Mequon, WI – The Lakeshore Chinooks are excited to announce the inaugural class of the newly formed, Chinooks Hall of Fame. This year’s class includes: Ryan Krill (1B, 2012-2014), Joe Greenfield (RHP, 2012-2013, and Dean Rennicke (General Manager, 2012-2017). The class of 2022 will be inducted into the Chinooks Hall of Fame prior to the game on Saturday, July 16th.
Ryan Krill, better known as Mr. Chinook in the early years of the organization played for the team for three seasons, 2012-2014 while attending Michigan State. He is the franchise leader in Games Played (171), At-Bats (567), Hits (147), Doubles (26), Runs Scored (82), RBI’s (92), Walks (93). He even leads the franchise in most Hit By Pitches (22). Krill was part of the 2013 squad who secured the franchise’s first trip to the post-season. The Northwoods League would select Krill to the 2013 Northwoods League All-Star Game. The following year, he helped lead the Chinooks to their first Northwoods League Championship. The same year the organization would award him the Robin Yount Award. Ryan would later be drafted by the New York Yankees in the 9th round of the 2015 draft and would remain in the minors for three years. He would later be recognized in bobblehead form becoming the first alumni to receive his own bobblehead.
Joe Greenfield, a fan favorite, took the mound for Lakeshore during the inaugural season in 2012 and the following season in 2013. The Eastern Illinois workhorse leads the franchise in Games Started (19), Wins (9). He is also second all-time in Innings Pitched (125) and Strikeouts (113). Greenfield was named Lakeshore’s Pitcher of the Year for the inaugural season in 2012. Joe was also part of the 2013 playoff squad. A number of Greenfield’s starts helped the Chinooks reach the post-season. Joe was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2012, during the Chinooks season, in the 22nd round but elected to return to school. He would also be drafted the following season by the Minnesota Twins in the 36th round.
Dean Rennicke was instrumental in launching the Chinooks. Former Chinooks owner, Jim Kacmarcik brought on Dean Rennicke to lead the team as the organization’s first General Manager. Rennicke, a former professional baseball player himself, also worked for the Milwaukee Brewers prior to joining the Chinooks. Besides helping lay the foundation of the Chinooks organization, Rennicke had an eye for college talent, helping construct the team’s roster each season during his time as GM. The Chinooks would make the playoffs in 2013, 2014 (Northwoods League Champions), 2016, and 2017. Following the 2014 championship season, Rennicke was named Northwoods League Executive of the Year. The same year, the team would also be named Northwoods League Organization of the Year as well as Perfect Games’ Summer Collegiate Team of the Year.
Congrats to our inaugural class of the Lakeshore Chinooks Hall of Fame.