The Chicago Cubs today agreed with Kane County on a new Player Development Contract to move the club's Single-A affiliate to the Midwest League location approximately 45 miles west of Chicago. Additionally, the club has renewed Player Development Contracts with Single-A Daytona and short-season Single-A Boise. All three Player Development Contracts run through the 2014 season.
"We are pleased to reach agreement with Daytona, Kane County and Boise," said Jason McLeod, the Cubs Senior Vice President, Scouting and Player Development. "The players who have come through Daytona and Boise have spoken highly of those cities and their fans. With Kane County, it is exciting to know we now have a Cubs affiliate right in our backyard. We look forward to successful relationships with each of these affiliates."
The Kane County Cougars have made 13 post-season appearances in their 22-season history that began in 1991 as an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles (1991-92). Kane County has also enjoyed affiliation with the Marlins (1993-2002), Athletics (2003-10) and Royals (2011-12). The Cougars played a game at Wrigley Field in 2008 and 2010 as part of the Cubs "Road To Wrigley" series. Overall, 120 future major leaguers have played at Kane County. The Cougars won a Midwest League Championship in 2001.
"We are extremely excited about our new relationship with the Chicago Cubs," said Cougars General Manager Curtis Haug. "The close proximity between both organizations will be mutually beneficial in numerous ways. We believe that the Cubs organization and their philosophies about the minor leagues, including scouting, player development, and involvement in the community, are a fantastic fit for our franchise."
The Daytona Cubs this year completed their 20th season of affiliation with the Cubs. During this time, the club has won five Florida State League Championships (1995, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2011) and hosted the FSL All-Star Game in 2007. In 2012, Daytona boasted seven FSL All-Stars and advanced 15 players to Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa.
"Being part of the Cubs family, and entering our third decade as a Cubs affiliate, is a joy and a privilege," said Daytona Cubs owner Andy Rayburn. "The Cubs are a first class organization. One of the primary goals of the Daytona Cubs is to make Daytona Beach each player's favorite stop on the way to the majors."
The Boise Hawks have been the short-season Single-A affiliate of the Cubs since the 2001 season. The new agreement will ensure a 14-year relationship between the Cubs and the Hawks. Boise has made back-to-back Northwest League post-season appearances and has qualified for the playoffs in six of the 12 years as a Cubs affiliate, including league championships in 2002 and 2004.
"We are so excited that the Cubs have shown their support for the Boise area," said Boise Hawks President/General Manager Todd Rahr. "The loyalty they are showing the Hawks and patience they are giving us to improve the facilities here says a lot for their dedication to player development and to our great city and surrounding area."
