By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

The Prep Baseball Report Prospect Identification Showcase held on Tuesday, June 17^th at the Max in McCook featured several top prospects in the state of Illinois.  The open showcase included players from the 2015-2017 classes.  Mattoon’s Payton Hartbank took home the top overall honors, impressing with his smooth left-handed swing and overall athleticism running the event’s top 60 time.  Hartbank, previously unknown to the Prep Baseball Report, has now entered the class of 2015 overall rankings at No. 130.  Lake Forest’s Tyler Esplin was the top 2017 in attendance, showcasing a three pitch feel on the mound touching the low 80’s with his fastball, and exhibiting legitimate two-way ability with his defensive abilities at third base coupled with a quality left-handed bat.  Bolingbrook’s DeMarco Mong also has entered the 2015 rankings due to his performance and overall athletic package, running the event’s second fastest 60 at 6.79.

Here’s a look at the Top 10 Overall Prospects at the Prospect Identification Showcase.