), who had a breakout 'pen and landed himself in the top-35 for the Illinois state rankings in the months that followed. Proskey is a highly projectable 6-foot-2, 155-pound right-hander who can run his fastball up to 87 mph with feel for both a curveball and changeup on top of his ultra-easy delivery, and it was at this event that he really propelled himself onto our radar.
OF/LHP AJ Garcia (DePaul College Prep, 2023; Indiana) is put on a statistical show at this event last year, as one of the best overall athletes in the state's junior class. Last year, Garcia ran a 6.50 and recorded a max exit speed of 89 mph, all while reaching a 91 high to home from the outfield on defense.
Now seniors, Ryan Henschel (Glenbrook North, 2022; Rhode Island) and Leo Anderson (Lake Forest, 2022; Johns Hopkins) are a pair of now-committed seniors who broke out at this time last year. Henschel, currently slotted at No. 83 in Illinois, showed off an impressive toolset; reaching up to 94 mph from the outfield and a 99 mph max exit velocity. Anderson, standing at a physical 6-foot, 190-pound frame, cruised to a 6.98 60-time at last year's event before turning in a max exit velocity of 93 mph with an 83 mph outfield velocity.
We're looking forward to checking in on the next crop of talent from this event to earn next-level attention in the coming weeks, months, and years.
2021 ROSTER
This year's roster is already shaping up nicely, just like in years past.
C/1B Johnny Wendling (St. Laurence, 2023) is currently ranked No. 55 in Illinois and will be in attendance on Saturday's event. The 6-foot, 200-pound junior earned an invite to the PBR Future Games back in July due to a strong showing throughout the year. Wendling is one of the top catchers in the state, recording a top pop-time of 2.05 and pairing it with a 79 mph max velocity from behind the plate. The uncommitted right-handed hitter also shows prowess with the bat, reaching up to 95 mph for his max exit velocity.
Johnny Wendling (7/28/21)
MIF Troy Stukenburg (Lyons Township, 2023) will be another intriguing member of the 2023 class in attendance. With a compact frame, Stukenburg showcases impressive speed with a 6.89 60-time on top of a 97 mph max exit velocity.
There will be a strong showing from the state's 2024 class at this year's event, starting with CIF Cash Campbell (Montini Catholic). Campbell, who was in attendance for last year's O'Hare Preseason ID, brings a physically built 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame to the field on top of a loud left-handed stroke (99 mph max exit velocity). RHP/1B Brady Chambers (Lyons Township) is an intriguing arm with a towering 6-foot-6, 200-pound frame set to attend the event on Saturday as well. The right-hander works with an ultra-easy tall/fall delivery down the mound while running his fastball up to 84 mph, also flashing feel for both a curveball and a changeup. OF/SS Jackson McCarey (New Trier) is yet another member of the 2024 class that should open some eyes this Saturday; with a 6.89 60-time and 89 mph max exit velocity paired with his athletic 6-foot, 195-pound frame, McCarey will be very exciting to watch for the coming years.
RHP/3B Gael Urbieta (Loyola Academy) heads the 2025 group for this coming event. As a member of Team Illinois at the PBR Junior Future Games back in July, Urbieta will bring a confident presence to the mound with a fastball that can reach up to 80 mph, on top of a smooth right-handed hitting stroke with an 88 mph exit velocity.
Perusing the event roster, we’re set to meet a majority of players who’ve not yet attended a PBR showcase, and we’re eager to add more names to our follow lists.
NEW CHECK-IN PROCESS
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.
ITINERARY
POSITION GROUPS
+ All Position Players:
- Check-in: 8:30 a.m.
- Catchers will stay for both sessions
+ Registered Pitchers-only:
- POs check-in: 9:15 a.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 strongly encouraged during non-baseball activity. We will facilitate a contact-less check-in. Staff will wear masks throughout the event. Wear baseball clothes; assigned and numbered PBR jerseys will be provided.
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