Cougars play host to USA Baseball team in Geneva
Submitted by Kane County Cougars
The Kane County Cougars will host USA Baseball Collegiate National Team games July 15-16 at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva. Advance tickets for both games, which range from $8 for general admission lawn seating to $12 box seats, are available at kccougars.com, by phone at (630) 232-8811 or in person during business hours at the Cougars box office.
Team USA will oppose the Crystal Lake Cardinals, a Metropolitan CBL of Illinois franchise, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 15. For Tuesday’s 1 p.m. game, Team USA will face Metropolitan CBL of Illinois All-Stars.
Gates will open one hour prior to game time on both dates, with full concessions and in-stadium attractions available. Team USA’s 24-man roster includes some of the most highly-touted collegiate players in the country and features a Chicago area native, pitcher Nick Burdi from Downers Grove.
Many of the team’s players recently competed in the College World Series, including Burdi (Louisville), infielder Alex Bregman (LSU), catcher Kyle Schwarber (Indiana), outfielder Michael Conforto (Oregon State) and pitcher David Berg, who was part of UCLA’s CWS championship team earlier this month.
The team’s summer schedule includes a collegiate league tour in various locations in the U.S., a trip to Japan, and several games against Cuba following the team’s appearance in Geneva. Team USA, managed by Texas Christian skipper Jim Schlossnagle, is currently 4-0 on its trek through the Coastal Plains League.
“Cougars fans have been accustomed to seeing future big league talent throughout our franchise history, and our partnership with Team USA is another tremendous opportunity for baseball fans to see some of the best and brightest collegiate stars,” said Cougars General Manager Curtis Haug.
“USA Baseball is extremely excited to play in Kane County for the first time,” said USA Baseball CEO/Executive Director Paul Seiler. “The opportunity to play in Fifth Third Bank Ballpark as we prepare for our friendship series with the Cuban National Team is vital to our success this summer.”
The Cougars’ current roster and field staff includes several USA Baseball alumni. Cougars outfielder Albert Almora is a six-time USA Baseball alumnus, while Cougars pitcher Dillon Maples and pitching coach Ron Villone have USA Baseball ties as well.
Current and past major leaguers who have been affiliated with USA Baseball include David Price, Ryan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg, Jim Abbott, Tino Martinez and Robin Ventura.
Learn more about Team USA at usabaseball.com.