23 Players Drafted From Pioneer League's Tryout Camp

The Pioneer Baseball League presented by TicketSmarter (PBL) concluded its 2022 Preseason Tryout Camp with 23 players selected by the ten PBL clubs.  The draft followed the conclusion of a four-day tryout camp at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona attended by over 160 players.

Prospects from around the world, including The Bahamas, Canada, the Czech Republic, and the Dominican Republic participated in the 4-day camp that included timed 60-yard dashes, numerous defensive drills, and two days of live action scrimmages.

Over 160 players showcased their skills at the four-day tryout at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona.

“This camp validated the PBL as a preferred league for developing young ballplayers,” said Henry Hunter, the PBL Executive Vice President.  “Prospects got a unique opportunity to pursue their pro baseball dreams.  There was some great talent out there and we hope the players our clubs drafted will all make their clubs' 25-man rosters.”   

The camp opened with introductory remarks from former MLB manager, Jim Riggelman, the newly named manager of the Billings Mustangs.  As well, players received additional direct instruction and feedback from the PBL managers and scouts throughout the camp.

“What a great experience this was”, said Riggelman, former manager of the Cubs, Reds, and Nationals.  “I was impressed with the depth of talent and the commitment these kids made to further their baseball dreams. I loved every minute of it.”  

Manager Jim Riggleman of the Billings Mustangs during his opening speech of the 2022 Pioneer Baseball League Tryout Camp.

The PBL’s two new expansion teams, the Glacier Range Riders and the Northern Colorado Owlz selected first and second respectively in the draft’s “serpentine” format which then proceeded in accordance with the other eight clubs’ 2021 season results.  Collectively, the ten PBL clubs signed 23 players to attend their spring training camps.

Pitcher Reid Johnson of Frederick, Colorado was selected first overall by the Glacier Range Riders.  The towering 6’7 right hander impressed scouts with his pitch velocity and commanding presence on the mound.

"The Pioneer League pro showcase was a blast, in a beautiful complex.  I would 100% recommend.  I was blessed to be picked first by the Glacier Range Riders, and I'm very excited to make Flathead Field my home!" said Reid Johnson.

1st overall selection of the draft, Pitcher Reid Johnson pictured with Glacier Range Riders' Coach Stu Pederson.

With the next three selections, the Northern Colorado Owlz chose left-handed pitcher Chase Wilkerson of Headland, Alabama; catcher Caleb Marquez of Blue Springs, Missouri went to the Rocky Mountain Vibes; and the Great Falls Voyagers drafted Viktor Vercerka of the Czech Republic.  Wilkerson’s fastball was clocked between 90-93 mph and was complemented by a devastating breaking ball.  Marquez is 6’2 and 240 lbs. and was previously drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers out of high school.  Vercerka’s work ethic stood out to the PBL scouts along with his control on the mound.

Draft selections 2-4, Pitcher Chase Wilkerson (Northern Colorado Owlz), Catcher Caleb Marquez (Rocky Mountain Vibes) and Pitcher Viktor Vercerka (Great Falls Voyagers)

“These guys showed a dedication to their craft and love of the game that embodies the spirit of independent league baseball,” said Hunter. “We were very pleased with both the turnout and talent level at this year’s tryout camp.  The draft was led by strong pitching that will immediately impact our league, and the number of position players also selected speaks to the broad range of talent in attendance.”

The complete list of drafted players is as follows:

About the Pioneer Baseball League presented by TicketSmarter:

 Since 1939, the Pioneer Baseball League has operated in the Mountain West region as an MLB affiliated league. Beginning in 2021, the PBL became an MLB Professional Partner League with clubs in Montana (Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Kalispell), Idaho (Boise and Idaho Falls), Utah (Ogden), and Colorado (Grand Junction, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs). For more information go to www.pioneerleague.com.

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