Cougars

Cougars starting pitcher Ben Allison, a Batavia native, bet on himself during a California Winter League showcase and it jump started his professional career.

Kane County Cougars outfielder Anthony Ray had special bond with Josiah Viera, one of the inspirations of the 2016 New York-Penn League championships. Viera was featured on E:60 and later died in 2018.

Naperville native Nick Santoro, a former standout at Waubonsie Valley High School, is settling in playing 30 minutes from his hometown with the Kane County Cougars.

The journey, after numerous weeks of shifting and evolving practically every aspect of its previous business model, officially began May 18 with Opening Day against the Chicago Dogs.

Tsamis served 18 seasons as manager for St. Paul Saints; has won over 1,000 games in overall managerial career and led them to a 2019 AAPB championship.

The Cougars will play 53 home games at Northwestern Medicine Field this summer in their first season with the American Association of Professional Baseball.

Kane County Cougars find new league home after surprising elimination from Minor League Baseball affiliations last year.