Randazzo named Cougars broadcaster

GENEVA, Ill. -- The Kane County Cougars have announced that Wayne Randazzo has accepted the position of Cougars broadcaster. Randazzo, who begins with the Cougars in early March, will be behind the microphone beginning April 5 as the 2012 season of Cougars baseball commences.

Randazzo is a graduate of St. Charles East High School and North Central College and spent the past four seasons in Mobile with the BayBears, Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Randazzo's broadcasting background also includes his current work with Chicago's Sports Radio 670 The Score, as well as the Big Ten Network.

"We're excited about welcoming Wayne to the Cougars family," said Cougars general manager Curtis Haug. "He brings a wealth of Minor League broadcasting experience from his time in the Southern League, and we're confident that his strong on-air presence will be embraced by Cougars fans."

Randazzo replaces the vacancy left by Jeff Hem, who accepted a broadcasting position with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, a Milwaukee Brewers affiliate, this past December.

"I'm very excited to be a part of the Kane County Cougars organization," said Randazzo. "Having grown up in the area, I know how much the Cougars mean to the community, and I'm so thrilled to be a part of that. I hope all of our great listeners enjoy what they hear this season."

Randazzo becomes the eighth broadcaster in franchise history and joins a list of former Cougars broadcasters that includes current big league announcers Dave Wills (Tampa Bay Rays) and Scott Franzke (Philadelphia Phillies). The Cougars are the Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and more than 100 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues.