Grafton, WI – Recently, the Chinooks announced their Top 10 Moments of 2021, Here is a recap of those memorable moments that made up this year’s list:
Honorable Mention #1: President Ferry’s Retirement
Our first honorable mention takes us back to July 2nd where Gill and the Chinooks honored and recognized Concordia University Wisconsin’s President Ferry for his 30 years of service to the university as he began his retirement.
Honorable Mention #2: NWL Major League Dreams Showcase
Our next honorable mention belongs to the six Chinooks who participated in the annual Northwoods League Major League Dreams Showcase in LaCrosse. The boys had the opportunity to play in front of over 100 major league scouts with the hope to continue their playing career following college
Honorable Mention #3: 2021 MLB Draft
Next honorable mention belongs to our alumni who were drafted in the 2021 MLB Draft this past July. Austin Murr, Trenton Wallace, Mike Trautwein, and Cole Barr were all selected and took the next step to becoming a professional baseball player
Honorable Mention #4: Celebrity Appearances
We have had a lot of guest at Kapco Park over the years but our three celebrity guest this year drew some of the biggest crowds we have ever seen. It was a pleasure to host WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler, Jim Gantner, and Gorman Thomas.
Honorable Mention #5: Interns to Players
Our last honorable mention is one of our feel good stories from this past summer. Two of our interns, Jake Orthober (Marketing & Ops) and Logan Wiggenhorn (Media & Video Production) had the opportunity to join the team in the final weeks of the season. Both played for their respective universities this past spring.
Moment #10: Packed House at Kapco Park
Coming in at #10 is our last home game of the 2021 season on August 14th. The Chinooks saw their biggest crowd of the year with over 2,000 fans packing Kapco Park.
Moment #9: MLB Call Ups
We recognize the four Chinooks alumni who made their MLB debuts during the 2021 season: Luke Raley (Dodgers), Zac Lowther (Orioles), Owen Miller (Indians), and Greg Deichmann (Cubs).
Moment #8: Lakeshore Logo Brand
The logo design was featured on our new on-field jerseys and hats plus a full line of new merchandise at the Tackle Box Team Store.
Moment #7: Home Run Derby Champ
This moment comes courtsey of Chinooks first baseman, Griffin Doersching who put on a show at the Northwoods League Home Run Challenge in Mankato, MN this past July. Although the Great Plains Division won the team challenge, Doersching was the individual champion hitting 13 home runs during his round.
Moment #6: The State Fair Cream Puffs
The Chinooks became the Cream Puffs for one weekend only. The weekend consisted of new uniforms including our jersey auction which raised $4,000 for Habitat for Humanity, a new mascot with Cravin the Cream Puff, and an 18-2 victory over the Woodchucks.
Moment #5: Nine Positions in 1 Game
A historic performance takes the #5 spot. Chinooks catcher, Josh Glenn accomplished the feat of playing all nine positions in one game.
Moment #4: Home Run King
All hail the home run king! The #4 spot belongs to Griffin Doersching who became the Chinooks all-time home run leader on June 23rd by hitting a grand slam. Doersching now sits at the top of the record books with 18 home runs in a Lakeshore uniform.
Moment #3: 400,000th Fan
Going back to July 2nd when Kapco Park welcomed it’s 400,000th fan into the ballpark. The winner received a prize package from the Chinooks and the contest presenting sponsor Tobin Jewelers.
Moment #2: 26 Runs
Our runner up top moment of the year takes us back to June 23rd. In the first game of our double header with the Mallards, the Chinooks scored a franchise record 26 runs. The team was just one run from the Northwoods League record.
Moment #1: Return to Kapco Park
On June 3rd, we welcomed our fans back at Kapco Park for Opening Night and the first game in over 662 days after the cancelled 2020 season.
