By Craig Lynch –
Ryan Court and David Bote, both infielders for the Iowa Cubs, the Class AAA top minor league team of the Chicago Cubs, remain focused on Major League Baseball. Court has not made it up to the MLB in seven years of minor league play. Bote has been called up by the Chicago Cubs and sent down four times this season.
Court was born in Elgin. The 30-year-old plays infield and outfield for the Iowa Cubs, primarily shortstop.
“I played for Pawtucket (Boston Red Sox) in the International League last year,” said Court. “There is a lot more travel and long flights in the Pacific Coast League.” He is in his first year in the Chicago Cubs organization.
Court was graduated from Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville in 2006.
“We were the No.1 seed in the State (baseball) tournament and we were knocked out after the first game.”
He played baseball at and was graduated from Illinois State University in 2011.
Court grew up a Cubs’ fan. “I was a free agent and when the Cubs approached me, signing was a no-brainer.”
Court, who hit for the cycle against New Orleans July 20, still isn’t ready to give up on his dream. “I want to play in the big leagues,” said Court. “That is what keeps me going.”
Court was named Pacific Coast League Player of the Week for July16-22. He collected 16 hits in seven games and batted .615. His on-base percentage, .643, was a league high for the week.
Court’s father, John, is an East Aurora High School graduate and former principal at Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA), Dundee-Crown, and Glenbrook North High Schools. Ryan Court’s grandfather, Art, is a former head footballs coach at East Aurora and elementary school principal.
Bote, 25, is a native of the Denver, Colo. area. He appeared in his first major league game with the Chicago Cubs April 21 in Denver. He doubled in front of a lot of friends and family. “I grew up watching a lot of games at Coors Field, so it was great playing there,” said Bote.
Bote has appreciated the support of manager Joe Madden and the Chicago Cubs. “It was humbling and a great experience just trying to help the team win,” said Bote.
Bote started in the Cubs organization with the Kane County Cougars Class A team in Geneva.
“Things started to come together in Myrtle Beach in 2016,” Bote said. “It carried over into Tennessee in 2017 and then in the Arizona Fall League.
Bote knows that other teams watch him. “There are always teams watching and I know that I might have opportunities to catch on with another team,” Bote said.
Bote has run out of options this season with the Chicago Cubs. Through Monday his batting average with the Iowa Cubs was .310 with 13 hits in 42 at bats. The Iowa Cubs were 37-63 through Monday.
