Former Carmel prep star feels at home with Kane County Cougars
Kane County Cougars starting pitcher Alex Young would have never guessed that his young career in pro baseball would bring him so close to home.
Four years ago, Young was finishing an excellent career at Carmel High School in Mundelein, going 7-1 and capping off his senior season with all-American honors. He then joined TCU's nationally ranked baseball team in 2012, playing three seasons and making two College World Series appearances in the process.
Following Young's junior season at TCU, the Arizona Diamondbacks drafted him in the second round of the 2015 MLB Draft. In just his second professional season, the Diamondbacks assigned him to their Class A affiliate in Kane County, just 45 minutes away from his home in Hawthorn Woods.
"It's just awesome that the Kane County Cougars are with the Diamondbacks and I get to live at home while I'm here," said Young. "Not many people can really say that they live at home and play for their affiliate."
Pitching in front of friends and family on a regular basis at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark could put added pressure on a player to perform, but Cougars manager Mike Benjamin does not believe Young's makeup will let him succumb to the stress of pitching in his hometown.
"I don't worry about that (pressure) - not with him," said Benjamin. "Being from TCU, he's pitched in front of some big crowds and his parents made that trip several times to watch him pitch, so I don't worry about it."
The Diamondbacks' No. 3 overall prospect already has made a name for himself in a short time, going 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA in six starts before Friday night's game.
Although Young is getting Midwest League hitters out, he admits he's working to establish better command of his pitches after surrendering seven walks in two previous outings.
Young appreciates the help he gets from the Cougars, and he also enjoys the little things about being at home.
"The best part of living at home has to be the free meals," said Young laughing. "It's nice to be able to walk to the fridge and get something to eat without having to pay for it."
As Young works to advance through the Diamondbacks system, he also want to make the moments he has count. Whether it's enjoying a slice of his favorite pizza from Lou Malnati's or a couple rounds at TopGolf in Naperville, the time at home makes the journey through the minor leagues a little sweeter.