Eau Claire Preseason ID: Preview Story

February 13, 2025
By: Michael Anderson
Illinois/Wisconsin Staff

This Saturday, February 15th, the Prep Baseball Wisconsin team is hosting the Eau Claire Preseason ID at Valley Sports Academy in Lake Hallie, WI. This is an open event for all high school classes (2025-28), 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

We've been hosting this event for the past two years, and it's consistently provided us a look at prominent players who've later gone on to receive invitations to select events, like the PBR Future Games.

Last year, our top performers were RHP/3B Cole OBrien (DC Everest, 2025), RHP/3B Bennett Stokke (Altoona, 2025; Iowa Central CC), C/OF Logan Hagman (Hudson, 2027), RHP Ethan Oatman (Mosinee, 2025; North Iowa Area CC), OF/RHP Clayton Kroschel (Wayland Academy, 2026), OF/SS Grant Lokken (Eau Claire Memorial, 2025; Southeastern CC (IA)), C/OF Isaiah Ahlberg (Solon Springs, 2026), 3B/RHP Ethan Jeffers (River Falls, 2026), RHP/SS Ethan Dillingham (Rapids Lincoln, 2026), C/OF Grayson Veenendall (IMG Academy, 2026).

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.

2025 ROSTER

This year's roster is already shaping up nicely, just like in years past.

RHP/OF Mason Schmidt (Somerset, 2026) stands at a strong 6'4", 205 pounds. On the mound, Schmidt is loose and moves effortlessly, making his 89 mph fastball appear easy. At the plate, he features a stock setup with a strong back elbow. He has a centered landing, utilizes his lower half and the ground to create separation, and displays a short, quick, and direct hand path through the ball. Schmidt participated in last year’s Future Games and is looking to build on his previous success this year.

LHP/OF Mark Susa (Hudson, 2027) has a lengthy and projectable 6'3", 169-pound frame. On the mound, he displays a rhythmic, loose delivery with dynamic motion, direction, and balance to the plate, showcasing an 84 mph fastball. At the plate, he exhibits whippy hands and a strong barrel through the baseball, driving it to all fields. His leverage, long levers, and out-front contact point stand out. Sousa is a young talent, graduating in 2027, with an incredibly high ceiling.

C/OF Logan Hagman (Hudson, 2027) stands at a strong, athletic 6'0" and 184 pounds. At the plate, he maintains a wider base and an open setup, getting loaded into a strong hand trigger at foot plant. He employs a pull-side approach with added leverage, making contact with the ball out front while swinging with intent. His bat speed has reached 75.5 mph in the past, and he's posted a max exit velocity of 98 mph. Hagman still has significant room for growth, as he is set to graduate in 2027.

OF/RHP Clayton Kroschel (Wayland Academy, 2026) has a projectable 6'2", 190-pound frame with a high waist and long levers. On the mound, he works downhill, and is explosive through the ball, finishing with a medium leg swing through the target and a quick arm that generates spin on his fastball (2,300 rpm). At the plate, Kroschel sets up in an open stance with relaxed hands, landing centered and on time with quality separation. It will be exciting to see how much he has progressed since last year’s Eau Claire Preseason ID.

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.

EVENT CHECK-IN PROCESS

Because of the high number of prospects set to attend Saturday’s 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

+ Check-in Times:

All Position Players: 9:00-9:15 AM
All Pitchers-only: 12:00 AM
Catchers will stay and catch bullpens.

MORE EVENT DETAILS

Click here to learn more about our tech partners that have enhanced our players showcase experience. Partners like TrackMan, Vizual Edge, 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.