This Sunday, March 28, the PBR Illinois staff will be hosting the first ever Joliet Preseason I.D. at the brand-new Rhino Baseball Academy in Shorewood, Ill. This event is open to all high school classes (2021-2024) and will conclude our winter high school showcase circuit. 

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 SUNDAY

Perusing through this year’s roster, there are a handful of players set to make their PBR event debuts and we’ll also get an up-to-date look on several athletes we’ve already gotten our eyes on. 

Headlining this crop is uncommitted RHP/C Abram Wills (Coal City, 2022). The sturdy, broad-shouldered Wills represented Team Midwest Select at the PBR Future Games last summer, and threw two efficient innings, attacking the zone with an 85-86 mph fastball and routinely landing his slider for strikes, at 66-68. He’ll be working out as a position player as well on Sunday, and we’re eager to get another up-close look at one of the top uncommitted names in the Illinois 2022 class.

Abram Wills (8/2/20)

There are a handful of uncommitted prospects to monitor ahead of time: 

+ 1B/RHP Haden Kriston (Loyola Academy) is a physically built 6-foot-2, 200-pound ranked prospect inside the state’s junior class. Kriston showed quality gap-to-gap bat strength with a natural feel to elevate the baseball through contact at last year’s All-State Games and also touched 85 mph on the bump with his fastball. 

+ SS Gavin Dobbels (Yorkville) appears to have grown and added weight since we last saw him over a year ago, now listed at 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds. The switch-hitting infielder showed well at the Aurora Preseason I.D., with a smooth stroke from both sides of the plate and sure-handed actions that play up the middle. 

+ We recently saw C/OF Dylan Sayles (Hononegah) at the McHenry Preseason I.D. nearly two months ago and we’ll get a more up-to-date look at the 6-foot, 170-pound athlete this Sunday. Sayles is a quick-twitch athlete with advanced hand speed that works in a controlled gap-to-gap rhythm from the left-handed batters box. He showed clean, athletic actions from the crouch and improved arm strength, topping out at 77 mph to the bag. 

+ From the 2023 class, RHP Hank Liss (Evansville) is an arm we’re eager to get another look at on Sunday. Liss attacked the zone with a 78-81 mph fastball at our Underclass Showcase last October, but it’s an offering that plays up, primarily because of above-average spin characteristics, at a 2,395 rpm peak spin rate. Liss has the feel to spin two different breaking balls, a curveball that averaged a spin rate over 2,400 rpm, and a slider measured at 2,550-plus rpm. Built at an athletic 6-foot, 170 pounds, an uptick in velocity attached to these pitch profiles could make make for a highlight-worthy showing on Sunday.

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. Because of this, parents will NOT be allowed within the facility.

POSITION GROUPS

CHECK-IN TIMES:

All Players: 9:30 a.m.

(Please wear turf shoes or molded spikes, as metal cleats are not allowed)

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.

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