Kane County, Round 2: June 30 and July 2, 1998

Bucky's return to Kane County was an event that many Backers looked forward to. Five brave Bucky Backers™ braved the elements and watched the first game from the lawn seats in right field. The 12-inning affair included rain, so the BUCKY signs were quickly used as rain gear.

The evening saw the Snappers lose to the host Cougars. Highlights included being mentioned on Cougar radio as "those guys from the All-Star game." The Backers also saw Bucky steal his third base of the season - it was on a double steal, but it still counts in the stats book!

After skipping the July 1st afternoon game (hey, we have jobs too!), the Bucky Backers™ came out to support Beloit's rightfielder on July 2nd. After setting up out in the bleachers, Mike learned from Bucky that manager Don Money was giving him the night off - he would coach first base instead. The Backers moved to their assigned seats down the first base line and prepared to cheer their favorite first base coach!

Sitting in the middle of a bunch of Cougar fans does have its disadvantages. The looks of "you are lunatics" were shot toward the Backers a number of times, along with shaking of heads. But true to their calling, the Backers supported Bucky. Each inning as Bucky trotted out toward first base, cheers and chants would be heard throughout the stadium in Geneva.

Bucky did see action in the game in the ninth inning. The leftfielder for Beloit was hurt in a collision with the Snappers centerfielder. Bucky took over rightfield with the starting rightfielder moving from right to left. With a man on second and the score tied, a ball was hit to right. Bucky, playing shallow, charged and threw a bullet to the plate. The call was "safe," on a close play at the plate. Bucky was upset with himself afterwards, but it was evident to all in attendance that Bucky's arm wasn't something to be tested.