Cougars turn 25 at top of their game

From two-time American League Most Valuable Player Miguel Cabrera to World Series MVPs Josh Beckett and Edgar Renteria, the Kane County Cougars have fielded a lot of top-notch talent over the years.

Since moving in 1991 from Wausau, Wisconsin, the Cougars have become one of minor-league baseball's centerpieces as they celebrate a silver anniversary in 2015 as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The party got under way Thursday night in the season opener against Cedar Rapids.

What began as a vision of retired Kane County Forest Preserve Commission president Philip B. Elfstrom has become a popular reality show in Geneva the last 25 years.

Since their early seasons associated with the Baltimore Orioles (1991-1992) and four other Major League Baseball affiliations - Florida Marlins (1993-2002), Oakland Athletics (2003-2010), Kansas City Royals (2011-2012) and the Cubs (2013-2014) - the Cougars have experienced a great deal of success both in the stands and on the field.

Two years ago, the Cougars were the first Class A team in the minors to top 10 million in attendance.

"Over time, the organization has adapted to different times and has kept things fresh as far as entertainment goes and from an overall fan experience," said Curtis Haug, Cougars vice president/GM now in his 22nd season.

Last season the Cougars set a regular-season record with 91 victories while capturing the Midwest League championship for a second time.

Although fielding a winning team is nice, the Cougars' front office remains focused on one main aspect: providing quality service to its supporters.

"We've continued to keep the ballpark updated," Haug said. "We're in the entertainment business. People come out here to be entertained.

"We don't have any marquee names. There are no TV contracts. What we provide is good food, affordable tickets and baseball. We have autograph signings before games, various contests between innings and postgame fireworks shows. We have a newly renovated Kids' Zone."

They strive to put smiles on faces of fans young and old. "We create memories," Haug said, "and it's a lot of fun."

Fifth Third Bank Ballpark (known as Elfstrom Stadium in its early years) has seen changes over the years. Perhaps the biggest came when a second deck was added to the concourse in 2009, along with several suites, a master suite and two party decks on the left- and right-field side.

"It really completed the whole ballpark when the rooftop was added," Haug said.

Recent improvements include new batting cages down the left-field line, a new weight room, "Strike Zone" premier seating with 16 tables behind home plate, a legacy brick program (benefiting the Wounded Warriors), a permanent concert stage beyond right field (eight pregame concerts scheduled for 2015) and a state-of-the-art videoboard in left-center field.

"The videoboard will enhance the whole experience for our fans," Haug said.

On the field this season, players will wear commemorative silver batting practice jerseys and caps for select games.

In June, the team will give away Midwest League championship replica rings to the first 1,500 fans, Haug said, and one-cent hot dogs will be available Wednesdays.

Mike Murtaugh and Mike Woleben served as managing partners for the first 24 years before current owners Dr. Bob Froehlich and his wife, Cheryl, took over last summer.

"It has been a great run for 25 years. The Cougars have been a pioneer for all other minor-league sports teams in the area," Haug said.

As for the next 25 years?

"We have to continue to evolve and stay with the times," he said. "We provide families with G-rated entertainment. As the years go by, there are fewer places to go as a family unit. We offer so many different things for so many different ages."

Cougars at a glance

A total of 129 former Cougars have reached the big leagues since 1991, and fans can vote for a Silver Anniversary Team at kccougars.com. Here are some fast facts about the Midwest League franchise.

Wins and losses: Through 3,316 games, Kane County record is 1,722-1,593-1.

Leading the way: Pitcher Brad Pennington was the first Cougars player to reach the big leagues when he made his debut on April 17, 1993 with the Baltimore Orioles.

Recent success: Right-handed pitcher Yordano Ventura, who played in the World Series with the Kansas City Royals last year, was with the Cougars in 2013.

Award winners: Cougars alums include AL Rookies of the Year Huston Street (2005) and Andrew Bailey (2009), NL Rookie of the Year Dontrelle Willis (2003) and three-time Gold Glove infielder Luis Castillo (2003-2005).

KCC standouts: The list of former Cougars players to reach the big leagues also includes Josh Beckett (2000), A.J. Burnett (1998), Joe Borowski (1991), Gregg Zaun (1991), Josh Willingham (2000-2001), Adrian Gonzalez (2001), Charles Johnson (1993), Mark Kotsay (1996), Scott Podsednik (1997), Ryan Dempster (1996), Nelson Cruz (2003), Anthony Recker (2006) and Neuqua Valley standout Ian Krol (2010).

Memorable seasons: Cougars single-season record holders include:

• Jason Stokes, 27 home runs, .341 batting average (2002)

• Jeff Baisley, 110 RBI (2006)

• Quincy Foster, 73 stolen bases (1998)

• Victor Hurtado, 15 wins (1996)

• Will Cunnane, 1.43 ERA (1994)

• Bryan Moore, 27 saves (2000)

• A.J. Burnett, 186 strikeouts (1998)

Source: Kane County Cougars