For the fifth straight year, the PBR Illinois and Wisconsin staffs will host the GPA Games at Lee Pfund Stadium at Wheaton College on Sunday, Aug. 9. This one-of-a-kind showcase is targeted for academic-minded prospects looking to leverage their skills on the diamond and in the classroom into opportunities to play ball at the next level. Taking the field on Sunday will be prospects from, primarily, Illinois and Wisconsin, ranging from graduating classes 2024 to 2021, designed for players seeking opportunities to play at high academic institutions.

For a look at this year’s roster, CLICK HERE. For information on directions to the ballpark, check-in times, or for registration information, CLICK HERE.

Already, 42 prospects on the 2018 and 2019 event rosters have committed, including to universities like Tufts, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Rutgers, and Trinity College (CT) among many others.

Looking ahead to Sunday, we’ll welcome many new faces and players we’ve yet to see in a PBR showcase setting before, but there are also several familiar names we’re excited to see once more.

Among the more interesting arms headed to Carol Stream on Sunday is Wisconsin prospect LHP Owen Rice (East Troy, 2021). The uncommitted southpaw is built at a projectable, strong 6-foot-4, 175 pounds, and he was up to 85 mph back in March. Another left-handed arm to know ahead of time is James Vambaketes (2022), from Alton. The incoming junior has two-way upside in a 6-foot, 155-pound build, with present athleticism, and was up to 81 mph on the mound.

James Vambaketes (5/27/20)

With two full teams set to square off against each other after the morning’s workout, we’re looking forward to uncovering even more standout performers to know following GPA Games, so stay tuned.

ITINERARY

Registered players, we’re still assessing and finalizing team rosters, so check back at this link in the lead-up to the event to find which team you’ll be playing on. Position players from all teams will check-in at the same time in the schedule as follows:

• 8:20 - 8:40 a.m. – Position Players Check-in
  
• 8:40 - 9 a.m. – Stretch/Intro
  
• 9 - 11:30 a.m. – Position Player Workout
  

As of now, we’re currently scheduled to play one simulated game, beginning at 11:45 a.m. Players registered as pitchers-only will check in an hour before their team’s scheduled game time (10:45 a.m.).

*NOTE: Games are simulated to regulate pitch counts and innings played.

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