Lakeshore Chinooks to start late

The Lakeshore Chinooks won’t be starting the season on time due to the coronavirus.

The Chinooks, which plays home games at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon, are part of the Northwoods League, which has delayed the start of its season. Opening day was to be May 26, according to the league’s website.

A new date has not been selected.

The Northwoods League is a developmental baseball league comprised of college players from across the country. It has 22 teams in six states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Indiana.

A statement from the league last week said its options how to play the season are limited by states’ orders to stay at home.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ extension of the Safer at Home order through May 26 eliminated starting the season on that day.

The league said it will continue to consider multiple scenarios.

The Chinooks’ office in Grafton is closed until further notice. Front office staff may be reached only via email for questions or purchases.

The Chinooks are looking for host families for the season. Nearly 50 players will spend time on the roster from the season that runs to mid-August.

“Families become part of the team by providing personal support for young men, many of whom are spending their first summer away from home,” according to a statement from the team on its website.

The Chinooks’ host family coordinator Steve Bazelon meets with each family individually to explain the program and determine a good match for the players.

Immediate family members receive complimentary tickets to each home game, giveaway items, a 10% discount on team merchandise, invitations to host family gameday events and a free Northwoods League Webcast pass.

For more information on being a host family, visit northwoodsleague.com/lakeshore-chinooks/community/host-family-program.

The team’s website is www.lakeshorechinooks.com.