Kane County Cougars, Illinois (Images of Baseball Series) Book

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 the 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 battles 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 provided a local view of the history of the national pastime.

David Malamut has been there from the beginning, a mainstay at Cougar home games since his youth. The team ha s no greater fan. Using photographs from the Aurora Historical Society, his own collection, and that of fellow fans, he tells the triumphant story of baseball in the suburbs.