THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

The Cougars will host the 2nd annual "Meet the Royals" event, featuring players and coaches in the Royals' farm system, on Friday, February 3 beginning at 6 p.m. inside Fifth Third Bank Ballpark's upper deck level.

The hot stove event will provide fans a proper introduction to Kane County's affiliation with the Kansas City Royals, complete with a speakers series featuring new Cougars manager and former major leaguer Brian Buchanan, Royals Assistant GM of Scouting and Player Development J.J. Picollo, and Royals Director of Minor League Operations Scott Sharp. A Cougar from last season, Greg Billo is also expected to attend. Billo, who hails from suburban Orland Park, was named Kane County Pitcher of the Year by the Royals last season and was instrumental in leading the Cougars to a postseason appearance. Billo's 1.90 ERA was best in the Midwest League last season.

Other Royals coaches taking part in the event include manager Mike Jirschele and pitching coach Doug Henry, who coached at Triple-A Omaha last season, and Royals minor league field coordinator Tony Tijerina. Jirschele was recently named Dick Howser Player Development Person of the Year and this past season, won his 1,000th game as manager while leading Omaha to the Pacific Coast League title.

MORE INFORMATION

The Cougars' Coaches Clinic for area youth baseball and softball coaches will take place on Saturday, February 4 from 9 a.m. until Noon inside Fifth Third Bank Ballpark's upper deck level. Attendees are asked to RSVP by calling the Cougars at (630) 232-8811 or by emailing either jhem@kanecountycougars.com or amiller@kanecountycougars.com. The clinic is provided free-of-charge to participants as a community service from the Cougars and Kansas City Royals organizations.

Instructors from the Royals who are expected to participate include new Cougars manager Brian Buchanan, manager Mike Jirschele and pitching coach Doug Henry from Triple-A Omaha, and Royals minor league field coordinator Tony Tijerina. Jirschele was recently named Dick Howser Player Development Person of the Year and this past season, won his 1,000th game as manager while leading Omaha to the Pacific Coast League title.

Although open to the public, the clinic's purpose is to specifically instruct coaches. Therefore, the clinic is intended for adult coaches rather than youth players. Coaches are encouraged to bring video recorders and note pads for their convenience, and will have the opportunity to visit each station to learn valuable pointers in specific areas of on-field execution, practice techniques and coaching style. Donuts and coffee will be provided for attendees.