Halfway Point: 1st half thoughts

Now, how did we exactly get here?

What seems like not too long ago, we were looking at trees that had barely blossomed, 40 degree temperatures, and the arrival of the 2013 Cougars from the Cubs’ spring training home in sunny Arizona.

And now – just like that – the season’s halfway point is upon us.

Some random thoughts as we prepare for a fun 2nd half of the season…

- Tonight’s Midwest League All-Star Game includes a half-dozen deserving Cougars who are part of the festivities in Dayton as I write this blog. Dan Vogelbach has played in all 66 games for Kane County – the only player to do so this season. Rock Shoulders leads the team with 13 home runs. Bijan Rademacher, despite a nagging injury that kept him on the DL for a small part of the season, is batting .323. Pitcher Nathan Dorris has allowed just one hit in 25 at-bats against left-handed hitters. Tayler Scott has worked 7 innings or deeper in 3 of his last 6 starts and Felix Pena has posted a 2.89 ERA in 9 games. Despite the team’s sub-.500 record in the first half, there are some compelling storylines with quite a few players on the team and some well-deserved accolades to be shared.

Cougars pitcher Tayler Scott.

- One day, you may be telling yourself that you saw Albert Almora before he became a big leaguer. That’s not to put any more pressure that’s already been placed on him by virtually everyone else, but after 22 games with the Cougars, you can see definitive proof every day of why the sky’s the limit for him. Taking away the one game where he left early due to an injury, Almora has recorded a hit in 19 of 21 games. He’s batting .402 after joining the club in May. He’s played an error-free outfield. And as far as I can tell, he’s answered the bell with nearly everything that involves a high-profile first round pick playing in a hometown market – autographs, media, fans – you name it.

- In order for the Cougars to reach the Midwest League playoffs, they’ll need to grab one of two second half postseason berths that are up for grabs in the Western Division. All teams in the league start with a clean slate beginning on Thursday – a record of 0-0. Both Cedar Rapids and Beloit clinched first half spots in the division, so the Cougars are 1 of 6 other division teams vying for one of those two second half postseason berths. The team leaves Thursday morning for a four-game road trip at Quad Cities before returning home on Tuesday for a four-game set against Beloit.

- Cougars fans have come out in full force so far with this being the first season of our affiliation with the Cubs. The Opening Night crowd on April 4th doubled the previous season’s opener, while Sunday’s first half finale on Father’s Day was the largest Father’s Day crowd here since 2007. Despite Mother Nature having her way with any sort of outside event in April and May, more than 176,000 fans have attended a game this season. Stay tuned – we’ll reach our 10 millionth fan in franchise history later this summer.

- And among those 176,000 fans, we’ve had enthusiastic supporters of the team, hyped-up-on-sugar enthusiasm from thousands of young fans who attended an Ozzie’s Reading Club kids day games, and young fans who, every once in a while, need to call on Superman to save the day.

Thanks for reading and thank you for being a Cougars fan…we’ll see you at the ballpark soon! 

-ST

Conversation with All-Star Dan Vogelbach

Prior to the contest in Burlington, Cougars radio broadcaster Wayne Randazzo had a chance to chat with Cougars All-Star first baseman and Cubs top prospect, Dan Vogelbach. Vogelbach, who leads the Cougars with 39 runs batted in, was one of six Cougars named to the Midwest League All-Star Game this week.

June 11-16 Homestand Preview, Alumni Report

GENEVA, IL – The Kane County Cougars, Class-A farm team of the Chicago Cubs, open a six-game homestand Tuesday against the Burlington Bees (Los Angeles Angels) and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Milwaukee Brewers). The upcoming homestand includes Superhero Night, Jimmy Buffett Night, Bark in the Park, a Thirsty Thursday, fireworks nights and Father’s Day festivities for the homestand finale on Sunday. Tickets are available for each game on the upcoming homestand by calling (630) 232-8811 or by clicking HERE.

Tuesday 6/11         Burlington Bees (Los Angeles Angels farm team)
6:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.) WBIG 1280 AM (6:15 p.m.)

-           National Anthem – HC Storm School (Batavia)
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Wednesday 6/12    Burlington Bees
6:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.)    WBIG 1280 AM (6:15 p.m.)

-           Bark in the Park presented by Pets Supplies Plus
-           Bandanas for the first 250 dogs, sponsored by Pet Supplies Plus
-           Pre-game dog parade at 5:50 p.m.
-           Pre-game performance by Excel Gymnastics
-           National Anthem – Hannah Beardsley Chorus (Crystal Lake)
-           Appearance by the Fly Dogs
-           Lucky seat contests during the game, sponsored by Pet Supplies Plus
-           Fans and dogs can run the bases after the game

Thursday 6/13                       Burlington Bees                                                                   6:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.)    WBIG 1280 AM (6:15 p.m.)

-           Cougars rally towels for the first 1,500 fans courtesy of Country Financial
-           Superhero Theme Night
-           Pre-game superhero parade at 5:50 p.m.
-           Youth Baseball/Softball parade at 5:50 p.m.
-           National Anthem – Mattina Brass Ensemble (Sugar Grove)
-           Thirsty Thursday – $1 select beers, sodas and hot dogs from 5:30-8 p.m. presented by Miller Lite
-           Post-game fireworks show
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Friday 6/14             Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Milwaukee Brewers farm team)        6:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:15 p.m.)    WBIG 1280 AM (6:15 p.m.)

-           Jimmy Buffett Theme Night
-           Pre-game concert by Mr. Myers Band at 5:15 p.m.
-           National Anthem – Fox Valley Children’s Chorus
-           Honor Guard – Kane County Sheriff’s Department and Elburn Fire Department
-           Take Me out to the Ballgame – led by Costco Buying Office
-           Post-game fireworks show
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Saturday 6/15        Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
6:30 p.m. (gates open at 4:30 p.m.)    WBIG 1280 AM (6:15 p.m.)

-           Baseball card sets for the first 1,500 fans sponsored by Presence Mercy Medical Center
-           Live music by the Cubs Dixieland Band
-           Pre-game autograph session with Cougars players
-           Recognition of 2013 Cougars Midwest League All-Stars
-           National Anthem – Acappellago (Westmont)
-           In-game entertainment by the Zooperstars
-           Post-game performance by the Jesse White Tumblers
-           Post-game fireworks show
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Sunday 6/16           Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
1 p.m. (gates open at 12 p.m.)    WBIG 1280 AM (12:45 p.m.)

-           Custom koozies for the first 1,500 adults 21+, sponsored by Miller Lite
-           Fans can play catch with Dad on the field at Noon
-           Father’s Day Brunch and Rooftop Picnic Buffet (reservations required)
-           Sunday Funday – free kid-friendly entertainment inside the ballpark sponsored by Dave and Buster’s
-           Kids Eat Free Day – all kids between the age of 3 and 10 will receive a voucher at the gates for a free hot dog and small soda
-           Pre-game autograph session with Cougars players
-           Live organ music by Nancy Faust
-           National Anthem – Melodeers Chorus
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Homestand Notes

Tons of fun closes 1^st half of season: Family-friendly fun fills the homestand as the Cougars are hosting Superhero Night on Thursday, June 13. Fans can dress in costume, participate in a variety of in-game contests, and enjoy a post-game fireworks show set to superhero music. Friday’s June 14^th Jimmy Buffett Night includes a pre-game concert by the Mr. Myers Band and a post-game Buffett-themed fireworks show. Fireworks shows are scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Pre-game autograph sessions will take place before Saturday and Sunday’s games next weekend. The Zooperstars (Saturday), Jesse White Tumblers (Saturday), Cubs Dixieland Band (Saturday) and Nancy Faust (Sunday) are all scheduled for next week’s homestand.

A Day for Dad: Sunday’s 1 p.m. Father’s Day game on June 16 includes two special all-you-can-eat brunches/picnics with grilled entrees, salads, side dishes, desserts and more (reservations required). All fans can play catch on the field beginning when the gates open at Noon.

Fans attending the Father’s Day game on June 16 can play catch on the field beginning at Noon!

Kids Eat Free on Sunday: The Sunday, June 16^th 1 p.m. game is a Kids Eat Free date. All children between the ages of 3 and 10 will receive a voucher at the stadium gates for a free hot dog and small soda. Kids Eat Free dates include every Sunday game through September 1^st.

Thirsty Thursday: Fans attending the Thursday June 13^th game can enjoy $1 select beers, small sodas and even hot dogs from when the gates open at 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Team News: The Cougars (26-30) are currently in Burlington, Iowa for a three-game series against the Bees and will conclude the road trip with a three-game set at Cedar Rapids through Monday. Entering play on Thursday, the Cougars are 6 games out of a first half playoff spot. The first half of the season ends on June 16. Infielder Rock Shoulders leads the Midwest League with 12 home runs. The single-season franchise record is held by Jason Stokes (’02) with 27 home runs. Infielder Dan Vogelbach is 3^rd in the league with 220 at-bats and has played in each game for the Cougars this season. Pitcher Pierce Johnson is 2^nd in the league with 65 strikeouts.  Outfielder Albert Almora is batting .429 through 12 games with the Cougars. Cougars selected to the Midwest League All-Star Game include Vogelbach, Shoulders, Bijan Rademacher, Tayler Scott, Felix Pena and Nathan Dorris. The game will be held on Tuesday, June 18 in Dayton.

Alumni News: Detroit Tigers infielder Miguel Cabrera (’01 Cougar) leads Major League Baseball in batting average (.366), RBI (65) and is 3^rd in home runs (17). Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Adrian Gonzalez (’01) is 7^th in the National League with a .328 batting average and 5^th in RBI with 43. Pittsburgh pitcher A.J. Burnett (’98) is 1^st in the N.L. with 94 strikeouts. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ronald Belisario (’02) is tied for 2^nd in the N.L. with 31 appearances. Washington pitcher Ian Krol (’10) made his big league debut on Wednesday evening.

Former Cougar (’10) Ian Krol made his major league debut with Washington on Wednesday night.

Outfielder Corey Brown (’08) has 9 home runs at Triple-A Syracuse (Washington). Pitcher Sam Demel (’07) has a 1.23 ERA in 19 games at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (New York Yankees). Infielder Anthony Aliotti (’10) is batting .336 at Double-A Midland (Oakland) with 8 home runs. Outfielder Javier Herrera (’05) is batting .306 with 7 home runs and 35 RBI at Double-A Richmond (San Francisco). Pitcher Kyle Smith (’12) is 4-1 with a 1.92 ERA at Class-A Advanced Wilmington (Kansas City). (Statistics through games played on June 5)

Where’s Ozzie? Ozzie T. Cougar is scheduled to make upcoming appearances in the community at the following locations:

Saturday, June 8 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. – Raging Waves Water Park (Yorkville)

Sunday, June 9 from 12-1 p.m. – CVS (Cary)

May 31-June 3 Homestand Preview, Alumni Report

The Kane County Cougars, Class-A farm team of the Chicago Cubs, open a four-game homestand Friday against the Cedar Rapids Kernels, a Minnesota Twins farm team. Homestand highlights include Halfway to Halloween on Friday along with Princess Night on Saturday, the first “Kids Eat Free” date of the season on Sunday, and post-game fireworks shows on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available for each game on the upcoming homestand by calling (630) 232-8811 or by clicking HERE.

Friday 5/31             Cedar Rapids Kernels (Minnesota Twins farm team)
6:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.) WBIG 1280 AM (6:15 p.m.)

-           Halfway to Halloween Theme Night
-           Pre-game Halloween Costume/Ozzie’s Reading Club Parade
-           Appearance by the Ghostbusters – Chicago Division
-           Trick-or-treating stations inside the ballpark
-           National Anthem – Wredling Middle School (St. Charles)
-           Entertainment by the Russian Bar Trio
-           Post-game fireworks show
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Saturday 6/1          Cedar Rapids Kernels
6:30 p.m. (gates open at 4:30 p.m.)    WBIG 1280 AM (6:15 p.m.)

-           Pre-game Princess Parade
-           Princess Night/Daddy Daughter Date Night
-           Pre-game dance performance by Moves Dance Studio (North Aurora)
-           Pre-game autograph session at 6 p.m.
-           National Anthem – Holy Cross Music Department (Batavia)
-           Post-game fireworks show
-           Take Me out to the Ballgame – led by Marmion Lacrosse
-           Post-game performance by the Jesse White Tumblers
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Sunday 6/2             Cedar Rapids Kernels
1 p.m. (gates open at Noon)                                 WBIG 1280 AM (12:45 p.m.)

-           Sunday Funday presented by Dave and Buster’s – free kid-friendly entertainment inside the ballpark
-           Brookfield Zoo kid passes for the first 1,500 fans
-           Pre-game dance performance by Discover Dance
-           Kids Eat Free Day – all kids between the age of 3 and 10 will receive a voucher at the gates for a free hot dog and small soda
-           Cancer Awareness Day
-           Pre-game autograph session at 12:30 p.m.
-           Live organ music by Nancy Faust
-           National Anthem – Brian Alwyn
-           God Bless America – led by Cornerstone Choir (St. Charles)
-           Take Me Out to the Ballgame – led by Zeta Tau Alpha Alumni
-           Fans can run the bases after the game
-           Meet the Team Party (reservations required)

Monday 6/3            Cedar Rapids Kernels
6:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.)    WBIG 1280 AM (6:15 p.m.)

-           Half-price Monday presented by Meijer – $5 reserved seat tickets
-           National Anthem – Clarendon Hills Middle School
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Homestand Notes

Theme Nights: The Cougars are hosting a Halfway to Halloween theme night at Friday’s 6:30 p.m. game. Fans are encouraged to dress in costume and participate in a pre-game parade on the field beginning at approximately 5:50 p.m. Trick-or-treat stations will be set up inside the ballpark. The evening culminates in a post-game Halloween-themed fireworks show. Saturday’s Princess Night includes a pre-game princess parade and princess-themed fireworks show after the game. A special Daddy/Daughter Date Night package includes a princess tiara, an opportunity to watch the fireworks show from the field and a meet and greet with Ozzie T. Cougar after the fireworks show. 

Fun Ahead: Post-game fireworks shows are set for Friday and Saturday night while pre-game autograph sessions take place before Saturday and Sunday’s games. The Russian Bar Trio will entertain at Friday’s game, the Jesse White Tumblers perform following Saturday’s game and Nancy Faust performs live organ music on Sunday.

Kids Eat Free on Sunday: Sunday’s 1 p.m. game is a Kids Eat Free date. All children between the ages of 3 and 10 will receive a voucher at the stadium gates for a free hot dog and small soda. Kids Eat Free dates include every Sunday game beginning this homestand.

Meet the Team Party: A limited quantity of “Meet the Team Party” tickets are still available for Sunday. Approximately 30 minutes following the 1 p.m. game, fans with a special ticket can meet the Cougars team for photos and autographs on the Hyundai upper deck level. A separate ticket is required for the game. Those interested can call the Cougars at (630) 232-8811. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.

Half-Price Mondays: This Monday’s 6:30 p.m. game is a Half-Price Monday sponsored by Meijer. All reserved seat tickets for that evening’s game are just $5. There are a total of six Half-Price Mondays this season.

Team News: The Cougars (24-26) are currently in Davenport, Iowa for a three-game series against Quad Cities. Entering play on Wednesday, the Cougars are 5.5 games out of a first half playoff spot. The first half of the season ends on June 16. Infielder Rock Shoulders leads the Midwest League with 12 home runs. The single-season franchise record is held by Jason Stokes (’02) with 27 home runs. Outfielder/pitcher Bijan Rademacher, who was placed on the disabled list Tuesday with a knee injury, is 4^th in the league with a .320 batting average. Infielder Dan Vogelbach leads the league with 195 at-bats and has played in all 50 games for the Cougars this season. His 35 RBI lead the team. Infielder Jeimer Candelario is 2^nd in the league with 17 doubles.  Pitcher Pierce Johnson has worked 6 or more innings in each of his last three starts.  Outfielder Albert Almora was named Midwest League Player of the Week for May 20-26.

Alumni News: Detroit Tigers infielder Miguel Cabrera (’01 Cougar) leads Major League Baseball in batting average (.373), RBI (57) and is 2^nd in home runs (14) behind Baltimore’s Chris Davis. Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Adrian Gonzalez (’01) is 4^th in the National League with a .329 batting average and 4^th in RBI with 37. Pittsburgh pitcher A.J. Burnett (’98) is 1^st in the N.L. with 85 strikeouts. Boston pitcher Andrew Bailey (’07) is 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA in 15 games. Arizona pitcher Trevor Cahill (’07) has a 2.88 ERA in 11 starts. San Francisco pitcher Santiago Casilla (’03-’04) has a 1.89 ERA in 21 relief appearances. Pittsburgh pitcher Vin Mazzaro (’06) is 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA.

Former Cougar Vin Mazzaro (’06) has had a strong season so far with Pittsburgh.

Outfielder Jeremy Barfield (’09) has 3 home runs through 16 games at Triple-A Sacramento (Oakland). Infielder Gregorio Petit (’05) is batting .303 at Triple-A Tucson (San Diego). Pitcher Sam Demel (’07) has a 1.37 ERA in 17 games at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (New York Yankees). Pitcher Nate Robertson (’00) is 1-1 with a 2.61 ERA at Triple-A Round Rock (Texas). Pitcher Paul Smyth (’09) hasn’t allowed a run in 3 appearances at Triple-A Sacramento (Oakland). Infielder Anthony Aliotti (’10) is batting .368 at Double-A Midland (Oakland). Outfielder Alex Llanos (’11-’12) was recently signed by the Chicago White Sox and was assigned to Class-A Advanced Kannapolis. Outfielder Javier Herrera (’05) is batting .287 with 5 home runs and 29 RBI at Double-A Richmond (San Francisco). Catcher Max Stassi (’10) is batting .274 in 17 games at Double-A Corpus Christi (Houston). Pitcher Ian Krol (’10) has a 0.74 ERA in 18 appearances with Double-A Harrisburg (Washington). Pitcher Yordano Ventura (’11) is 3-2 with a 2.56 ERA at Double-A Northwest Arkansas (Kansas City). (Statistics through games played on May 28)

Where’s Ozzie? Ozzie T. Cougar is scheduled to make upcoming appearances in the community at the following locations:

Sunday, June 2 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Batavia Park District

Interview with Albert Almora

Before Thursday night’s contest in Peoria, Cougars radio broadcaster Wayne Randazzo had a chance to speak with Cubs 2012 first-round draft choice Albert Almora, who went 3-for-4 in his Cougars debut on Wednesday night.

Homestand Preview May 25-27, Alumni Report

The Kane County Cougars, Class-A farm team of the Chicago Cubs, open a four-game homestand Saturday afternoon and will welcome the Beloit Snappers, an Oakland Athletics farm team. Homestand highlights include post-game fireworks shows on Saturday and Sunday, the first appearances of the season by the Zooperstars and Birdzerk, and a scout/family ballpark campout on Sunday.  Fans will have their first chance to see the Cubs 2012 first round draft pick Albert Almora, who joined the Cougars today. Tickets are available for each game on the upcoming homestand by calling (630) 232-8811 or by clicking HERE.

Saturday 5/25        Beloit Snappers (Oakland Athletics farm team)                        (Doubleheader; Game 1 at 3:30 p.m., gates open at 3 p.m.)
Game 2 at 6:30 p.m. WBIG 1280 AM (3:15 p.m.)

-           Pre-game Scout/Ozzie’s Reading Club Parade
-           Pre-game autograph session at 6 p.m.
-           All-You-Can-Eat Rooftop Picnic Buffet (reservations required)
-           National Anthem – Lisa DeAngelis
-           Entertainment by the Zooperstars
-           Performance by the Jesse White Tumblers
-           Post-game fireworks show
-           Fans can run the bases after the game
-           Three Fires Scout Campout

Sunday 5/26           Beloit Snappers       6:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.)    WBIG 1280 AM (6:15 p.m.)

-           Pre-game Scout/Ozzie’s Reading Club Parade
-           Sunday Funday – free kid-friendly entertainment inside the ballpark
-           Pre-game autograph session at 6 p.m.
-           Live organ music by Nancy Faust
-           National Anthem – Eastview Middle School (Bartlett)
-           Entertainment by Birdzerk
-           Post-game fireworks show
-           Take Me out to the Ballgame – led by Bolingbrook T-Ball
-           Scout/Family Ballpark Campout (reservations required)
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Monday 5/27       Beloit Snappers            1 p.m. (gates open at noon)                                 WBIG 1280 AM (12:45 p.m.)

-           Pre-game Ozzie’s Reading Club Parade
-           Ozzie pencils for the first 1,500 kids age 14 and under
-           Pre-game autograph session at 12:30 p.m.
-           National Anthem – Ken Overbey
-           Fans can run the bases after the game 

Homestand Notes

Holiday Fun Ahead: Fans will be treated to a full slate of holiday fun for the upcoming homestand. Saturday’s game will welcome the Zooperstars and Jesse White Tumblers and also includes a pre-game autograph session and post-game fireworks show. Sunday’s entertainment includes live organ music by Nancy Faust, between-innings antics by Birdzerk, a pre-game autograph session and post-game fireworks show. The Sunday Funday entertainment for kids will begin at 5:30 p.m. inside the ballpark when the stadium gates open. Monday’s 1 p.m. holiday matinee includes a pre-game autograph session as well. Fans can run the bases following each game this homestand.

The Jesse White Tumblers will perform on the field following Saturday night’s game.

Bring an Appetite: The Cougars are hosting an all-you-can-eat rooftop picnic buffet this Saturday. Fans can enjoy a menu that includes grilled meats, salads, side dishes, desserts and Pepsi products served on the Pepsi rooftop patio. The all-inclusive ticket includes food, drink and a game ticket on the rooftop. Reservations are required; fans can call (630) 232-8811.

We’re Camping: Scout groups and families are encouraged to reserve their spaces for this Sunday’s ballpark campout. All attendees will enjoy a Cougars game, a post-game movie on the field and will receive a hot breakfast the following morning. Camping space is limited; fans can call (630) 232-8811 to make their reservations for Sunday’s campout.

Team News: The Cougars (20-22) kick off a brief three-game road trip at Peoria beginning Wednesday evening before returning home on Saturday. The team has dropped 7 of its last 10 games and are 4.5 games out of the chase for a first half playoff spot. The first half of the season ends on June 16. Outfielder/pitcher Bijan Rademacher is third in the Midwest League with a .336 batting average. Pitcher Felix Pena is currently on the disabled list, but is seventh in the league with a 2.23 ERA. Infielder Rock Shoulders shares the league lead with 10 home runs and leads the Cougars with 30 RBI. The Cougars have three players with five or more home runs: Shoulders (10), Dan Vogelbach (5) and Willson Contreras (5). Infielder Jeimer Candelario is batting .524 in his last five games. Pitcher Jose Rosario made his Cougars debut on Sunday, working 4 innings in a starting role against Cedar Rapids.

Cougars infielder Jeimer Candelario is batting .524 in his last five games.

Alumni News: Detroit Tigers infielder Miguel Cabrera (’01 Cougar) hit three home runs against Texas on May 19. Cabrera is now batting is batting .387 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI. Cabrera leads Major League Baseball in batting average and RBI. Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz (’03) has 11 home runs. Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Adrian Gonzalez (’01) is batting .321 with 4 home runs and 29 RBI. Arizona pitcher Trevor Cahill (’07) is eighth in the National League with a 2.48 ERA. Pittsburgh pitcher A.J. Burnett (’98) is 1^st in the N.L. with 79 strikeouts. Minnesota pitcher Jared Burton (’03) has a 2.37 ERA in 20 relief appearances. San Francisco pitcher Santiago Casilla (’03-’04) has a 1.89 ERA in 21 relief appearances. Miami pitcher Ryan Webb (’05) has a 1.44 ERA in 19 relief appearances.

Outfielder and 2012 Kane County Cougars Player of the Year Jorge Bonifacio (’12) is batting .325 at Class-A Advanced Wilmington (Royals). Pitcher Kyle Smith (’12) is 2-1 with a 2.36 ERA in 8 starts at Wilmington.  Pitcher Justin Marks (’10) is 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA at Double-A Northwest Arkansas (Royals). Pitcher Yordano Ventura (’11) is 3-1 with a 1.79 ERA at Northwest Arkansas while pitcher Matt Ridings (’12) is 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA for Northwest Arkansas. Pitcher Bryan Brickhouse (’12) has a 2.47 ERA at Class-A Lexington (Royals). Pitcher Chas Byrne (’11) is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA at Lexington. Outfielder Jeremy Barfield (’09) recently made his Triple-A debut at Sacramento (Athletics). Barfield is batting .273 through 10 games with the River Cats. Infielder Jemile Weeks (’08) is batting .285 at Sacramento.  Infielder Anthony Aliotti (’10) is batting .372 at Double-A Midland (A’s) and had a three-homer game last weekend. His batting average is sixth-best in Minor League Baseball. Outfielder Travis Buck (’05) is batting .275 with 4 home runs and 23 RBI at Triple-A Tucson (Padres). Outfielder Javier Herrera (’05) is batting .282 with 4 home runs and 23 RBI at Double-A Richmond (Giants). Outfielder Jermaine Mitchell (’07) is batting .252 at Triple-A Lehigh Valley (Phillies). Catcher Max Stassi (’10) is batting .238 in 11 games at Double-A Corpus Christi (Astros). Pitcher Jeff Gray (’06) is 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA at Triple-A Charlotte (White Sox). Pitcher Ian Krol (’10) has a 0.79 ERA in 16 appearances with Double-A Harrisburg (Nationals). (Statistics through games played on May 20)

Where’s Ozzie? Ozzie T. Cougar is scheduled to make upcoming appearances in the community at the following locations:

Saturday, May 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.  – Geneva Baseball Cougars Classic
Sunday, June 2 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Batavia Park District

Around the Horn: Homestand Preview, Alumni Report

The Kane County Cougars, Class-A farm team of the Chicago Cubs, open a four-game homestand Tuesday evening and will welcome the Peoria Chiefs, a St. Louis Cardinals farm team. Homestand highlights include a pair of Ozzie’s Reading Club Kids Days on Wednesday and the first game Thursday morning of a split doubleheader, with the homestand finale taking place that evening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available for each game on the upcoming homestand by calling (630) 232-8811 or by clicking HERE.

Tuesday 5/14         Peoria Chiefs (St. Louis Cardinals farm team)
6:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.)  WBIG 1280 AM (6:15 p.m.)

-           Pre-game Ozzie’s Reading Club Parade
-           National Anthem – Peter Gombert Elementary (Aurora)
-           Ozzie pencils for the first 1,500 kids age 14 and under
-           Take Me Out to the Ballgame – led by May Watts Chorus
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Wednesday 5/15    Peoria Chiefs
11 a.m. (gates open at 9 a.m.)    WBIG 1280 AM (10:45 a.m.)

-           Pre-game Ozzie’s Reading Club Parade
-           High School Sports Business and Marketing Seminars (Willowbrook, Bolingbrook, Wheaton North, Kaneland, Batavia, Hinsdale Central)
-           National Anthem – Mill Creek School (Geneva)
-           Color Guard – Steinmetz High School JROTC
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Thursday 5/16       Peoria Chiefs (Split Doubleheader; Game 1 at 11:30 a.m.)  Game 2 6:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.)   WBIG 1280 AM (6:15 p.m.)

-           Pre-game Ozzie’s Reading Club Parade
-           Ozzie pencils for the first 1,500 kids age 14 and under
-           National Anthem – JB Nelson (Batavia)
-           God Bless America – performed by D303 5^th Grade Bands
-           Fans can run the bases after the game

Homestand Notes

Let’s Play Two: The Cougars and Peoria Chiefs will play a split doubleheader on Thursday. Game One, a make-up date from the April 23^rd rainout, will take place at 11:30 a.m. Game Two of the doubleheader will take place at the originally scheduled start time of 6:30 p.m. A separate ticket is required for each game.

Ozzie’s 5K: The Cougars will host Ozzie’s Home Run and Walk 5K on Saturday, May 18. The event will begin at 8 a.m. as participants will start and end the race on the field at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. The first 300 registrants will receive a Cougars drawstring bag. All participants will receive a complimentary post-race hot dog or brat, and participants 21 years old and up will receive a complimentary post-race beer. All participants can see themselves on the videoboard as they near the finish line and will get a high-five from Ozzie on the field. There are 14 separate age divisions including 3 kids age divisions. The top 3 finishers in each age division will win a commemorative Ozzie medal. Fans can register online at kccougars.com or racetime.info. A portion of race proceeds will be donated to Ozzie’s Outreach, the Cougars’ charitable arm that gives back to a variety of causes each year.

The 2nd annual Ozzie’s Home Run and Walk 5K is set for Saturday, May 18 at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

Team News: The Cougars (14-15) are in the midst of a six-game road trip against a pair of Western Division teams: Burlington and Clinton…infielder Rock Shoulders is 7^th in the Midwest League with a .343 batting average, 2^nd in slugging percentage (.593) and third in total bases (64). Shoulders was named the Chicago Cubs Organizational Minor League Player of the Month for April. Infielder Dan Vogelbach is tied with Shoulders for the team lead in RBI with 20. As a team, the Cougars are hitting .279, best in the Midwest League.  Pitcher Michael Heesch has worked at least 5 innings in each of his last three starts. Pitcher Felix Pena is 1-0 with a 2.37 ERA in 5 games, four of which were starts. Outfielder/pitcher Bijan Rademacher is batting .667 in his last five games.

Alumni News: Detroit Tigers infielder Miguel Cabrera (’01 Cougar) is batting .381 with 6 home runs and 37 RBI. Cabrera leads the American League in RBI and is 2^nd in batting average.  Boston pitcher Ryan Dempster (’96) has a 2.93 ERA. Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Adrian Gonzalez (’01) is 3^rd in the National League with a .343 batting average. Pittsburgh pitcher A.J. Burnett (’98) is 1^st in the N.L. with 66 strikeouts. Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz (’03) is batting .270 with 7 home runs and 24 RBI. Arizona pitcher Trevor Cahill (’07) has a 2.80 ERA through 7 starts. Miami pitcher Ryan Webb (’05) has a 1.89 ERA in 13 relief appearances.

Outfielder and 2012 Kane County Cougars Player of the Year Jorge Bonifacio (’12) is batting .301 at Class-A Advanced Wilmington (Royals). Pitcher Kyle Smith (’12) is 1-1 with a 2.01 ERA in 6 starts at Wilmington and fellow Wilmington starter Kyle Zimmer (’12) is 0-2 with a 4.03 ERA. Pitcher Justin Marks (’10) is 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA at Double-A Northwest Arkansas (Royals). Pitcher Yordano Ventura (’11) is 3-0 with a 1.84 ERA at Northwest Arkansas and has struck out 10 batters in each of his last two starts. Infielder Anthony Aliotti (’10) is batting .366 at Double-A Midland (A’s). Midland teammate Jeremy Barfield (’09) has 8 home runs. Midland pitcher Murphy Smith (’09-‘10) is 3-3 with a 1.91 ERA in 7 starts. Outfielder Javier Herrera (’05) is batting .287 with 4 home runs and 20 RBI at Double-A Richmond (Giants). Pitcher Ian Krol (’10) has a 1.10 ERA in 12 appearances with Double-A Harrisburg (Washington). Pitcher Jason Ray (’06, ’09) has re-surfaced. Ray is with Triple-A Tucson (Padres) and has appeared in 5 games. Other former Cougars on Tucson include infielder Gregorio Petit (’05) and outfielder Travis Buck (’05). (Statistics through games played on May 8)

Former Cougar Yordano Ventura has been dazzling so far this season at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, striking out 10 batters in each of his last two starts.

Where’s Ozzie? Ozzie T. Cougar is scheduled to make upcoming appearances in the community at the following locations:

Saturday, May 11 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.  – Hope for Haitians 5K (Geneva)
Sunday, May 12 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. – ALS Association Event (Wheaton)