In 1991, it seemed odd (if not unwise) when a minor

league franchise moved into a major league market–

one with two big league teams, no less. But the story

of the Kane County Cougars of the single-A Midwest

League has been one of tremendous successes on

the field, at the gates, and above all in the hearts of

baseball fans in Chicago’s western suburbs. The team

continues to draw more than half a million fans to

Geneva’s cozy Elfstrom Stadium year after year, without ever being affiliated with the Cubs or Sox in the nearby city. They have fielded some top prospects, including 2003 World Series MVP Josh Beckett and his teammate Dontrelle Willis. They have battled in the post-season several times in their brief history, and they thrilled fans by winning the 1991 Midwest League Championship. Cougar fans will enjoy this pictorial tour through the club’s first 15 seasons, which provides a local view of the history of the national pastime.