I
‘Going to be in it’: Younger Pistol Shrimp open 2026 at Clinton, home vs. Quincy
Illinois Valley’s 2026 Prospect League journey starts on the road at Clinton on Tuesday, May 26, before the home opener Wednesday, May 27 against Quincy at Schweickert Stadium in Peru [1][2]. The slate features 56 games — 28 at home and 28 away — with home first pitch moved up to 6:35 p.m. this season [2].WLPO (FM 103.9/AM 1220) remains the radio home, carrying game broadcasts from Opening Night through the August postseason, with streaming available for listeners in the Valley and beyond [2][3].Manager/owner John Jakiemiec likes the group’s chances despite a younger build. Only six players return with prior Pistol Shrimp experience, joined by 10 recent high‑school signees and a wave of newcomers expected to impact the summer [4]. Key returners include pitchers Daniel Strohm and Joe Richardson and catcher Nick Weaver, with leadership from Camden Loomis, Izzaq Zrust and Tyler Deleskiewicz [4]. Notables arriving include first baseman Anthony Chavez and outfielder Dominic Battista, plus Division I contributors slated to join or filter in — AJ Putty (Illinois) and Penn State products Jimmy Gray and Chase Roberts [4]. Local arms such as Zrust, Alan Spencer and Max Bryant are lined up to eat innings, with two pitchers potentially returning midseason from Tommy John surgery [4].The Shrimp will need that depth in a demanding Northwest Division against Burlington, Clinton, Normal and Quincy, but the message out of Peru is clear: this team expects to be in the mix [4].