Two big affiliation deals in the Low Class A Midwest League were announced this afternoon: The Cedar Rapids Kernels hooked up with the Minnesota Twins, while the Kane County Cougars signed a new deal with the Chicago Cubs. For the Cougars and the Cubs, a new two-year player-development contract brings the MLB’s Low Class A […]
Tag Archives | kane county cougars
Indy ball apparently not good enough for Joliet
Though the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) have worked hard on a quality product, some locals say baseball won’t be successful until affiliated ball arrives — which will probably be never. The Slammers were a smash in the first season, then saw things level off in 2012. That’s led to some talk about affiliated ball […]
Cubs, Kane County talking affiliation
In a move that could spawn some tampering charges and fines, sources with the Chicago Cubs say they’re working on a new affiliation deal with the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League). While the move is certainly more convenient for the Cubs — Kane County plays in Geneva in the western-Chicago suburbs — […]
Fox Cities Stadium renovation will cover ballpark interior, exterior
A proposed overhaul of Fox Cities Stadium, home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low Class A; Midwest League) will add a second level to the seating bowl and revamp the ballpark exterior. As we reported yesterday, added to the second level would be six suites, a banquet area and club seating to the mix, with […]
Timber Rattlers proposing expansion of Fox Cities Stadium
A renovation of Fox Cities Stadium, home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low Class A; Midwest League) would add a second level and a wraparound concourse in a $5.74 million project. The Timber Rattlers are expected to unveil details of the expansion tomorrow at a meeting of the Grand Chute Town Board, which is being […]
KC Cougars officially dedicate Fifth Third Bank Ballpark
The Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) held a dedication ceremony for Fifth Third Bank Ballpark, becoming the fourth MiLB team to sell naming rights to the banking chain. The team held a dedication ceremony last night to officially mark the name change. The Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA; International League) and the […]
This year’s big summer concert: Wilco and Andrew Bird
We’ve been bemoaning the lack of any big summer concerts at minor-league ballparks, but we have a good one to report: Wilco and Andrew Bird at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. Playing the home of the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) makes sense for the Chicago-based Wilco, which has been on continuous tour […]
Busch Stadium to host Midwest League game
Add Busch Stadium to the list of Major League Baseball ballparks hosting Minor League Baseball games this season, as the St. Louis Cardinals’ Midwest League affiliate — the Quad Cities River Bandits — will host the Kane County Cougars, the newest Kansas City Royals affiliate. The game is tentatively scheduled for May 26. We’re seeing […]
PSC adds Kane County Cougars to portfolio
Professional Sports Catering is adding another client in the Low Class A Midwest League, as the Kane County Cougars is shifting concessions to the firm. “PSC has an unprecedented reputation as a concessionaire due to the partnerships they create,” said Kane County President Mike Woleben. “We know they share our passion for customer service and […]
The Week That Was: September 25
Here are the most popular stories on Ballpark Digest for the past week, as measured by page views. It was a week of hope for new ballparks in West Chester, Loudoun County, Birmingham and Escondido; it was also a week where teams made preparations for the 2011 season by finding new or renewed affiliates. Phillies, […]
Kane County switches affiliation to Royals
In perhaps the biggest surprise of the affiliation season, the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) have shifted affiliations from the Oakland A’s to the Kansas City Royals, under a two-year player-development deal announced today, leaving Oakland and Burlington as the last two Low Class A teams standing. This will be the fourth […]
Elfstrom Stadium / Kane County Cougars
Note: Elfstrom Stadium was renamed Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in 2012. This visit was filed in 2009. The stated goal of the owners and management of the Kane County Cougars is a simple one: operate a county fair that happens to have a ballgame in the middle. And now that county fair has a new […]
Midwest League
Today’s Midwest League has its root in several Class C and D leagues spread across Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois, including the Three-I League, the Illinois State League, the Wisconsin State League, and the Mississippi-Ohio Valley League. The direct predecessor to the Midwest League is the Illinois State League, a six-team Class D league that began […]