Chinooks’ schedule on the horizon

The Northwoods League has announced the return to baseball for six Wisconsin affiliates.

The Lakeshore Chinooks will not begin play July 1 but remain optimistic and that its season may start July 15.

Chinooks’ Assistant General Manager Eric Snodgrass said a decision should be made by the end of the week.

The team is working with city and county officials and Concordia University Wisconsin, where the Chinooks play their home games, to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved from the players and staff to fans.

The teams that will start play July 1 include the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders, the Green Bay Booyah, the La Crosse Loggers, the Rockford Rivets, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and the Wisconsin Woodchucks.  The season for this group will last until Aug. 20 and will be capped with a two-day playoff series, according to a statement from the league.

Working in consultation with state and local officials, the six teams have each developed a plan for safe operation in their respective locations.

“Patience, creativity, and a focus on safety have paid off for Northwoods League fans and players,” Northwoods League President and Commissioner Gary Hoover said.  

“This next phase represents tremendous effort by our affiliates to safely bring baseball back into their communities, and to provide their fans with a timeless way to spend quality time.”

With additional teams in the region still working through the possibility of opening later in July, the group could expand before the season’s end.

Former Chinook gets drafted by Royals

This year’s Major League Baseball draft held last week was shortened from 40 rounds and more than 1,200 players selected to five rounds and 160 picks due to the uncertainty of the season because of the coronavirus pandemic, but one Chinook was drafted.

Will Klein, who attends Eastern Illinois University, was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round with pick 135.

Klein was a member of last year’s Chinooks squad. In 16 appearances and 21 innings of work, the right-handed pitcher went 2-2 with a 0.85 earned-run average. He also recorded seven saves. Klein gave up eight hits all season, struck out 38 and walked eight.

He was chosen to play in the 2019 Northwoods League All-Star game, where he faced and struck out two batters and hit 100 mph on the radar gun.

“It was awesome to hear his name called by the Royals. It’s the highest reward for all his hard work. I know myself and all our Chinook fans enjoyed watching him perform last summer. Can’t wait to follow his career,” Chinooks coach Travis Akre said.

Klein was in his junior year at Eastern Illinois University when the pandemic hit this past March, cancelling his college baseball season. Entering the season he was ranked as the top prospect in the Ohio Valley Conference. He had appeared in three games.

“I’m super excited to be a part of the Royals organization. Jimmy Govern got drafted by the Royals last year from EIU and I’m excited to be a part of the same organization as him,” Klein said.

“Royals scout Scott Melvin was always checking in and texting weekly, and I felt a strong connection with the organization and I’m really excited to be a part of it.”

For more information, visit northwoodsleague.com/lakeshore-chinooks.