Since 2013, PBR Illinois has hosted the Chicagoland Open, an event designed for the Chicago area’s budding prospects, marking the last major showcase of the summer circuit. On Sunday, Aug. 25, our staff will make its way to Triton College to host this year’s Open where we’ll evaluate the 50+ high school prospects who have signed up to attend. There is still time to be a part of the event and you can sign up with a CLICK HERE.

For a look at the most up-to-date version of this year’s roster, CLICK HERE. For more information on the event itself, including directions, check-in details, and registration forms, CLICK HERE.

The Chicagoland Open has been known for producing high-level prospects in the past; From RHP Austin Marozas (Plainfield North, 2017; Oklahoma State), C Jordon Rogers (Simeon, 2018; Michigan), 1B Anthony Herron (Mount Carmel, 2018; Missouri State), OF Tyler Acosta (Barrington, 2018; John A. Logan JC) and Riley Gowens (Libertyville, 2018; Illinois), among a host of others, have made big statements at this event.

Last year, LHP Cory Ronan (Routt Catholic, 2021) came away as one of the biggest winners. Ronan, a lean, athletic, left-hander, pitches in the mid-80’s and recently committed to Hawaii. Another southpaw, Shane Curtin (Mount Carmel, 2022), made last year’s event his coming out party. Curtin has a highly-athletic, quick arm, pitches in the low-80’s and has feel for three pitches. Curtin recently was one of the top arms at this summer’s Underclass Games held at UIC. 

RHP Tom Egan was another arm out of Mount Carmel who stood out last year. Egan, a 2021, has seen his stock rise since last August and recently represented Team Illinois at this summer’s PBR Future Games. At the Future Games, Egan tossed two clean innings, sat 84-86 mph and featured some of the best spin on Team Illinois. 

Tom Egan (2019 PBR Future Games)

Among those joining us this Sunday is LHP’s Ethan Pequette (Manteno, 2021) and Trent Spoon (Bradley-Bourbonnais, 2020). Pequette came on the scene at the PBR Limited Series this summer, where he tossed an inning out of the pen, sitting his fastball at 79-82 mph with control of both sides of the dish. Spoon showed well at the Senior Games earlier this month. Spoon has a durable 6-foot, 175-pound build, works slightly across his body and hides the ball helping his low-80’s fastball play up.

Ethan Pequette (7.12.19)

Some others to keep an eye on would be INF Gavin Arseneau (Oswego, 2021), C Michael Rastrelli (Mundelein, 2021), INF Nicholas Mulvihill (Hinsdale Central, 2021) as well as a host of others.

CLICK HERE for the current roster.

ITINERARY

• 8:20 to 8:40 a.m. – Position Players Check-in
  • Offensive Evaluations
  • Defensive Evaluations
• 11:30 to 11:45 a.m. – Pitchers Check-in
  • Bullpen Sessions
• Catchers will stay for both sessions

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