Announcer sues Lake County Fielders owner

Grayslake resident Gregory Koeppen has sued the parent company of the Lake County Fielders independent baseball team over reportedly not being paid for his work as a public-address announcer at home games.

Koeppen filed the small-claims lawsuit Monday against Grand Slam Sports and Entertainment in Lake County circuit court seeking $500 he contends he's owned for announcing duties from July 18 to Sept. 2.

Richard Ehrenreich, who heads Grand Slam Sports, deferred comment to his attorney who was not immediately available. Koeppen is a Grayslake Fire Protection District board member and a Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau director.

Koeppen said he initially thought the Fielders “would be a great tourist and local attraction for Lake County.” He also works full time as Lake County Farm Bureau's manager. Koeppen was the Fielders' public-address announced in the inaugural 2010 season and this year.