Madlock to speak at Cougars banquet
Former Major Leaguer Bill Madlock is scheduled to headline as keynote speaker at the Kane County Cougars' 2008 Winter Banquet and Silent Auction Feb. 1.
In conjunction with the annual event, additional Oakland Athletics staff will be on hand the following morning at the Fox Valley Strikers Soccer Training Facility in Geneva, as the Cougars host a Coaches Clinic at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 2.
Taking place at the Gaslite Manor in Aurora (2485 Church Road), the banquet begins at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and the start of the silent auction. Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to bid on sports memorabilia and other packages, including dining and hotel gift certificates donated by area businesses. Proceeds of the silent auction will benefit the Cougars charitable foundation, Ozzie's Outreach.
Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. with the auction concluding when the speakers program begins at 8 p.m.
Madlock will be joined at the podium by returning Cougars manager Aaron Nieckula.
A three-time Major League All-Star (1975, '81 and '83) and four-time National League batting champion (1975, '76, '81 and '83), Madlock recorded a lifetime batting average of .305 during his 15-year career.
In 1979, Madlock was an integral part of the world champion "We Are Family" Pittsburgh Pirates squad which defeated the Baltimore Orioles. Trailing three games to one and facing a decisive Game 5 at home, Madlock went 4-for-4 from the plate and helped spark the Pirates to a 7-1 comeback win.
The dramatics continued through the rest of the series as the Pirates took Games 6 and 7 to clinch the fifth world championship (and most recent) in franchise history.
Using a compact swing while excelling at the plate, Madlock was the first player in Major League history to win a pair of batting crowns with two different teams. Two of those batting titles came as a Cub after Madlock was traded to the North Siders in 1973 as part of the trade which sent Cubs pitcher Fergie Jenkins to the Texas Rangers.
Madlock retired in 1987, having played for six Major League teams over the course of his professional career.
Open to the public, tickets for the Cougars Winter Baseball Banquet are available for $55 per person. Orders can be made via the Cougars Web site kccougars.com, by phone (630) 232-8811, by mail 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, IL 60134 or in person at the Cougars box office during business hours. Advance reservations are recommended.