By Craig Lynch
Vince Harrison is the first-year manager of the Kane County Cougars. After Monday’s 9-3 victory over Dayton, the Cougars were 20-10 in the second half of the season and in prime contention for a ticket to the 2019 Midwest Baseball League playoffs in affiliated Class A minor leagues.
“I am enjoying managing,” said Harrison. “In the game of baseball you learn patience.”
The Cougars had an overall record of 55-43. Their pitchers have given up less the three runs a game in the second half of the season.
Harrison signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2001. He played in Class AA with the Rays.
“I was going to play at Triple A with St. Louis and Texas, but I was injured,” he said.
Harrison was the hitting coach with the Cougars in 2016.
“It would mean a lot to make the playoffs,” he said. “I would like it to happen for the players as well many guys don’t get to participate in the postseason.”
The Cougars were 35-34 in the first half and in fourth place in the eight-team Western Division.
Harrison worked with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018.
“I got a chance to participate with Jackson (Miss.) when they won the Southern League title and that was pretty cool” he said.
Harrison has family ties to baseball. His brother, Josh, played in Major League Baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers.
“Josh is injured, but he is hoping to get back soon. They have had a tough go this year.”
When asked if he would like to manage at a higher-level Harrison was enthusiastic. “That would be a great thing,” he said.
The Cougars will return home Saturday for a 6:30 p.m. game with Wisconsin.