This Tuesday, January 27th, the Prep Baseball Illinois team is hosting the Preseason ProCase at Rhino Baseball Academy in Shorewood, IL. 

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 

MIF Jude Warwick (Downers Grove North, 2024), was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 12th round of the 2024 MLB Draft. Warwick measured at 6-foot-1, 160 pounds, with plenty of present athletic ability. With easy whip through the zone, Warwick created exit velocities around 90-93 mph at this event last year. The top of the lineup bat and advanced defender showed well during the high school season where he was selected to the Prep Baseball Illinois Third-Team All-State after he hit .391 with 14 doubles, six triples, five home runs, 51 runs scored, 26 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases.

Another player we can't fail to mention, CIF Jake Zitella (St. Charles East, 2023), went on to be selected by the New York Mets in the 16th round in the 2023 MLB draft. Listed at a physical 5-foot-11, 195-pounds, Zitella has a thunderous right-handed swing that can create exit velocities easily north of 100 mph, maxing out at 103.3 mph at this event. His showing at this event was just a preview of what was to come, as he went on to be named Prep Baseball Illinois First-Team All-State in 2023 after he hit .484 with 13 doubles, one triple, nine home runs, 32 runs scored and 39 RBIs - all while only striking out seven times all season.

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.

2026 ROSTER

This year's roster is already shaping up nicely, just like in years past. Lets take a quick peak at some of the notable players from each state that will be attending. 

ILLINOIS

MIF Jory Crocker (Willowbrook; Arizona) comes in at 6-foot-1, 178-pounds, and he’s currently the No. 9 ranked player in the state’s 2025 class. Deckinga has all the tools with an exit velocity of 101 mph, a 6.74 60-yard dash, and an 89 mph infield velo.

OF Nolan Ramoley (Brother Rice; Northwestern) is the No. 8-ranked player in the state, and he’s one of the top right-handed bats in the Midwest. At 6-foot-1, 211-pounds, the outfielder has easy strength in his bat, juicing balls at 108 mph, while posting a 6.52 60-time. In the field, Ramoley has a well-above-average arm, reaching up to 92 mph from the outfield. 

RHP/OF Kaeden Schatsiek (Brimfield; Illinois State) is a thoroughbred athlete, listed at 6-foot-4, 215-pounds. The right-hander has a big arm that has posted a max fastball of 92.3 mph. At the plate, Schatsiek has a max exit velocity of 108.3 mph, and there’s plenty more to come in the projectable right-hander’s operation. 

WISCONSIN

CIF Trey Kerkhoff (Burlington; Purdue) is the 11th-ranked prospect in Wisconsin’s 2026 class. Kerkhoff is a toolsy prospect, running a 6.65 60-yard dash, maxing out his exit velocity at 99 mph, and throwing 86 mph across the infield. Standing at 6-foot-1, 194-pounds, Vande Hey is surely a prospect to keep an eye on.

INF Caleb Liggon (Vel Phillips Memorial; Bradley) is a 6-foot-3, 186-pound infielder with plenty of tools. Liggon has posted a 6.42 60-time while connecting on a 99.1 mph exit velo. He has also shown serious arm talent, posting an 87 mph infield velo.

MIF/RHP Chance Ruby (Wilmot; Illinois Chicago) is the No. 6 overall player in Wisconsin's 2026 class and No. 247 nationally. He has a short swing with easy power, posting multiple upper-90s exit velos. Ruby has also posted a 6.56 60-yd time. On the mound, Ruby has a live arm that tops out at 90 mph with serious offspeed.

INDIANA

OF Ian Taylor (St. Theodore Guerin; George Mason) is a stocky, compact 5-foot-9, 175 pound frame. The 27th ranked prospect in Indiana puts together exit velocities peaking at 105.9 mph while running a 6.79 60-yard dash and throwing 92 mph from the outfield.

3B Jake Winger (McCutcheon, Indiana) is the 10th ranked prospect in Indiana’s 2026 class. The right-handed hitter runs a 6.99 60 yard dash and has a max exit velocity of 104.4 mph. On defense, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound outfielder throws 84 mph from the right side.

Perusing the event roster, we’re set to see a majority of players who are serious names along many of the Prep Baseball rankings, and we’re eager to get to see all players at this showcase..

EVENT CHECK-IN PROCESS

Because of the high number of prospects set to attend Tuesday'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

POSITION GROUPS

+ All Position Players:

• Check-in: 5:45 pm

+ Pitchers-only:

• Check-in: 7:30 pm

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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