USA – In conjunction with the Oakland Athletics, the Kane County Cougars have announced the coaching staff for the 2009 season.

A new face will be found in the Cougars’ dugout beginning next April as former Major Leaguer Steve Scarsone takes the reins as Cougars skipper, replacing Aaron Nieckula who has been named manager of the High-A Stockton Ports.

Nieckula earns a well-deserved move upwards in the Oakland organization after serving as the Cougars’ manager for three seasons (2006-08) and hitting coach for two seasons (2004-05). As manager, Nieckula led the Cougars to two postseason appearances and compiled a .514 winning percentage (214-202) as skipper.

“Leaving behind Kane County is somewhat of an emotional experience. I built up some nice relationships with the front office staff, host families and fans,” Nieckula said. “Any time you earn a promotion in any profession, it presents new challenges but I’m certainly looking forward to it.”

The 2009 campaign will be Scarsone’s first season in the Oakland organization. A seven-year Major League veteran, Scarsone logged time as a player with Philadelphia, Baltimore, San Francisco, St. Louis and Kansas City. He enjoyed his most success with the Giants from 1993-96, with his best season being 1995 when he batted .266 with 11 home runs and 29 RBI.

Scarsone’s managerial career includes time spent as head man of the Midwest League’s South Bend franchise in 2001, as well as Lancaster of the California League in 2002. The Cougars’ lone Midwest League Championship took place in ‘01 when Kane County opposed Scarsone’s team, South Bend, in a shortened league championship series due to the terrorist attacks of September 11th.

“I’m excited about getting back into baseball,” Scarsone said from his Arizona home. “During the 2001 season when I was in the Midwest League, I noticed the warm reception that the team (Kane County) got there from their local people. It’s a great testament to what minor league baseball can be.”

Jimmy Escalante also joins the Cougars field staff as pitching coach, replacing Don Schulze who has been appointed to High-A Stockton in the same capacity.

Escalante spent the previous two seasons as pitching coach of Oakland’s Short-A affiliate, the Vancouver Canadians. A former minor leaguer, Escalante was drafted by Baltimore in 1996 and spent three seasons in the Orioles’ farm system. He closed his affiliated playing career in the Angels’ system in 2000 after being acquired by them in the 1999 Rule V Minor League draft.

Returning to Kane County this season is Haas Pratt as hitting coach. As the youngest field staff member in Cougars’ history last season, Pratt transitioned well from player to coach, helping develop young hitters as the team advanced to the postseason last September. Prior to becoming a coach last season, Pratt spent four seasons as a prospect in the A’s system.

The final familiar face coming back to Geneva is that of Cougars trainer Nate Brooks, who returns in the same role for Kane County in 2009. Brooks joined the Cougars last season after a two-year stint at Vancouver.

“On behalf of the Cougars organization, I’d like to thank Aaron and Don for their hard work during their time at Kane County and wish them the best on a well-deserved promotion to Stockton,” Cougars General Manager Jeff Sedivy said. “We also look forward to welcoming Steve and Jimmy into the Cougars family as we anticipate a great 2009 season for the team and our fans.”

Cougars fans are invited to visit Elfstrom Stadium this Saturday, November 22 as single-game tickets for the 2009 season go on sale. In addition to having the first chance to purchase prime seats for games, fans will also be treated to a complimentary breakfast buffet while also getting the chance to see Ozzie T. Cougar.

At 8:30 a.m., the ticket office officially opens for fans to buy tickets to any of the 70 regular season home games on the 2009 schedule. Fans can contact the Cougars for more information at (630) 232-8811 or visit www.kccougars.com for more information, including a complete breakfast menu.

Media Release: Kane County Cougars

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