We would like to thank everybody who sent us their most memorable moment from the 2012 Inaugural Season. There were a number of great moments during our first season but after all the fans’ entries we have narrowed it down to ten:

 

10. Brian Anderson’s Debut Ends in Walk-Off Fashion
After Arkansas’ deep run in the college world series, Brian Anderson joined the Chinooks at Kapco Park on July 6th against the Lacrosse Loggers. A walk-off solo home run in the 9th inning gave the Chinooks a win and Anderson a memorable debut!

 

9. Eric Semmelhack Drafted by the Brewers
Oak Creek native and UW-Milwaukee pitcher Eric Semmelhack pitched one game for the Chinooks on June 6th before being selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 12th round. He is currently playing for single A affiliate, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

8. Minnow Races
A tradition started at Kapco Park in the middle of the 6th inning, Chinooks fans (and players) cheered on three children selected to throw on the minnow costumes and race along the warning track!

 

7. Bre Kimbell’s 24 Game Hit Streak
Kimbell’s bat was hot during the stretch of 24 games where he recorded a hit in each game. The hitting streak ranks 3rd all time in the Northwoods League. Kimbell would go on to be one of two players representing the Chinooks at the annual Northwoods League All-Star Game.

 

6. Bobblehead Mania
Gill and Robin Yount bobbleheads were a popular giveaway item this season. Fans lined up for Gill bobblehead day almost 7 hours before the gates opened on July 29th. Long lines were also formed in the pouring rain for August 8th’s Robin Yount bobblehead day.

 

5. 2,503 Attendance Record
Kapco Park was rocking on July 29 as 2,503 Chinooks fans packed the stadium, setting the high water mark for attendance in the inaugural season.

 

4. Forrest Chadwick’s Grand Slam
Chadwick was playing the best ball of his summer at the end of the season carrying the Chinooks offense. In the bottom of the 9th against the Mallards on August 8th, Chadwick blasted a grand slam which would tie the game up and send both teams into extra innings. The Chinooks would later go on to win in the 12th inning.

 

3. Robin Yount and Bob Uecker’s First Pitch
The Chinooks inaugural game on June 4th had plenty of festivities, but an appearance by two MLB Hall of Famers topped everything. Before addressing the crowd of 1,800 fans at Kapco Park, Mr. Baseball himself, Bob Uecker, headed out to the mound while Robin Yount performed catching duties behind home plate for the inaugural first pitch.

 

 

 

2. Charlie Markson’s Diving Catching in the Visiting Bullpen
If it was caught on camera, it would have made ESPN’s Top 10 Plays. Chinooks outfielder Charlie Markson chased a fly ball from deep left field to the visiting team bullpen, hitting the wall at full speed. Markson was able to catch and hang on to the ball while flipping over the wall.

1.     Gill’s Helicopter Entrance on Opening Day
The stands at were filled and the players were on the field ready to play, but the Chinooks mascot, Gill, had yet to make his debut at Kapco Park. Flying over the grandstands, a helicopter emerged and landed on the field. Out came Gill and Chinooks fans got their first glimpse of their favorite fish!