Cougars Manager Mark Johnson Named MWL Manager of Year
August 25, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, Ill. - The Midwest League has recognized Kane County Cougars manager Mark Johnson as 2014 Midwest League Manager of the Year. Johnson has guided the Cougars to a record of 86-46 this season, the best mark among all Major League and Minor League Baseball teams.
The 2014 season has been full of high points for the Cougars, who are just three wins away from breaking the franchise mark for most regular season wins in franchise history. Entering play tonight, there are 8 games remaining. Under Johnson's guidance this season, the Cougars clinched the Western Division first half championship and will play in September's Midwest League playoffs as the top seed in the Western Division.
Johnson has seen a majority of the team's Opening Day roster move upwards through the Chicago Cubs farm system. The Cougars lost multiple relievers out of the bullpen as well as their top leadoff hitter in Jake Hannemann, to promotions earlier this season. In fact, the Cougars have lost 15 of the 25 players on their April Opening Day roster. A total of 50 players - not including Major League rehab appearances - have played under Johnson this season.
With constant roster changes, the Cougars recently reeled off 13 straight wins, setting a franchise record for longest win streak. The Cougars have already set the record for most single-season home wins in franchise history. The team's 53-15 record at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark leads both Major and Minor League Baseball. The Cougars' team ERA of 2.87 leads the 16-team Midwest League.
This is Johnson's fourth season as a manager in the Cubs' system. Johnson made his Kane County managerial debut last season and prior to that, skippered the Short-A Boise Hawks in 2011 and 2012. The '12 Hawks advanced to the Northwest League Championship Series. Johnson enjoyed 17 professional seasons (1994-2010) on the field including 332 Major League games with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals.
Past Cougars managers named Midwest League Manager of the Year include current Cubs manager Rick Renteria (1999), Russ Morman (2001), Webster Garrison (2003) and Dave Joppie (2004).
PLAYOFF UPDATE - The Cougars kick off the Midwest League Playoffs next Wednesday, September 3 on the road against a to-be-determined opponent. Entering play this evening, Wisconsin holds the second half wild card playoff spot and could potentially oppose the Cougars in the first round. The Cougars would host Game 2 of the opening round with first pitch set for 6 p.m. The Cougars are offering a playoff special through September 1 as a reserved seat ticket, along with a hot dog, is just $5 for the September 4 game, which is also a Thirsty Thursday with $1 select beers, sodas and hot dogs. If necessary, a third game would also take place at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark on Friday, September 5. If the Cougars were to advance into the second round, they would hold home field advantage with the series opening on the road Saturday, September 6 before returning home on Sunday, September 7 at 6 p.m. Playoff tickets, along with tickets for the Labor Day weekend homestand, are available by calling (630) 232-8811, ordering at kccougars.com or visiting the Cougars' box office at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark between 9-5 Monday through Friday.
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