The Kane County Cougars are a professional baseball team located in Geneva, Illinois, and are members of the American Association of Professional Baseball, an official Partner League of Major League Baseball (MLB).[1] They play their home games at Northwestern Medicine Field. From 1991 to 2020, they were members of Minor League Baseball's Midwest League.
History
The Midwest League came to Kane County in 1991 when the Wausau Timbers relocated to Geneva, IL. The Wausau (1975–1990) Midwest League franchise was previously based in Decatur, Illinois (1952–1974).[2] The team has been known as the Cougars since moving to Kane County. They were affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles in 1991 and 1992, with the Florida Marlins from 1993 to 2002, the Oakland Athletics from 2003 until 2010, the Kansas City Royals for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, and the Chicago Cubs for the 2013 and 2014 seasons before affiliating with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015.[3]
As a Marlins farm team, some key contributors to the 2003 World Series championship team played in Kane County on their way to the big leagues. Miguel Cabrera has had a notable career and 2003 Series MVP Josh Beckett played for the Cougars in 2000, while Dontrelle Willis had the league's best winning percentage and earned run average in 2002.
The Cougars play their home games at Northwestern Medicine Field,[4] built in 1991. The franchise attendance record of 523,222 was set in 2001. The Cougars are perennially among the league leaders in attendance. On July 20, 2013, the Cougars became the first Class A team to attract 10 million fans.[5] Nancy Faust, after 40 years with the Chicago White Sox, was the stadium organist for selected Cougar home games until her retirement after the 2015 season.
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cougars' season was cancelled along with the rest of Minor League Baseball.[6] Later that year, the team was cut from the Midwest League and affiliated baseball as part of Major League Baseball's reorganization of the minor leagues.[7] The team considered becoming a member of the MLB Draft League before joining the American Association, an independent MLB Partner League.[8][9][10]
The team has led the American Association in attendance since joining in 2021,[11][12][13] and led all MLB Partner Leagues in 2022.[14]
Playoffs
| Kane County Cougars of the Midwest League | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Finals | |||||
| 1991 | - | L, 2–0, Madison | - | |||||
| 1992 | - | - | - | |||||
| 1993 | - | - | - | |||||
| 1994 | - | - | - | |||||
| 1995 | L, 2–1, West Michigan | - | - | |||||
| 1996 | - | - | - | |||||
| 1997 | W, 2–0, Wisconsin | W, 2–0, Cedar Rapids | L, 3–2, Lansing | |||||
| 1998 | - | - | - | |||||
| 1999 | W, 2–1, Quad Cities | L, 2–0, Burlington | - | |||||
| 2000 | L, 2–1, Wisconsin | - | - | |||||
| 2001 | W, 2–0, Beloit | W, 2–0, Wisconsin | W, 1–0, South Bend | |||||
| 2002 | - | - | - | |||||
| 2003 | L, 2–1, Clinton | - | - | |||||
| 2004 | W, 2–1, Peoria | W, 2–0, Clinton | L, 3–2, West Michigan | |||||
| 2005 | - | - | - | |||||
| 2006 | W, 2–1, Quad Cities | W, 2–0, Beloit | L, 3–1, West Michigan | |||||
| 2007 | - | - | - | |||||
| 2008 | L, 2–0, Burlington | - | - | |||||
| 2009 | L, 2–0, Burlington | - | - | |||||
| 2010 | W, 2–1, Quad Cities | L, 2–1, Clinton | - | |||||
| 2011 | W, 2–1, Burlington | L, 2–0, Quad Cities | - | |||||
| 2012 | L, 2–0, Fort Wayne | - | - | |||||
| 2013 | - | - | - | |||||
| 2014 | W, 2–0, Wisconsin | W, 2–0, Cedar Rapids | W, 3–0, Lake County | |||||
| 2015 | L, 2–0, Peoria | - | - | |||||
| 2016 | - | - | - | |||||
| 2017 | L, 2–0, Cedar Rapids | - | - | |||||
| 2018 | - | - | - | |||||
| 2019 | L, 2–0, Clinton | - | - | |||||
| Kane County Cougars of the American Association of Professional Baseball | ||||||||
| 2021 | - | - | - | |||||
| 2022 | L, 2–1 Cleburne | - | - | |||||
| 2023 | L, 2–1 Milwaukee | - | - | |||||
Mascots
The team's mascots are Ozzie T. Cougar and his sister Annie T. Cougar.[15][16]
Roster
| Active roster | Coaches/Other | |||
|
Pitchers
|
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
|
Manager Coaches
| ||
Notable alumni
Notable franchise alumni include:[17]
| Name | Years Played for Cougars | Year of MLB Debut | Notable Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Héctor Sánchez | 2023 | 2011 | 2012 World Series Champion |
| James Reeves | 2023 | ||
| T.J. Bennett | 2023 | ||
| Pete Kozma | 2023 | 2011 | 2011 World Series Champion |
| Cornelius Randolph | 2022–2023 | ||
| Mitch Nay | 2022 | ||
| Nick Franklin | 2022 | 2013 | |
| Mike Morin | 2022 | 2014 | |
| Steve Lombardozzi Jr. | 2022 | 2011 | |
| Sherman Johnson | 2022 | 2018 | |
| Jack Anderson | 2022 | ||
| Bryce Brentz | 2022 | 2014 | |
| Vance Worley | 2021–2022 | 2010 | |
| Josh Tols | 2021 | ||
| Kacy Clemens | 2021 | ||
| Jake Cosart | 2021 | ||
| Anfernee Seymour | 2021 | ||
| Blaze Alexander | 2019 | 2024 | |
| Levi Kelly | 2019 | ||
| Luis Frías | 2019 | 2021 | |
| Kristian Robinson | 2019 | ||
| Dominic Fletcher | 2019 | 2023 | |
| Buddy Kennedy | 2019 | 2022 | |
| José Cuas | 2019 | 2022 | |
| Alek Thomas | 2019 | 2022 | 2019 Midwest League MVP |
| Geraldo Perdomo | 2019 | 2021 | |
| José Caballero | 2018 | 2023 | |
| Jhoan Durán | 2018 | 2022 | |
| Matt Peacock | 2018 | 2021 | |
| José Herrera | 2017–2019 | 2022 | |
| Jazz Chisholm Jr. | 2017–2018 | 2020 | |
| Carlos Bustamante | 2017–2018 | ||
| Tommy Eveld | 2017 | ||
| J. J. Hoover | 2017 | 2012 | |
| Connor Grey | 2017 | pitched perfect game against Clinton LumberKings Sep. 1 | |
| Ben DeLuzio | 2017 | 2022 | |
| Anfernee Grier | 2017 | ||
| Riley Smith | 2017 | 2020 | |
| Colin Poche | 2017 | 2019 | |
| Kevin Ginkel | 2017 | 2019 | |
| Jon Duplantier | 2017 | 2019 | |
| Luis Alejandro Basabe | 2016-2018 | ||
| Marcus Wilson | 2016-2017 | 2022 | |
| Sam McWilliams | 2016-2017 | ||
| Junior García | 2016-2017 | ||
| Gabe Speier | 2016 | 2019 | |
| Yuhei Nakaushiro | 2016 | ||
| Taylor Clarke | 2016 | 2019 | |
| Joel Payamps | 2016 | 2019 | |
| Alex Young | 2016 | 2019 | |
| Gabriel Moya | 2016 | 2017 | |
| Touki Toussaint | 2015 | 2018 | |
| Wei-Chieh Huang | 2015 & 2017 | 2019 | |
| Sergio Alcántara | 2015–2016 | 2020 | |
| Ryan Burr | 2015–2016 | 2018 | |
| Steve Hathaway | 2015 | 2016 | |
| Oscar Hernández | 2015 | 2015 | Called-up to the Diamondbacks less than one month after being promoted to the Cougars |
| Dawel Lugo | 2015 | 2018 | |
| Josh Taylor | 2015 | 2019 | |
| Ildemaro Vargas | 2015 | 2017 | |
| Michael Pérez | 2015 | 2018 | |
| Zac Curtis | 2015 | 2016 | Holds team record for most saves in a season (2015) at 33[18] |
| Víctor Reyes | 2015 | 2018 | |
| Brad Keller | 2015 | 2018 | |
| Steven Hathaway | 2015 | 2016 | |
| Kyuji Fujikawa | 2014 | 2013 | |
| Ryan Sweeney | 2014 | 2006 | |
| Jasvir Rakkar | 2014 | ||
| Duane Underwood Jr. | 2014 | 2018 | |
| Jen-Ho Tseng | 2014 | 2017 | |
| Jacob Hannemann | 2014 | 2017 | |
| Paul Blackburn | 2014 | 2017 | |
| Víctor Caratini | 2014 | 2017 | |
| Mark Zagunis | 2014 | 2017 | |
| Zack Godley | 2014 | 2015 | |
| Kyle Schwarber | 2014 | 2015 | MLB All-Star, 2016 World Series Champion |
| Gerardo Concepción | 2014 | 2016 | |
| David Bote | 2013–2014 | 2018 | |
| Pierce Johnson | 2013–2014 | 2017 | |
| Jeimer Candelario | 2013–2014 | 2016 | |
| Luis Valbuena | 2013 | 2008 | |
| Trevor Gretzky | 2013 | ||
| Shawn Camp | 2013 | 2004 | |
| Rafael Dolis | 2013 | 2011 | |
| Lendy Castillo | 2013 | 2012 | |
| Armando Rivero | 2013 | ||
| Tayler Scott | 2013 | 2019 | |
| Dillon Maples | 2013 | 2017 | |
| Daniel Vogelbach | 2013 | 2016 | MLB All-Star |
| Rob Zastryzny | 2013 | 2016 | |
| Félix Peña | 2013 | 2016 | |
| Willson Contreras | 2013 | 2016 | 2x MLB All-Star, 2016 World Series Champion |
| Albert Almora | 2013 | 2016 | 2016 World Series Champion |
| Marco Hernández | 2013 | 2016 | |
| Andrew McKirahan | 2013 | 2015 | |
| Scott Baker | 2013 | 2005 | |
| Jack López | 2012 | 2021 | |
| Kyle Zimmer | 2012 | 2019 | |
| Brooks Pounders | 2012 | 2016 | 2014 No-Hitter |
| Jorge Bonifacio | 2012 | 2017 | |
| Andrew Triggs | 2012 | 2016 | |
| Tim Melville | 2012 | 2016 | |
| Scott Alexander | 2012 | 2015 | |
| Aaron Brooks | 2012 | 2014 | |
| Lane Adams | 2011–2012 | 2014 | |
| Orlando Calixte | 2011-2012 | 2015 | |
| Fernando Cruz | 2011 | 2022 | |
| Ryan Jenkins | 2011 | ||
| Jason Adam | 2011 | 2018 | |
| Juan Graterol | 2011 | 2016 | |
| Yordano Ventura | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 World Series Champion |
| Brett Eibner | 2011 | 2016 | |
| Cheslor Cuthbert | 2011 | 2015 | |
| Sugar Ray Marimon | 2011 | 2015 | |
| Justin Marks | 2010 | 2014 | |
| Bo Schultz | 2010 | 2014 | |
| Michael Choice | 2010 | 2013 | |
| Max Stassi | 2010 | 2013 | |
| Ian Krol | 2010 | 2013 | |
| Daniel Straily | 2010 | 2012 | |
| Murphy Smith | 2009–2010 | 2018 | |
| Shawn Haviland | 2009 | ||
| Pedro Figueroa | 2009 | 2012 | |
| Grant Desme | 2009 | ||
| Dusty Coleman | 2009 | 2015 | |
| Tyler Ladendorf | 2009 | 2015 | |
| Mickey Storey | 2009 | 2012 | |
| Pedro Figuero | 2009 | 2012 | |
| Scott Mitchinson | 2008 | ||
| Tyson Ross | 2008 | 2010 | MLB All-Star |
| Corey Brown | 2008 | 2011 | |
| Jemile Weeks | 2008 | 2011 | |
| Travis Banwart | 2007 | ||
| Trevor Cahill | 2007 | 2009 | MLB All-Star, 2016 World Series Champion |
| Sean Doolittle | 2007 | 2012 | 2x MLB All-Star, 2019 World Series Champion |
| Andrew Bailey | 2007 | 2009 | 2x MLB All-Star, 2009 AL Rookie of the Year |
| Andrew Carignan | 2007 | 2011 | |
| Sam Demel | 2007 | 2010 | |
| Henry Rodríguez | 2007 | 2009 | |
| Joey Newby | 2006-2007 | ||
| Vin Mazzaro | 2006 | 2009 | |
| Ben Jukich | 2006 | ||
| Jeff Gray | 2006 | 2008 | |
| Anthony Recker | 2006 | 2011 | |
| Justin Sellers | 2006 | 2011 | |
| Brad Kilby | 2006 | 2009 | |
| Jeff Baisley | 2006 | 2008 | 2006 Midwest League MVP, holds team record of 110 RBI in a season (2006)[18] |
| Cliff Pennington | 2005 | 2008 | |
| Ryan Webb | 2005 | 2009 | |
| Tommy Everidge | 2005 | 2009 | |
| Gregorio Petit | 2005 | 2008 | |
| Kevin Melillo | 2005 | 2007 | |
| Connor Robertson | 2005 | 2007 | |
| Travis Buck | 2005 | 2007 | |
| Chris Lubanski | 2004 | ||
| Dallas Braden | 2004 | 2007 | Perfect game in 2010 |
| Huston Street | 2004 | 2005 | 2x MLB All-Star, 2005 AL Rookie of the Year |
| Danny Putnam | 2004 | 2007 | |
| Jason Windsor | 2004 | 2006 | |
| Marcus McBeth | 2003 & 2005 | 2007 | |
| Santiago Casilla | 2003-2004 | 2004 | |
| Dustin Majewski | 2003 | ||
| John Baker | 2003 | 2008 | |
| Joe Blanton | 2003 | 2004 | 2008 World Series Champion |
| Nelson Cruz | 2003 | 2005 | 7x MLB All-Star, 2019 All-MLB First Team, 2020 All-MLB Second Team, 2011 ALCS MVP, 2x Silver Slugger, 2x Edgar Martínez Award, 2014 MLB Home Run Leader, 2017 AL RBI Leader, 2020 Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, 2013 All-World Baseball Classic Team |
| Andre Ethier | 2003 | 2006 | 2x MLB All-Star, 2011 Gold Glove, 2009 Silver Slugger |
| Bill Murphy | 2003 | 2007 | |
| Jared Burton | 2003 | 2007 | |
| Shane Komine | 2003 | 2006 | |
| Frailyn Florián | 2002 | ||
| Dontrelle Willis | 2002 | 2003 | 2x MLB All-Star, 2003 World Series Champion, 2003 NL Rookie of the Year, 2005 NL Wins Leader |
| Jason Stokes | 2002 | 2002 Midwest League MVP, tied for team record with 27 home runs in a season (2002), team record of .341 batting average in a season (2002)[18] | |
| Ronald Belisario | 2002 | 2009 | |
| Jeff Fulchino | 2002 | 2006 | |
| Eric Reed | 2002 | 2006 | |
| Jim Kavourias | 2001 | ||
| Miguel Cabrera | 2001 | 2003 | 11x MLB All-Star, 2003 World Series Champion, 2× AL MVP, 2012 Triple Crown, 7x Silver Slugger, 2× AL Hank Aaron Award, 4× AL Batting Champion, 2× AL Home Run Leader, 2× AL RBI Leader |
| Adrián González | 2001 | 2004 | 2001 Midwest League MVP, 5x MLB All-Star, 4x Gold Glove, 2x Silver Slugger, 2014 NL RBI Leader |
| Josh Willingham | 2001 | 2004 | 2012 Silver Slugger |
| Randy Messenger | 2001 | 2005 | |
| Denny Bautista | 2001 | 2004 | |
| Hansel Izquierdo | 2001 | 2002 | |
| Vladimir Núñez | 2001 | 1998 | |
| Chip Ambres | 2000-2001 | 2005 | |
| Kevin Hooper | 2000-2001 | 2005 | |
| Josh Wilson | 2000-2001 | 2005 | |
| Josh Beckett | 2000 | 2001 | 3x MLB All-Star, 2x World Series Champion (2003 & 2007), 2003 World Series MVP, 2007 ALCS MVP, 2007 MLB Wins Leader |
| Luis Ugueto | 2000 | 2002 | |
| Matt Treanor | 1999 & 2001 | 2004 | |
| Nate Robertson | 1999–2000 | 2002 | |
| Claudio Vargas | 1999 | 2003 | |
| Jeff Bailey | 1999 | 2007 | |
| Chris Aguila | 1999 | 2004 | |
| Kevin Olsen | 1999 | 2001 | |
| Blaine Neal | 1999 | 2001 | |
| Brett Roneberg | 1998-1999 | ||
| A. J. Burnett | 1998 | 1999 | MLB All-Star, 2009 World Series Champion, 2008 AL Strikeout Leader, 2001 No-Hitter, holds team record for most strikeouts in a season (1998) at 186[18] |
| Brandon Harper | 1998 | 2006 | |
| Matt Erickson | 1998 | 2004 | |
| Jason Pearson | 1998 | 2002 | |
| Ross Gload | 1998 | 2000 | |
| Michael Tejera | 1998 | 1999 | |
| Gary Knotts | 1997-1998 | 2001 | |
| Héctor Almonte | 1997-1998 | 1999 | |
| Geoff Duncan | 1997 | ||
| Scott Podsednik | 1997 | 2001 | MLB All-Star, 2005 World Series Champion, 2004 NL Stolen Base Leader |
| Julio Ramírez | 1997 | 1999 | |
| Brent Billingsley | 1997 | 1999 | |
| Earl Agnoly | 1996-1997 | ||
| Roosevelt Brown | 1996-1997 | 1999 | |
| Ryan Dempster | 1996 | 1998 | 2x MLB All-Star, 2013 World Series Champion |
| Álex González | 1996 | 1998 | MLB All-Star, 2003 World Series Champion |
| Mark Kotsay | 1996 | 1997 | |
| Randy Winn | 1996 | 1998 | MLB All-Star |
| Nate Rolison | 1996 | 2000 | |
| Mike Duvall | 1996 | 1998 | |
| Josh Booty | 1995-1996 | 1996 | |
| Amaury García | 1995-1996 | 1999 | |
| Luis Castillo | 1995 | 1996 | 3x MLB All-Star, 2003 World Series Champion, 3x Gold Glove, 2x NL Stolen Base Leader |
| Ryan Jackson | 1995 | 1998 | |
| Brian Meadows | 1995 | 1998 | |
| John Roskos | 1995 | 1998 | |
| Gabe González | 1995 | 1998 | |
| Todd Dunwoody | 1994-1995 | 1997 | |
| Brendan Kingman | 1994 | ||
| Antonio Alfonseca | 1994 | 1997 | 1997 World Series Champion, 2000 NL Rolaids Relief Man Award, 2000 NL Saves Leader |
| Félix Heredia | 1994 | 1996 | 1997 World Series Champion |
| Kevin Millar | 1994 | 1998 | 2004 World Series Champion |
| Bryan Ward | 1994 | 1998 | |
| David Berg | 1994 | 1998 | |
| Will Cunnane | 1994 | 1997 | Holds team record of lowest ERA in a season (1994) at 1.43[18] |
| Andy Larkin | 1994 | 1996 | |
| Billy McMillon | 1994 | 1996 | |
| Ralph Milliard | 1994 | 1996 | |
| Marc Valdes | 1994 | 1995 | |
| Mike Redmond | 1993–1994 | 1998 | 2003 World Series Champion |
| John Lynch | 1993 | ||
| Héctor Carrasco | 1993 | 1994 | |
| Charles Johnson | 1993 | 1994 | 2x MLB All-Star, 1997 World Series Champion, 4x Gold Glove |
| Édgar Rentería | 1993 | 1996 | 5x MLB All-Star, 2x World Series Champion, 2010 World Series MVP, 2x Gold Glove, 3x Silver Slugger |
| Chris Clapinski | 1993 | 1999 | |
| Vic Darensbourg | 1993 | 1998 | |
| Matt Whisenant | 1993 | 1997 | |
| Anthony Saunders | 1993 | 1997 | |
| Alex Ochoa | 1992 | 1995 | 2002 World Series Champion |
| B. J. Waszgis | 1992 | 2000 | |
| Jimmy Haynes | 1992 | 1995 | |
| Rick Krivda | 1992 | 1995 | |
| Curtis Goodwin | 1992 | 1995 | |
| Scott Klingenbeck | 1992 | 1994 | |
| José Mercedes | 1992 | 1994 | |
| Scott McClain | 1991-1992 | 1998 | |
| Bobby Chouinard | 1991-1992 | 1996 | |
| Clayton Byrne | 1991 | ||
| Joe Borowski | 1991 | 1995 | 2007 AL Saves Leader |
| Tom Martin | 1991 | 1997 | |
| Brad Pennington | 1991 | 1993 | First Kane County Cougars player to be called-up to the MLB |
| Gregg Zaun | 1991 | 1995 | 1997 World Series Champion |
| Jim Dedrick | 1991 | 1995 | |
| Vaughn Eshelman | 1991 | 1995 |
Also see Category: Kane County Cougars players.
References
- ^ Reichard, Kevin (September 24, 2020). "American Association, Frontier League now MLB Partner Leagues". Ballpark Digest. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
- ^ "Register Team Encyclopedia".
- ^ "Cougars History". MiLB.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2019.
- ^ "Kane County Cougars".
- ^ "Cougars hits attendance milestone - Chicago Tribune". articles.chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on July 23, 2013.
- ^ Kane County Cougars. "Cougars' 2020 Season Canceled". KCCougars.
- ^ "Kane County Cougars Not Invited to Remain MiLB Affiliate, Aim to Join MLB Partner League". NBC Chicago. December 9, 2020.
- ^ Gregor, Scot (December 9, 2020). "Some major changes are coming for the Kane County Cougars. Here's what they are". Daily Herald.
- ^ "AMERICAN ASSOCIATION WELCOMES KANE COUNTY COUGARS AS NEW LEAGUE MEMBER". American Association of Professional Baseball (Press release). February 4, 2021.
- ^ Johnson, Paul (December 9, 2020). "Kane County Cougars lose their MLB affiliation". Chicago Tribune. Aurora Beacon-News.
- ^ "American Association - 2023 Attendance". Pointstreak Sports Technologies. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ "American Association - 2022 Attendance". Pointstreak Sports Technologies. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ "American Association - 2021 Attendance". Pointstreak Sports Technologies. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ Reichard, Kevin (September 20, 2022). "2022 MLB Partner League attendance by league - Ballpark Digest". Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ^ "New-Look Ozzie T. Cougar – 'Coolest Cougar' in Kane County?". Kane County Connects. February 18, 2016. Retrieved December 2, 2016.
- ^ "Annie T. Cougar Is Baseball Team's Newest Mascot". Suburban Chronicle. June 2, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
- ^ "Cougars in the MLB". Kane County Cougars. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "Records & Awards". Kane County Cougars. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
External links
| Baseball |
|      |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball |
| |
| Esports | ||
| Football | ||
| Hockey | ||
| Lacrosse | ||
| Roller derby | ||
| Rugby | ||
| Soccer | ||
| Indoor soccer | ||
| Australian rules football | ||
| Ultimate | ||
| Team tennis | ||
| College athletics (NCAA Division I) | ||
| College athletics (NCAA Division II) | ||
| College athletics (NCAA Division III) | ||
| College athletics (NAIA) | ||
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
