The Prep Baseball Report Underclass Showcase will take place on Sunday, October 20th. The event, which is open to all 2022-2024s in Illinois, is being held at The Max in McCook, Illinois.

The event currently has over 100 uncommitted underclassmen registered. CLICK HERE for the current roster.

There is still time to register by CLICKING HERE.

The event serves to identify some of the top underclass talent around the state. At last year’s event there were three 2021 prospects C Ty Batusich (Joliet West), OF Nicky Giamarusti (Niles Notre Dame) and LHP Eric Orloff (Glenbrook North) who ultimately were selected and participated in this summer’s Future Games. 

Giamarusti, a recent Pittsburgh commit, ran a 6.55 laser-timed 60 at last year's event and one-upped himself this summer at the Future Games. The fleet-footed outfielder ran a 6.22 60, shattering the previous Future Games record of 6.43.

Another standout at last year’s event was big-bodied RHP Ben Hess (Charleston, 2021). Hess, a recent Indiana commit, is ranked No. 8 in the state. Hess has transformed his frame over the last 12 months, sits comfortably in the upper-80’s and has an advanced three-pitch repertoire.

Looking at this year’s roster, there is a bunch of young talent to keep an eye on come Sunday, a handful of whom, attended the Junior Future Games this summer. A couple of 2023 infielders to follow will be J.R. Nelson (Stevenson) and Ben Oosterbaan (Hinsdale Central). Nelson is a smooth, sure-handed defender that can play any position on the infield and competes in the box. Oosterbaan is a 6-foot-1, 145-pound, highly-projectable, middle infielder who is equally as talented on the mound. 

Ben Oosterbaan (7.31.19)

Some other noteworthy prospects are C Ryan Bakes (Huntley, 2023), OF Samuel Chapman (Woodstock, 2024), INF/RHP Max Merlo (Hinsdale Central, 2023), OF Lucas Smith (Nazareth, 2023), INF James Novakovic (New Trier, 2024), OF/LHP Tommy Townsend (Sycamore, 2023), C Andy Roman (Wheaton Academy, 2023), OF Hogan Schmitt (Yorkville, 2022), OF Angelo Luna (St. Rita, 2022) and C Mark Wagner (Neuqua Valley, 2023), among others. 

+ CURRENT ROSTER

+ LAST YEAR’S ROSTER

+ REGISTER HERE

ITINERARY

Check-In times for the Underclass Showcase are as follows:

Position Players:

11:00-11:20 AM

Pitcher Only:

1:30-1:45 PM

Catchers will stay for both sessions as they will also be evaluated while catching bullpens.

ALL PITCHERS BRING TURFS AND SPIKES.

**The MAX (McCook Athletic and Exposition Center) is located at 4750 S. Vernon Ave, McCook, IL, 60525.**

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