Cougars Top of the Food Chain
Halfway through, the Cougars finish atop the Midwest mid-season standings.

Ketan Dhawan
MinorLeagueNews.com

Kane County - 06.17.03 - The cougars are now atop the food chain, closing out mid-season atop the Midwest league standings. By defeating the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Sunday afternoon in front of 9,383, the Kane County Cougars claimed the half-way title of the Midwest Baseball League and clinch their 6th playoff berth in their 13 year franchise history. That’s a .462 average on playoff appearances, and, as Class A franchises go, that’s damn good.

The Cougars led the division for the bulk of the first half, spending 65 days alone or tied for first place in the Western Division. They never trailed first place by more than two games. Their lowest position in the standings was third place on April 9.  

The franchise accomplished a 13-year best start by winning 25 of their first 35 games throughout the season. They finished their third best 1st half at 41-29 with the 2001 team posting the best record at the All-star break at 47-21 and the 1999 Cougars finishing at 40-27.

The Cougars have been tremendous throughout the season. Various Cougars hurlers took 4 pitchers-of-the-week in an 8 week period from April to June. Above that, eight Cougars have been chosen for the Midwest All-Star game.