The Kane County Cougars were really one of the first professional minor league baseball teams in the Chicago area. Sure, there had been some other teams in the vicinity in the past, but the Cougars were the first to really reach out into the community and make the team a success. That success was very evident this past weekend, as the country celebrated Independence Day, the July 3 game had 14,872 in attendance.
This record attendance breaks the previous records which was set August 11, 2007 at 14,492. Of course, two professional, major league players doing their rehab work were playing on the 3rd, but even before then the game was nearly sold out. Aramis Ramirez and Reed Johnson, both of the Chicago Cubs, however, were on the opposing bench as they worked their way back to the majors.
The game was the first official “sell out” of a Cougars game in its history. Not only did the seats, boxes and sky-boxes sell out but every inch of available standing-room and general admission seats was also sold. Even two hours before the game the Cougars experienced a huge line in front of the ticket booth.
Fans were treated to an autograph session by Cougars players before the game. This took place on the field itself for a little added extra specialness for the fans.
After the game and getting to see Ramirez pitch in the line up for the Peoria Chiefs, the crowd was treated to the Jesse White Tumblers performance and a fireworks display. Then, after the fireworks were done fans were allowed onto the field to run the bases which is something that is allowed after every Cougars home game.
The Kane County Cougars are the single-A farm team for the Oakland Athletics. They play in the in the Midwest League. They recently won the division for the first half of the season and have secured a playoff spot for this year’s post-season.
For more info: Kane County Cougars
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