Cougars, comical cast launch new season
There's nothing like a new season to help manager Aaron Nieckula forget his Kane County Cougars missed the 2007 playoffs.
The Cougars are ready for today's 3 p.m. home opener against the Burlington Bees at Elfstrom Stadium.
"It's very important we get off on the right foot," said Nieckula, whose team began the season in Beloit.
"Last year is over and done with. It's something we can't erase."
The Cougars were 4-17 last April but played the second half of the season eight games over .500.
"We ended the season on a positive note," Nieckula said. "The guys made progress and they got better. Hopefully, we can turn that into something positive at the start of the season."
For the average person attending a Cougars game in Geneva, the sporting activity is only part of the fun.
An outing to watch the Cougars has always been billed as affordable family fun, full of entertainment.
"That's a huge part of our fan experience," said Shawn Touney, media relations coordinator, describing the off-the-field goings-on.
This year, two new acts have been added to the between-inning lineup: Dave the Horn Guy and a contortionist.
Dave has appeared on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" and "America's Got Talent" television shows and at Chicago Bulls games. His schtick? He plays music on 25 custom-made bulb horns (think bicycles) attached to an orange jumpsuit. He also sports a device on his back that shoots confetti and streamers 40 feet into the air. He'll perform May 31.
The Rubberboy will wow us with his flexibility Aug. 3.
Don't worry: The ever-popular nerd Myron Nudelman will be back, as will the Jesse White Tumblers, skydiving teams and Jake the Diamond Dog (actually Jake the second, because the original Jake has gone to the great dog run in the sky).
The 100th Cougar Contest continues, with fans guessing who will be the 100th Cougar player to reach the major leagues (96 have so far).
A peanut-free day returns on July 16 for those with nut allergies.
Speaking of food, four new concoctions will make their debut in the concession stands sometime in late May: a strip steak sandwich, a steak pita sandwich, a Maxwell Street Polish sausage sandwich and a chicken-and-vegetable kebab stick.
The barbecue sandwich and the cheddarwurst will still be on the menu -- which is good for Touney, who estimated he eats a cheddarwurst at least every other day during the season.
Lawn seats will open up in a few weeks.
Ticket prices stay the same as last year, at $8 for lawn, $10 for general admission and $12 for box seats. To buy tickets, call (630) 232-8811, or visit www.kccougars.com. Parking is still free.
Getting to and from the park should be easier this year. Last year, the nearby intersection of Route 38 and Kirk Road was under major reconstruction, with half of its lanes out of service. The only entrance to the stadium is on Cherry Lane off Kirk.
"It's all in the rearview mirror now," said Touney.
• Daily Herald sports writer Christine Bolin contributed to this story.