Blackhawks are only bystanders as lockout damages their franchise, NHL

CHICAGO | Patrick Kane revels in October, almost as much as he did for the month of June two years ago, when his tough-angle overtime goal in Philadelphia snared an uncommon pro sports championship for his adapted city.

060411BBMRAILCATS, Gary Southshore RailCats play Winnipeg Goldeyes

GARY A new bee mascot makes an appearance as the Gary Southshore RailCats play the Winnipeg Goldeyes Friday night at the US SteelYard.

060411BBMRAILCATS, Gary Southshore RailCats play Winnipeg Goldeyes

GARY Gary SouthShore RailCats manager Greg Tagert, center talks with Winnipeg Goldeyes manager Rick Forney and umpires before the teams play Friday night at the US SteelYard.

060411BBMRAILCATS, Gary Southshore RailCats play Winnipeg Goldeyes

GARY Gary Southshore RailCats Scott Shaw starts out pitching as the RailCats play the Winnipeg Goldeyes Friday night at the US SteelYard.

060411BBMRAILCATS, Gary Southshore RailCats play Winnipeg Goldeyes

GARY Gary Southshore RailCats Mike Massaro hits a high fly ball to left field that's caught during the 3rd inning as the RailCats play the Winnipeg Goldeyes Friday night at the US SteelYard.

060411BBMRAILCATS, Gary Southshore RailCats play Winnipeg Goldeyes

GARY Gary Southshore RailCats Brad Boyer throws to 1st base after tagging second for the out on Winnipeg's Kody Kaiser during the 1st inning Friday night as the RailCats play the Winnipeg Goldeyes at the US SteelYard.

060411BBMRAILCATS, Gary Southshore RailCats play Winnipeg Goldeyes

GARY Gary Southshore RailCats Brad Boyer throws to 1st base after tagging second for the out on Winnipeg's Kody Kaiser during the 1st inning Friday night as the RailCats play the Winnipeg Goldeyes at the US SteelYard.

060411BBMRAILCATS, Gary Southshore RailCats play Winnipeg Goldeyes

GARY Gary Southshore RailCats Chris Carrara tags out Winnipeg's Alan Rick at third base during the 1st inning as the RailCats play the Winnipeg Goldeyes Friday night at the US SteelYard.

Glen's gem helps RailCats avoid series sweep

The RailCats' Mike Valadez slides safely into second for a double as the Goldeyes' Wes Long cannot make the catch at The Steel Yard in Gary.

Mike Valadez

The RailCats' Mike Valadez, left, has raised his batting average from below .200 when he was picked up by the Northern League team to .262 over his last 21 games. On Aug. 4, he slides safely into second for a double as the Goldeyes' Wes Long can't make the catch at The Steel Yard in Gary.