Cougars to show off revamped stadium, homegrown talent

Opening day is always a cause for optimism, but there are a couple of extra reasons the Kane County Cougars can't wait to get their 19th season of playing minor league baseball in Geneva under way.

The Cougars, the Class A affiliate of the Oakland As, welcome Burlington at 3 p.m. Monday for their home opener. Fans coming to Elfstrom Stadium will see a new look.

Cougars officials recently showcased the continuing renovation project that is in its final stages of completion. Costing more than $10 million and a year-plus in the making, the project added an upper deck to the stadium's main grandstand, which is owned by the Kane County Forest Preserve District.

At the core of its new look? Nearly 20 executive and personal suites as well as a pair of rooftop patios down the left- and right-field lines.

"It's only going to enhance an already great product," Cougars general manager Jeff Sedivy said. "We're hoping that our fan base likes what they see."

Those fans also will get to see local star Kenny Smalley in a Cougars uniform. Smalley, a relief pitcher who led Batavia to the 2004 Elite Eight before transferring to St. Charles North High School, becomes the first "Tri-Cities" Cougar in franchise history.

The Cougars also welcome their 12th manager in franchise history, Steve Scarsone. It's his first managerial job since 2002. Scarsone played in 350 games over seven seasons in the major leagues as an infielder before retiring after the 1999 season.