Grafton, WI – Recently, the Chinooks announced their Top 10 Moments of 2017. Here is a recap of those memorable moments that made up this year’s list:
Honorable Mention #1: Fishin Hole Debuts at Kapco Park
Open to all fans 18 & older, the Fishin Hole featured a great view of the field, Bag-O, specialty craft beers, and our 16 ounce pretzel.
Honorable Mention #2: From Intern to Player
A first for the Chinooks, Aidan Wojciehowski was a webcast intern for Lakeshore in 2015 and joined the team this past summer as a relief pitcher!
Honorable Mention #3: Mika “Steals” Stolen Bases Record
By the end of the 2017 campaign, Matthew Mika (UCF) had stolen 27 bases beating out Luke Meeteer’s record of 24 in 2014.
Honorable Mention #4: Marsh’s Complete Game Shutout
Alex Marsh (ASU) went the distance, only giving up 6 hits and 1 walk to the Rivets on July 6th.
Honorable Mention #5: Patriotic Jersey Raises $4,000 for Habitat for Humanity
Thanks to James P. Meyer of Thrivent Financial and his sponsorship of the night, the jersey auction raised more than $4,000 that went to Habitat for Humanity of Ozaukee County on June 24th.
#10: Lakeshore Scores Record 21 Runs
On July 5th, the Chinooks set a franchise record scoring 21 runs against the Rockford Rivets. The offense was led by Owen Miller who hit for the cycle.
#9: Chinooks Come Back from 9 Run Deficit
On June 27th, the Chinooks were down 9 runs in the 2nd inning to the Woodchucks but managed to score 17 runs to win the game 17-9.
#8: Sanburn Signs With The Rangers
Halfway through the season, Chinooks closer Parker Sanburn signed a free agent deal with the Texas Rangers. Prior to the signing, Sanburn was untouchable, appearing in 15 games and pitching 24 innings, only giving up one run and striking out 48.
#7: Chinooks Turn First Ever Triple Play
On July 5th, the Chinooks infield turned the first triple play in franchise history. They would turn a second one on the last weekend of the season.
#6: Nooks Set New Attendance Records
For the second year in a row, the Chinooks broke the franchise’s season (49,427) and single game attendance record (August 6th – 2,669).
#5: Richardson Provides The Fireworks
Kapco Park was set for post-game fireworks at the ballpark on July 15th. Chinooks all-star Jacob Richardson got the fireworks started early with a walk-off home run against the Bullfrogs!
#4: Nooks Clinch 4th Playoff Berth
On the second to last game of the season, Eddy Morgan guided his team to victory, punching their tickets to the NWL playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons. The Chinooks would go on to be knocked out in the first round by the Rafters.
#3: Selig Returns for Bobblehead Night
MLB Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig returned to Kapco Park surprising the record breaking crowd on August 6th which was themed “Tribute to Bud Selig Night” and featured a Selig bobblehead giveaway. Selig also threw out the first pitch!
#2: Chinooks In The Pros
After years of waiting, the organization saw four alumni break into the MLB in a span of a few weeks. Zack Granite (2012), Andrew Stevenson (2013), Harrison Bader (2013), and Brian Anderson (2012) all had their tickets punched to the show!
#1: Owen Miller Hits for the Cycle…Twice
On July 3rd in Kalamazoo, Owen Miller made Chinooks history by hitting for the cycle, the first time in franchise history. To follow it up, he hit for the cycle a second time at Kapco Park on July 5th.
