Grafton, WI – Recently, the Chinooks announced their Top 10 Moments of 2019. Here is a recap of those memorable moments that made up this year’s list:
Honorable Mention #1: Chinooks 19 IPA
First up, Broken Bat Brewing Company who helped the Chinooks craft up our debut beer, Chinooks 19 IPA. Kegs were tapped right before the season and quickly became a fan favorite beverage with Nook Nation during the Summer of 19.
Honorable Mention #2: Chinooks Staff Pitches One Hitter
The Chinooks pitching staff on June 27th against the Booyah. Hartwig, Schmit, Vulysteke, and Klein together tossed a one hitter.
Honorable Mention #3: Lakeshore Notches 20 Runs
On July 24th, the Nooks notched 20 runs on 20 hits against the Dock Spiders in game two of a doubleheader.
Honorable Mention #4: Nooks Draft Class of 2019
We go back to early June and the MLB Draft where a total of 11 Chinooks players, past and present, were selected and advanced their careers to professional baseball.
Honorable Mention #5: Doersching Claims NCAA Home Run Derby Title
Our final honorable mention belongs to Griffin Doersching who won the NCAA Home Run Derby Challenge back in June.
#10: Nooks Comeback Win on July 1st
Coming in at #10 is our comeback on July 1st. After being down 6-1 to the Mallards, the Nooks scored four in the 8th inning and two more in the 9th inning to complete the comeback win.
#9: What If? Night
At #9 on our countdown is What If? Night where the Chinooks became the Lakeshore Rockin Robins for one night only. From the debut of our mascot, Rocky Robin, and his bobblehead giveaway to our special uniforms, it was a night to remember.
#8: McGuigan & Sommerfeld Sign Professional Contracts
Brendan McGuigan signed a pro contract with the Seattle Mariners right before the end of the season. Luke Sommerfeld signed with the Detroit Tigers soon after. Both of these accomplishments land at #8 on our countdown.
#7: Anderson & Young Make MLB Debut
Coming in at #7 on our countdown is the MLB debuts of Chinooks alumni Shaun Anderson and Alex Young who were called up to become starting pitchers for the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks.
#6: Gill’s Walk-Off for Cancer Raises $23,000
Over 350 individuals came together at Kapco Park to walk for a great cause as we raised over $23,000 for the Aurora Health Care Foundation this past June. Gill’s Walk Off for Cancer comes in at #6 on our countdown.
#5: 2019 Squad Sets Home Run Record
Cracking the top 5 on our countdown is the entire 2019 roster who together set a new franchise single season record for home runs. Doersching (9), Barr (9), and Olson (6) led the squad in homers.
#4: Cole Barr’s Streak
Cole Barr (Indiana University) takes the #4 spot on our countdown thanks to his streak of 35 consecutive games getting on base, just one game away from the Northwoods League record.
#3: Klein Hits 100 MPH at All-Star Game
Coming in hot at #3 on the countdown is Will Klein. The Chinooks All-Star representative this past July in Waterloo at the annual Northwoods League All-Star Game came in to pitch relief and hit 100 mph before going on to striking out the two batters he faced.
#2: Troy Black’s August 2nd Home Run
Troy Black lost his mother after a battle with cancer on August 2, 2018. One year later, on the exact same date, Black hit a HR against the Rafters. The Chinooks won 8-2. What an incredible moment!
#1: MACC Fund Celebrity Softball Game
Here it is, the #1 moment from the Summer of 19, the MACC Fund Celebrity Softball Game. Over 2,600 fans packed Kapco Park to help raise over $102,000 for the MACC Fund. The event included an 82 reunion with Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, and Jim Gantner.
The Lakeshore Chinooks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 26th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, over 230 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and MLB All-Stars Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (MIA). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit lakeshorechinooks.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Chinooks as your favorite team.
