Ron Santo Set To Speak To Sold-Out Crowd Friday Night
Published on February 4, 2004 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, IL â Former Chicago Cubs third baseman Ron Santo will take the podium this Friday as the keynote speaker at the Kane County Cougars sold out 13th Annual Winter Baseball Banquet and Silent Auction at the Gaslite Manor (2485 Church Road) in Aurora, IL.
The Cougars Winter Baseball Banquet kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and the start of the silent auction and raffle. Making a return visit to the event, the Cougars will host a raffle again in addition to the silent auction with proceeds from both activities benefiting the Cougars charitable arm, Ozzie's Outreach. A sampling of the items up for bid and raffle include:
- Mark Prior Autographed Chicago Cubs Jersey - Brian Urlacher Autographed Chicago Bears Jersey
- Ted Williams Signed/Framed photograph - Deborah Davis Day Spa Gift Certificate
- VIP passes to the Shedd Aquarium - Two-Night stay at JW Marriott Resort in Phoenix, Arizona
- Roundtrip Ticket Vouchers on Southwest Airlines - Brett Favre Autographed Green Bay Packers Helmet
- Mark Prior & Kerry Wood Signed Pitching Rubber - Barry Zito Autographed Oakland Athletics Jersey
New for 2004, fans can participate by buying raffle tickets without attending the event. Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting the Cougars by phone (630/232-8811) or via the Internet (www.kccougars.com). Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. with the auction concluding when the speakers program begins at 8:00 p.m. Generating large public response, the beloved Ron Santo will take time to share his experiences as a Chicago Cubs third baseman and broadcaster. Oakland Athletics' Director of Player Development Keith Lieppman will also be on hand to introduce Cougars' 2004 field manager Dave Joppie and preview the upcoming season.
Rounding out the weekend's events, members of the Oakland Athletics player development staff will assist Kane County in hosting the 3rd Annual Coaches Clinic on Saturday, February 7 at 10 a.m. Lasting approximately two hours, the clinic will take place inside the Mooseheart Academy field house located just south of Batavia on Route 31. Instructors from the Oakland Athletics will teach youth baseball coaches how to properly instruct baseball skills to their players. Oakland A's attendees include Director of Player Development Keith Lieppman (base running / outfielding), Roving Pitching Instructor Ron Romanick (pitching), Roving Hitting Instructor Greg Sparks (hitting), Cougars Hitting Coach Aaron Nieckula (catching) and Cougars Athletic Trainer Justin Whitehouse (strength / conditioning).
The event is free of charge, and a continental breakfast will be provided for all attendees. Although open to the public, the purpose of the Clinic is to teach coaches how to coach, and therefore, is intended for adult coaches rather than youth players. Guests are welcome to bring notebooks and/or video cameras for their recording needs.
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The Cougars open their 14th season on the road in Burlington, Iowa on April 8 with a three-game stint against the Bees. Returning to Geneva for an eight-game homestand on April 12, Kane County takes the field against the Swing of the Quad Cities (formerly the Quad City River Bandits) for the home opener Monday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at Elfstrom Stadium. For additional information regarding 2004 season, group and individual tickets, contact the Cougars box office at 630/232-8811 or visit kccougars.com.
Midwest League Stories from February 4, 2004
- Ron Santo Set To Speak To Sold-Out Crowd Friday Night - Kane County Cougars
- Royals Name Jim Gabella Bees Field Manager - Burlington Bees
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