Chicago Preseason ID: Preview Story
February 20, 2025
This Saturday, February 22nd, the Prep Baseball Illinois team is hosting the Chicago Preseason ID at the Pullman Center in Chicago, IL. 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 6 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 Prep Baseball Future Games and Illinois State Games.
INF Dominic Jacoby (Taft 2023; Harper College) attended this event in 2023, putting together an all-around intriguing performance. At the plate, Jacoby had a max EV of 89.1 mph with a max bat speed of 77 mph. Defensively, the infielder threw 84 mph across and ran a 7.16 60-yard dash. Jacoby has continued to improve through the years and attended the 2025 Preseason ProCase.
OF William Hill (Brooks, 2023; South Suburban JC) was a participant in the Chicago Preseason ID twice, most recently in 2022. Hill was a standout from this event with a peak EV of 97.3 mph and a peak distance of 333’. The outfielder threw 88 mph and had an impressive 6.57 60-yard dash. Hill stood out in all facets of the game and broke out at this event in 2022.
RHP Henry Rouch (Evanston Township, 2024; Lafayette) was in attendance in 2023 where he threw one of the more impressive bullpens of the day. The right-hander worked a three pitch mix, fastball, slider, changeup. Rouch’s fastball was 88-89 T90 mph with an average spin rate of 2239 rpm. The slider was 75-78 mph with a spin rate average of 2213 rpm. Rouch wrapped it up with a changeup at 80-81 mph with 19.4 in. of horizontal movement.
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/INF Brady Cunningham (Brother Rice, 2027) is currently ranked No. 9 in the state’s 2027 class. The former Illinois State Gamer is a name that should continue to breakout at this weekend’s Chicago Preseason ID. Offensively, Cunningham has a max EV of 97.1 mph with an average bat speed of 72.4 mph and a max distance of 383’. On the mound, the right-hander has a fastball at 85-87 T88 mph, curveball 69-72 mph, and a changeup at 76-79 mph. Cunningham should impress in both facets this weekend.
RHP Jack Gianikos (Main South, 2026) Standing at 6-foot-4, 170 lbs. Gianikos is a name to watch this weekend. An intriguing frame for the right-hander who is currently ranked No. 134 in Illinois’ 2026 class. Gianikos works with a four pitch repertoire, the fastball is 82-84 mph, slider at 68-70 mph with 17.9 in. of total movement, curveball at 65-67 mph with 16.1 in. of total movement, and a changeup at 72-74 mph.
INF/RHP Xavier Martin (Oak Park River Forest, 2027) is a physical prospect, standing at 6-foot-1, 190 lbs. Martin has shown a 101 max EV with a max distance of 396 ft. at previous showcases. Also has flashed a max bat speed of 81 mph while averaging 78.1 mph. Martin has been up to 83 mph on the mound while flashing a curveball and slider mix. A name to follow for this weekend.
Perusing the event roster, we’re set to meet a majority of players who’ve not yet attended a Prep Baseball 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 PB 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: 9:15 AM
- Pitcher Only's: 10:15 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.
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