SMARTASSET NAMES GENEVA, HOME OF KANE COUNTY COUGARS, TOP MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TOWN
October 17, 2017 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA RANKS 5TH AMONG TOP MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TOWNS IN US BASED ON SMARTASSET RESEARCH
GENEVA, Ill. - The Kane County Cougars and the City of Geneva have teamed up to create one of the premier venues in all of Minor League Baseball, based on research done by SmartAsset, a personal finance technology company.
Geneva comes in at number five on the list after winning 53 percent of their games in front of an average crowd of 5,800 fans in 2017. Based on the Top 25 list, the Cougars and Geneva ranked higher than both the Triple-A Iowa Cubs (Chicago Cubs affiliate) and Triple-A Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox affiliate).
"Being affiliated with Kane County is one of our true points of pride," said Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall. "It is a first class organization that understands the importance of affordability, cleanliness, customer service and family entertainment."
Nine different metrics were looked at based on game day experience including average attendance and winning percentage. In 2017, the Cougars clinched the first half Western Division Championship after finishing the first half of the season with a record of 39-28. Six Cougars earned Midwest League All-Star honors including Jon Duplantier who was named Arizona Diamondbacks Minor League Pitcher of the Year following his outstanding season. During his time with Kane County he struck out 78 batters with a 1.24 ERA while representing the D-backs organization at the 2017 All-Star Futures Game.
Over 160 former Cougars have gone on to play in the Major Leagues including 2017 World Series Champions Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora Jr. and Willson Contreras.
In addition, Geneva ranked as the safest city in the study with the third-lowest crime rate and lowest property crime rate. The Cougars also provide affordable family friendly entertainment which attributes to Geneva's budget friendly cost of living.
"The Kane County Cougars and City of Geneva share a common passion of providing unparalleled hospitality, unique and memorable experiences and an unmatched style of celebrating with family and friends." said the Mayor of Geneva Kevin Burns.
This honor and distinction for Kane County was best summed up by Baseball Legend & Hall of Fame Member (2014), Tony La Russa. "The Kane County Cougars are one of the best Minor League teams, providing a Major League experience for players and fans alike."
To view the full report, visit www.smartasset.com.
The Cougars 2018 season will open at Northwestern Medicine Field on Thursday, April 5 against the Clinton LumberKings. For the full 2018 schedule and information regarding season tickets, visit kccougars.com.
For updates on tickets and promotions for the upcoming 2018 season follow the Cougars on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
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