Kenosha Kroakers

Kenosha Kroakers
Information
LeagueNorthwoods League (1994-1998)
LocationKenosha, Wisconsin
BallparkSimmons Field
Founded1994
League championships
  • 1995

The Kenosha Kroakers were an American baseball team that played in the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league. They played their home games at Simmons Field in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

History

The Kroakers began play in 1994 as one of the five original franchises in the Northwoods League, along with the Rochester Honkers, Wausau Woodchucks, Manitowoc Skunks, and Dubuque Mud Puppies. The Kroakers played their home games in historic Simmons Field, which had previously been home to the affiliated minor league Kenosha Twins of the Midwest League. In the league's inaugural season, all teams were owned by the league.[1]

In 1995, the NWL's second season, the Kroakers won the league championship, defeating the Manitowoc Skunks.[2] The championship team featured four future MLB players: Jermaine Clark, Joe Nelson, Erasmo Ramirez, and Andy Dominique.[3]

After their fifth season, 1998, the Kroakers franchise was removed from the rapidly-expanding NWL. In 2014, the league returned to Kenosha, with the expansion Kenosha Kingfish playing in Simmons Field.[2]

Kroakers in MLB

The following is a list of former Kroakers to appear in Major League Baseball.[3]

Name Year(s) with Kroakers MLB Debut MLB Accolades
Clint Barmes 1998 2003 (Colorado Rockies) NL Rookie of the Month (2005)
Jermaine Clark 1995 2001 (Detroit Tigers)
Andy Dominique 1995 2004 (Boston Red Sox)
Bobby Kielty 1996 2001 (Minnesota Twins) World Series Champion (2007)
Joe Nelson 1995 2001 (Atlanta Braves)
Erasmo Ramirez 1995 2003 (Texas Rangers)
George Sherrill 1997–98 2004 (Seattle Mariners) AL All-Star (2008)

References

  1. ^ "Looking Back: 25 Memorable Moments in Northwoods League History". NorthwoodsLeague.com. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
  2. ^ a b "History". NorthwoodsLeague.com. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
  3. ^ a b "Northwoods League Alumni in Major League Baseball" (PDF). Northwoods League. March 14, 2025. Retrieved November 3, 2025.