Where kids catch on fast.
WELCOME BACK TO LMCU BALLPARK, WHITECAPS FANS!
On behalf of the entire Whitecaps organization, we can’t wait for you to experience what the 2024 season of Whitecaps Baseball has in store! A lot has happened around the ballpark since last season, and we could not be more excited to welcome you back to see what’s new.
On the field, we enter the 2024 season with a new leader in the clubhouse, Tony Cappuccilli. Tony brings an impressive resume to West Michigan, and we are looking forward to seeing him take the field. In terms of on-field talent, get excited for another extremely talented High-A roster to roll through West Michigan this season. Remember to come out early and see them before they continue up the ladder on the road to Detroit!
Beyond the action on the field, our organization has been working tirelessly this offseason to reimagine the FUN and create the best fan experience in baseball. From new food items to fantastic promotions to an awesome slate of non-baseball special events, the 2024 season is stacked with experiences that will bring you back to the ballpark time and time again. And on top of all that, as evidenced by the stadium construction down the third baseline, we have also begun the process of reimagining LMCU Ballpark to make sure it’s ready for future generations of Whitecaps fans!
Most importantly, like every season, I want to welcome fans back to the Whitecaps brand of FUN, COMMUNITY, EXPERIENCES. Welcome back to summer nights at LMCU Ballpark: hot dogs and peanuts, the sounds of baseball, laughter with friends and family, that look of awe when a young fan walks through the gate for the first time, the talent on the field, the ooohs and ahhhhs of a fireworks show, and of course, welcome back to the FUN. This truly is West Michigan’s ballpark.
And last, but certainly not least, I can’t forget to say “Thank You” to our fans for your continued support of Whitecaps Baseball. It’s been an incredible ride over the last thirty plus years, and as we continue the work of reimagining LMCU Ballpark I know the next thirty seasons are going to be just as much fun. We couldn’t do what we do without your support, and it pushes us every day to make sure that 2024 is the best season of Whitecaps baseball yet.
So, thank you Whitecaps Fans; you truly are the best fans in baseball!
LET’S PLAY BALL!
JOE CHAMBERLIN CEO West Michigan Whitecaps
Thriving with sickle cell is impossible.
Thanks to his care team, his mom, and his relentless spirit, Abe lives a pretty typical life for a 7-year-old — running, playing and going to school with his friends.
Abe, 7
From TrIple-A Bench Coach to HIgh-A Manager:
Tony Cappuccilli’s Major Opportunity with the West Michigan Whitecaps
COMSTOCK PARK – In the world of baseball, it would be easy to assume that a move from Triple-A to the High-A level is something of a demotion.
That is far from the case for Tony Cappuccilli, however. In fact, joining the West Michigan Whitecaps this season represents one of his biggest baseball opportunities yet.
This past January, the Tigers named Cappuccilli the 15th manager in the Whitecaps 31-year history. He spent the previous two seasons in the Detroit Tigers’ organization as the bench coach for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.
“In Toledo, I got to work with two great managers (Lloyd McClendon in 2022 and Anthony Iapoce in 2023) and I learned a lot from them,” Cappuccilli said. “But the opportunity to manage a team was something I really wanted to get an opportunity to do. It’s probably easy to look at it as going down in levels, but that’s not necessarily the case because the job entails more responsibility.”
The 43-year-old Cappuccilli (pronounced cap-uh-CELLI)
has been steadily climbing the coaching ranks in recent years. Prior to the stint in Toledo, he spent four years as a minor league coach and manager with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization that included an Arizona League Championship with their rookie-level affiliate team.
He also has collegiate coaching experience with the University of New Mexico, University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV), and Irvine Valley College.
A native of Huntington Beach, Calif., Cappuccilli received his first coaching job at his alma mater, Edison High School, where he was an All-American player and even once held the Orange County career home run record. He played college baseball at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he helped the Wolf Pack win a Big West conference championship at catcher and reach the NCAA Regionals and spent one season in the Frontier League before steadily starting to climb his way up the coaching ladder.
“I was kind of been brought up to believe that if go through the proper steps, then opportunities will come as they’re earned,” Cappuccilli said. “Maybe I took kind of the slow path to get here, but I’m thrilled for the opportunity.”
That career road map also included stints coaching a high school team in Washington, serving as an assistant coach in the Cape Cod League, and filling the role of head coach of the Anchorage Bucs, a college summer baseball team in the Alaska Baseball League, from 2011-14.
“That was awesome. So cool,” Cappuccilli said of his time in Alaska. “Up there in the summer for two months and working with kids from all over the country. I’m not sure I ever would have another opportunity to go up to Alaska for baseball, and to have had that chance was just incredible.”
Now, Cappuccilli has the opportunity to work with an entirely new roster looking to chase their own baseball dreams.
“When you’re in Toledo, you have guys that already have major league experience or are one step away. A lot of those guys are trying to find that thing that will get them to the big leagues and keep them there,” he said. “They’re one small step away from getting to where they ultimately want to be, and we’re trying to help them find whatever that is so once they get there, they get opportunities to stay there.
“In High-A ball, guys are further away from that point. The daily focus on development and learning is going to be a lot of fun. While you can do that in Triple-A, the emphasis on those areas is a lot greater in High-A because there are so many things that come up in game situations and things that happen on a game-to-game basis that you can learn from and develop, and that experience is going to be huge.”
Cappuccilli replaces Brayan Pena, the Whitecaps’ manager for the previous three seasons who is now the Tigers’ minor league catching coordinator.
While the Whitecaps have enjoyed considerable success with former catchers taking the helm – past catchers-turned-managers include Matt Walbeck, Joe DePastino, Andrew Graham, Mike Rabelo, and Lance Parrish – Cappuccilli knows he has big shoes to fill with the popular Pena moving on to a different role with the organization.
“I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time with Brayan. Wonderful dude, absolutely love the guy,” Cappuccilli said. “We were actually laughing about all the social media posts asking, ‘Where’s Pena going?’ when the announcement was first made. I was worried that I was going to be hated before we even had our first game.
“But I’m excited for him. Brayan is going to be a huge asset for the catchers in the organization. I’m sure when he gets to come back to see West Michigan, it’s going to be a lot of fun to be around him.”
Joining Cappuccilli this season is hitting coach Franciso Contreras and returning pitching coach Dan Ricabal. Rounding out the staff are newer faces in associate pitching coach Collin Murray, athletic trainer Justin Wagler, and strength coach Kevin Kleis.
Cappuccilli jokes that while he peaked as a player in high school (“I struck out a lot,” he says with a laugh) he’s looking forward to the applying the experiences he’s had both as a coach and player to help the Whitecaps compete in the Midwest League and players advance in the Tigers organization.
“It’s the balance of competing every night and focusing on preparation and development,” he said. “You always want to win and that will be the goal when we go out every night, but success and failure is not going to dictate how we do our day-to-day work. The wins will come, but we really need to focus on the process of getting better and improving every day.”
Based on West Michigan’s reputation not only around the Midwest League, but all of minor league baseball, Cappuccilli has the foundation established to help build on the Whitecaps’ long-standing tradition of success both on the field and in the community.
“I’ve not only heard about it from the Tigers, but people from other organizations. I have friends on other teams that have talked to me about what a great set up we have, and how much they enjoy coming here and playing. Friends of mine talk about it being the best place in the league, the best fans, the best field, everything just a great atmosphere. I’m excited for all of those things.”
The only thing that may take a little getting used to is Grand Rapids’ notable status as Beer City, USA since Cappuccilli considers himself more of a bourbon and coffee aficionado. In fact, this is how he describes himself in a bio on Medium.com: “Dad, husband, french bulldog dad, baseball coach, coffee lover, certified bourbon steward, ordained wedding officiant.”
While Cappuccilli may be a certified bourbon steward, he’s certainly willing to see what all the hype is about.
“I’m not normally a big beer guy. I can’t even remember the last time I had a beer,” he said. “But I’m willing to try anything because I’ve heard all the things about the city’s reputation.”
broadcast information
If you can’t make it to LMCU Ballpark, don’t worry! You can catch Whitecaps Baseball all season long! Live radio or stream the broadcast, tune in for Whitecaps baseball wherever you are.
Listen live on 106.1 FM The Ticket, as Dan Hasty and Nate Wangler call the action all season long.
Go to the Whitecaps website to stream the audio broadcast https://www.milb.com/west-michigan/ fans/audio-listen-live
Watch every Whitecaps game on the Bally Live! App for no additional cost.
Stream all Minor League baseball games including the Whitecaps with the MiLB At Bat app. Details and directions: https://www.milb.com/ live-stream-games/subscribe
MiLB First Pitch App Have the Minor League Baseball First Pitch App? Listen all season long right from your phone.
DETROIT TIGERS
AMERICAN LEAGUE (MLB)
MANAGER: A.J. HINCH
HITTING COACH: MICHAEL BRDAR
PITCHING COACH: CHRIS FETTER
TOLEDO MUD HENS
INTERNATIONAL
MANAGER: TIM FEDEROWICZ
MIKE
ROAD ROAD TO DETROIT
The Whitecaps players are just beginning their journey to the Majors. Most players drafted out of high school start in the Florida complex league. short-season leagues help the players get accustomed to the life of a professional baseball player. Within the Tigers’organization, most players play their first full season in Lakeland and then advance to the Whitecaps, right here in West Michigan!
FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE TIGERS
FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE (R)
MANAGER: SALVADOR PANIAGUA
PITCHING COACH: WILLIANS MORENO
HITTING COACH: NICK BREDESON
2125 N. LAKE ST. LAKELAND, FL 33805
LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS
FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE (LOW-A)
MANAGER: ANDREW GRAHAM
PITCHING COACH: NICK GREEN
HITTING COACH: NICK BREDESON
2125 N. LAKE ST. LAKELAND, FL 33805
WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS
MIDWEST LEAGUE (HIGH-A)
MANAGER: TONY CAPPUCCILLI
HITTING COACH: FRANCISCO CONTRERAS PITCHING COACH: DAN RICABAL
4500 WEST RIVER DR. COMSTOCK PARK, MI 49321
ERIE SEAWOLVES
EASTERN LEAGUE (AA)
MANAGER: GABE ALVAREZ
HITTING COACH: CJ WAMSLEY
PITCHING COACH: JUAN PIMENTEL
110 E. 10TH ST. ERIE, PA 16501
midwest midwest league league
DAYTON, OH AFFILIATION: CINCINNATI REDS (2000)
BELOIT, WI
AFFILIATION: MIAMI MARLINS (2021)
APPLETON, WI
AFFILIATION:
MIDLAND, MI AFFILIATION:
LANSING, MI
IA
WHITECAPS COMSTOCK PARK, MI AFFILIATION: DETROIT TIGERS (1997)
RAPIDS
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA AFFILIATION: MINNESOTA TWINS (2013)
January 25, 2024
THE EVENT OF THE YEAR
The Whitecaps Community Foundation hosted a radical evening in support of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ Ted Rasberry Youth League by organizing an unforgettable Baseball and Ballads fundraising Bash! Over 300 attendees joined in, enjoying classic 1980s music, attire, and the presence of baseball legends from the 1984 World Series Championship Detroit Tigers team. Dave Rozema, Lance Parrish, and Dan Petry engaged in a fireside chat, reminiscing about the glory days of that magical season. Earlier in the evening, Jeff Greenberg, General Manager of the Tigers, addressed the audience about the exciting upcoming season the Tigers have in store for their fans. Lastly, the Whitecaps honored Matt Manning by inducting him into the Whitecaps Hall of Fame as the newest member representing the class of 2024.
The event proved to be a tremendous success for the Ted Rasberry Youth League, raising over $32,000! The funds contributed to the YMCA will provide support for youth baseball and softball for another season. Since the program’s inception, the YMCA and the Whitecaps Community Foundation have provided 35,000 children with the opportunity to play ball, experience the power of teamwork, and learn valuable life lessons from the countless volunteers who make this program possible.
RAISING OVER
quotes of the night “
We had a great time and loved hearing the stories of past players, getting a chance to mingle and hearing about such a great cause!
- Guest of the Event
FOR THE TED RASBERRY YOUTH LEAGUE
Whitecaps Word Search
D
E
R
O
C
S
W
Y
E
CONNECT THE DOTS TO REVEAL THIS BASEBALL ESSENTIAL BASE BASEBALL CRASH DOUBLE FASTBALL FIREWORKS FRANKY HELMET MITT OUT ROXY SCORE SINGLE SLIDE STRIKE TRIPLE WHITECAPS
CREATE YOUR OWN WHITECAPS JERSEY AND HAT
Quality milk starts on the farm…
Dairy Foods from Farm to Table
Have you ever wondered where some of your favorite foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt come from? Lots of milk and dairy foods are made locally – right here in Michigan!
…is delivered to your grocery store…
…then travels to the dairy plant…
…and brought home for you to enjoy!
1. What the Whitecaps hope they do every time they play a game.
2. To cause (something) to become three times as great or as many.
3. What the batter does to the ball with the bat
4. The player position behind home plate
5. The player who uses a bat to hit the ball
6. Our favorite River Rascal
7. The small white object that players catch and throw to each other
8. The player who throws the ball to the batter
9. This is called when a batter swings and misses the ball
BASEBALL BINGO
Mark off each word as you hear it at the ballgame or see the object in the stadium. How long will it take you to cover all the words on your bingo card?
2. Logos:
3. shoes:
Calling all baseball fans age 14 and under! Come be a part of The River Rascal Rookies and enjoy the experience with the West Michigan Whitecaps. As a member of the The River Rascal Rookies each child gets a one-year membership, which includes:
GEAR:
• RIVER RASCAL ROOKIES CLUB JERSEY!
• 2024 ID BADGE
EXPERIENCES:
• ONE FREE TICKET TO EVERY SUNDAY GAME
• A CHANCE TO BE RIVER RASCAL ROOKIE OF THE GAME
• EXPRESS LANE FOR KIDS RUN THE BASES
• EXCLUSIVE END OF THE SEASON PARTY FOR RIVER RASCAL ROOKIES MEMBERS
EXCLUSIVES:
• 10% DISCOUNT AT CAPSIZED SOUVENIR SHOP
• $1.00 DISCOUNT ON TICKETS PURCHASED WITH RIVER RASCAL ROOKIES MEMBER PRESENT
• MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM CRASH & ROXY
OTHER SUNDAY BENEFITS:
• FIRST 1,000 KIDS 12 & UNDER EAT FREE
• PREGAME: PLAY CATCH WITH PARENTS AND GET MASCOT AUTOGRAPHS
C ONC OURSE MAP
Nachos
Pizza
Popcorn
Caramel
Bosco
Foot
Gluten
Burgers & Hot Dogs
Nachos & Super Pretzels
Crispy
Chicken Fries
Pizza Super Slices
Popcorn
Large Bag)
Caramel Corn
Bosco Sticks
Foot
Gluten
Corn Dog
Tiki Hut Build-A
Quesadilla
Burgers, Hot Dogs & Chili Dogs
Nachos & Super Pretzels
Crispy Chicken Sandwhich
Fries Popcorn ( Large Bag)
Caramel Corn
Bosco
Burgers & Hot Dogs Nachos & Super Pretzels
Crispy Chicken Sandwhich Chicken Fries
Pizza Super Slices Popcorn ( Large Bag)
Caramel Corn Bosco Sticks Foot Long Corn Dog Gluten Free
& Crackerjack*
Mitten Pour of ‘84*
Mitten Goblin Juice*
Perrin Black
Robinson’s Popcorn
rice bowlS
Cheese Wedges
Frycuterie Box
Dugout Tots
3B Crash’s Cravings
’s
IN 2024, FIVE WHITECAPS PLAYERS WILL BE HITTING FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, EVERY HIT FROM THESE PLAYERS WILL RESULT IN A $25 DONATION TO THE NON-PROFIT.
THE WHITECAPS WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES FOR PARTNERING WITH THE PLAYERS IN SUPPORTING THESE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:
Who Are We?
The Whitecaps Community Foundation is the nonprofit extension of the West Michigan Whitecaps. The foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth and their families by providing them with access to fun, baseball, team-dynamics, leadership, education, and recreational opportunities. With the help and generosity of West Michigan residents and community partners, the Whitecaps Community Foundation continues to make the West Michigan area an inclusive and diverse place for fun, community, and experiences.
Our Programs
Below are the five core programs of the Whitecaps Community Foundation. These five programs are designed to help us achieve our mission of providing families and children access to social, education, and recreational programs.
Ted Rasberry Youth League
Reading Club Youth Clinic
PLAYER WORN GAME JERSEYS WILL BE AUCTIONED TO SUPPORT THE WHITECAPS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND OTHER CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS. The Whitecaps Community Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth and their families by providing them with access to fun, baseball, team-dynamics, leadership, education, and recreational opportunities.
Sunday, May 12
Thursday, August 8
Saturday, June 22 Saturday, August 10
Friday, July 19Sunday, July 22
Friday, August 23
Wednesday, August 7
Saturday, August 25
Jerseys will be awarded “off the back” to bid winners at the end of each game. Winners are invited to join the Community Relations team at Guest Services at the top of the 9th inning to be escorted on the field to collect the autographed jersey from the player. For more information and to bid for each auction, go to Whitecapsbaseball.com
tony
cappuc cilli Dan Ricabal manager francisc o c ontreras
athletIc TraIner Strength COACH c ollin murray
pItchIng coach assocIate
InformatIon AssIstant sam reatini clubhouse manager
roster 2024
through the lens
through the lens
Look Through the Lens of the whitecaps manual Scoreboard, as it shares a new perspective during a whitecaps game.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network believe that when communities are healthy, everyone benefits. And it all starts with Michigan's youth. Our Building Healthy Communities program is a statewide initiative designed to prevent chronic disease, improve the mental health and well-being of students and staff, and create healthy school environments. The program improves health, reduces obesity, increases student attendance and boosts academic achievement. Since 2009, we’ve contributed to the health and well-being of over half a million kids in more than 1,100 schools across Michigan.
Learn more at AHealthierMichigan.org
DOB: 12/21/2004 DRAFTED: RD 1 (2023)
SCHOOL: Franklin HS, Franklin, IN THROWS: l BATS: l Max Clark OF
DOB: 7/30/2002
DRAFTED: RD 1 (2021)
SCHOOL: heritage Hall H.S. ok THROWS: R BATS: R Jackson
DOB: 10/04/2000
DRAFTED: RD 1 (2022)
SCHOOL: Texas Tech THROWS: R BATS: l
DOB: 8/18/2004 DRAFTED: CB-A (2023)
SCHOOL: Monsignor Bonner H.S., Drexel Hill, PA THROWS: R BATS: l
DOB: 2/21/2000 DRAFTED: CB-A (2021)
SCHOOL: Texas THROWS: R BATS: R
DOB: 2/19/2000
DRAFTED: RD 6 (2021), Atlanta
SCHOOL: Georgia Tech THROWS: R BATS: R
DOB: 7/06/2000
THROWS: R BATS: R
DOB: 2/20/2001
SCHOOL: Arizona Western JC THROWS: R BATS: R
DOB: 12/12/1997 DRAFTED: RD 6 (2019), minnesota
SCHOOL: Mercer THROWS: R BATS: r
DOB: 12/03/2000
DRAFTED: RD 4 (2022)
SCHOOL: San Diego State THROWS: R BATS: R troy melton RHP
COMSTOCK PARK – As the Event Chef for the West Michigan Whitecaps, Matt Schumaker obviously needs to know a lot about food, menus, and hospitality.
Where he really excels, though, is as a master of controlled chaos.
After all, when you’re responsible for feeding hundreds or even thousands of people at a time, you have to be able to think on your feet.
“You’ve got to be flexible, that’s for sure,” Schumaker said. “I’ve been working in kitchens and restaurants for almost 20 years. When that last pitch happens, I’m already thinking about what’s coming next.”
At LMCU Ballpark, Schumaker is responsible for taking care of all fans at the suite level and in VIP areas. But his schedule doesn’t necessarily get any lighter when the Whitecaps are on the road. He also helps host special events like luncheons, weddings, and corporate functions, both during the baseball season and into the winter.
“We have two kitchens and we’re constantly bouncing around all over the place,” he said. “I’ll meet with clients to pick out their menus that can be handed over to our team. One time it might be fancy dinner party, the next time it might be sandwiches.”
Picking out a menu is only the first step in providing an exceptional customer experience, though. When you consider, for example, that the Pepsi Stadium Club at LMCU Ballpark can hold up to 200 people alone, there’s still plenty of work to be done for the entire food and beverage team.
Schumaker wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I started cooking when I was 15 and I just fell in love with it. I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Schumaker said. “It’s exciting, I’m on my feet, and there’s always something new. I would not do well behind a desk. I love cooking for people, exposing people to new ingredients, and making their day.”
Schumaker’s culinary career started in his hometown of Prescott, Ariz. Shortly after marrying his wife, Meryll, he moved to Oregon to become an executive chef at a large resort. After 10 years there, Schumaker started a nationwide search for a new opportunity in the sports industry.
West Michigan quickly emerged as an appealing option, both as an organization and community.
“When I first started looking at sports teams, I had interviews with the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears and realized that a lot of food programs for teams are third parties, so they don’t work actually for the stadium,” he said. “LMCU Ballpark is unique in that I work for the team. Here, everything is available in house and I feel like I’m part of a team, and I absolutely love it.”
Schumaker moved to Michigan in December of 2019 and worked with the Whitecaps for three months before the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the entire 2020 Midwest League season. During that time, he worked for a sushi restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids, which proved to be an invaluable experience.
“I learned a ton along the way and made a lot of friends,” he said. “I’m a huge advocate of keeping your eyes open and learning as much as you can. That was a hard experience, but I wouldn’t take it back.”
He’s been the Whitecaps ever since. When he isn’t racing around LMCU Ballpark, he enjoys paddleboarding, spending time outdoors, and traveling with Meryll.
During the summer, most of Schumaker’s time is spent at LMCU Ballpark, of course. That’s just fine with him - even if he does admit that he came to enjoy the game of baseball later than most fans.
“To be honest, when I was young, I didn’t care for sports,” Schumaker said. “In my 20s, I started to get into football. I didn’t even watch a baseball game until I was about 26 or 27 - but then I fell in love.”
Chef matt
116 boys and girls aged 8-12 came out to LMCU ballpark for a 2 day youth baseball clinic coached by the whitecaps June 13 & 14, 2024 community corner
COMSTOCK PARK – Despite a 10-13 record in July, the 2023 West Michigan Whitecaps remained in playoff contention right up until the very end of the season.
In fact, needing a win to make their first postseason appearance since 2018, the Whitecaps defeated the Great Lakes Loons 5-3 in front of more than 8,000 fans at LMCU Ballpark in the second-to-last game of the season.
That win moved West Michigan to within a half-game of first place heading into the season finale. The Whitecaps would need both a victory over the Loons and a Fort Wayne TinCaps loss to clinch the Midwest League Second-Half Eastern Division title.
Unfortunately, despite starting pitcher Jackson Jobe allowing only one run in five innings, the Whitecaps came up short against Great Lakes in a 4-1 loss. West Michigan finished the season with an overall record of 68-62, including a 36-29 mark in the second half.
Great Lakes, meanwhile, advanced to the Midwest League Championship Series, where they lost to the champion Cedar Rapids Kernals in three games.
In addition to the exciting playoff chase, there were some of the additional storylines that Whitecaps fans enjoyed as last season came to a close:
Welcome to West Michigan: In early August, infielder Hao-Yu Lee joined the Whitecaps from the Philadelphia Phillies’ organization in exchange for Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Lorenzen. Lee, who was the Phillies’ No. 5 prospect at the time and was named a Class A All-Star following the 2022 season, only appeared in six games for the Whitecaps before he suffered a lower-body injury on Aug. 12 and was eventually shut down for the season. Now the No. 13 prospect in the Tigers’ system, Lee started this season with Double A Erie.
Dom’s dinger: Dom Johnson’s first home run as a Whitecap came at a perfect time. The outfielder, who joined West Michigan at the end of June, launched the first pitch in the top of the ninth inning over the center field wall in Lansing to break a 3-3 tie and lift the Whitecaps to a 5-3 win on Sept. 1. At the time, the victory gave the Whitecaps a 1.5-game lead over Fort Wayne in the Eastern Division standings with eight games remaining. Johnson, who spent the first half of last season with Lakeland, has been regular in the Whitecaps lineup this year.
By the numbers: West Michigan received significant contributions from a variety of players last season. Here’s who ended up leading the Whitecaps in several key statistical categories in 2023:
• Games played: Izaac Pacheco, 119
• Hits: Pacheco, 96
• Home runs: Brady Allen, 15
• RBIs: Roberto Campos, 53
• On-base percentage: Brady Allen, .377
• Wins: Garrett Burhenn/Angel Reyes, 6
• ERA: Carlos Pena, 3.11
• Innings: Carlos Pena, 110
• Strikeouts: Carlos Pena, 107
• Strikeouts per 9 innings: Carlos Pena, 8.8
Tony time: Between the final game of last season and the first game 2024, the Whitecaps found the 15th manager in franchise history. On Jan. 22, The Detroit Tigers hired Tony Cappuccilli to replace Brayan Pena, who became the Tigers’ minor league catching coordinator after three years with the Whitecaps. During that time, Pena compiled a 198-183 record.
Rice Bowl Rendezvous: Craft Your Culinary Adventure!
Welcome to the ultimate culinary adventure at the Rice Bowl Cart, nestled conveniently behind home plate. Our Rice Bowls offer a customizable experience that puts you in the chef’s seat! Start by selecting your base from two flavorful rice options: vegan cilantro lime or aromatic Latin rice. Next, indulge in your choice of protein, whether it’s succulent pulled chicken, smoky burnt ends, spicy chorizo, or hearty fiesta beans. Then, elevate your creation with an array of vibrant toppings such as savory peppers and onions, juicy tomatoes, creamy shredded cheese, fiery jalapenos, tangy pickled onions and tasty fiesta beans. Finally, crown your masterpiece with a sauce that suits your taste buds, whether you crave the kick of sriracha, smokiness of chipotle ranch,
sweetness of teriyaki, exotic flavors of Asian ginger sauce, or the standby cheesy queso. With each serving perfectly portioned for one person, our Rice Bowls promise to satisfy your cravings and elevate your ballpark dining experience to new heights!
Fun at the Ballpark
Baseball fun
Ballpark
COMSTOCK PARK – Baseball is a lot of things to a lot of people, but for many fans the Grand Old Game can be summed up with a single word: Happiness.
And nowhere is that more visibly apparent than LMCU Ballpark.
There are any number of reasons why people become fans of the West Michigan Whitecaps. Maybe it’s because they grew up fans of the parent club Detroit Tigers and want to cheer on their local team. Maybe they want to follow along as young talent develops into Major League
ALTERNATE IDENTITIES
Baseball players. Maybe they want to catch current big leaguers who make a quick swing through town on a rehab assignment. Or maybe they just want to enjoy a night out at the ballpark on a warm summer night.
Regardless of the reasons, even if these baseball enthusiasts may not have identical backgrounds or demographics, they certainly have one universal interest: the love of the game.
As a result, each summer LMCU Ballpark becomes a comfortable and familiar gathering ground for fans
who know their knowledge will be respected and their opinions valued. They know the names of the players, recite the statistics, break down plays, and dissect the game with the precision of a seasoned analyst.
Promotions and the entertainment between innings may not provide these baseball enthusiasts with the full motivation needed to regularly purchase tickets. Fortunately, the Whitecaps have no trouble satisfying die-hards’ needs with a wide variety of National Pastime-themed attractions that are no less fun and entertaining to the loyal fanbase.
• Grand Rapids Dam Breakers: Who’s on first? In this case, it will be the Dam Breakers. In partnership with the Grand Rapids WhiteWater project, this game will aim to raise awareness for the restoration of the rapids in the Grand River. Saturday, Aug. 10
Presented by: Consumers Energy
• Beer City Bung Hammers: Still not sure what a bung hammer is? Here’s your opportunity to learn a little bit more about what gives Grand Rapids the Beer City, USA nickname - and enjoy a little baseball at the same time. Friday, Aug. 23
Presented by: Suagatuck Brewing
• Las Calaveras de West Michigan: The Whitecaps will celebrate the Hispanic/Latino culture and the tremendous influence it has had on America’s pastime for the fifth year of “Copa de la Diversion” or “Fun Cup.” Sunday, Aug. 25
Presented by: Gentex
*Note that after each of these games, the team also will auction the game-worn jerseys off the backs of each player, giving baseball fans a golden opportunity to make a unique addition to their jersey collections back home.
Fun at the Ballpark
Race FOR THE POSTSEASON BAseball-themed Giveaways
• PAWS BOBBLEHEAD : The Detroit Tigers’ mascot will get a moment to shine with the Class A affiliate with its own commemorative bobblehead.
Wednesday Aug. 21
• LAS CALAVERAS BASEBALL HAT: West Michigan will tap into the familial traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos and honor the role of Hispanic Culture on the game of baseball.
As the regular season starts to wind down, the race for the final playoff spots in the Midwest League will begin to heat up. The first-half winners this season were Lake County in the East Division and Wisconsin in the West, so these teams already are assured a playoff spot. The second-half slots, however, will be up for grabs into September.
Midwest League teams and home stadiums can be found on page 11 of The Wave. Playoffs start on Tuesday, September 10 and continue through Sunday, September 15.
BALLPARK SWING
One more thing that Whitecaps regulars may have noticed is the move of the home clubhouse to the third base side of the ballpark. Why is this such a big deal? Consider the following if you’re looking for tickets:
• No sun blaring in your eyes since the seats are usually shaded and your backs are to the sun.
• The Gate A entrance is closer to this side of the field.
• Sections 119–125 (and specifically seat 1 along the aisle) will be closest to home plate for that section.
• The Whitecaps’ new batting tunnel will be located be located on this side of the field and include windows open to the concourse so fans can see right into the batting area as players are practicing.
COMING FOR THE 2025 SEASON
• JACE JUNG BOBBLEHEAD : The Detroit infield prospect’s giveaway will contain a special surprise for fans when it’s removed from the box after the game and the lights are turned off.
Saturday Sept. 7
• “CRUSH THE NUTS” HOMESTAND : When West Michigan closes the regular season against the rival Lansing Lugnuts,T-shirts will be tossed into the crowd every time the Whitecaps score a run. Sept. 3-8
Promos for every day of the week
• Tuesday Bulletin Nights: Bring a church or community bulletin to the box office and get half-off box or reserved seats. (Limit: eight tickets per bulletin.)
• Silver Slugger Wednesdays: Baseball fans who are still young at heart – technically this means ages 50 and over - can purchase half-off box or reserved seat tickets by showing their ID at the box office.
• Thrifty Thursdays: $3.00 hot dogs and Pepsi drinks for all fans. College students and military personnel also can receive half-off a reserved seat by showing valid IDs.
• Sunday Family Days: The entire baseball-loving family has the opportunity to play catch on the field and get player autographs before the game and then run the bases afterward. And first 1,000 kids 12 and under through the gates get to eat free!
Don’t forget about another factor that makes baseball games are so enjoyable: ballpark food. Beyond peanuts and Cracker Jack, fans can find something for everyone, from hotdogs, beer, and soda to a variety of diverse vegetarian and gluten-free options throughout the stadium. And for dessert, there’s ice cream, elephant ears, and Dippin’ Dots.
Presented by: J+H Oil
Presented by: Alta Material Handling
Presented by: Gentex
lmcu ballpark
COMSTOCK PARK – You’ll have to forgive the West Michigan Whitecaps if they actually don’t ask fans to pardon the dust at LMCU Ballpark the next few years.
The team certainly isn’t trying to be rude. Everyone is just excited about what’s coming next.
In January 2023, the team announced a phased, multi-year construction project designed to completely reimagine the 30-yearold ballpark. It’s all part of a continuing, comprehensive effort to reimagine what the facility can be over the next 30 years – for players, fans, and the greater West Michigan community.
As a result, fans will not only be able to witness the evolution of the next batch of Detroit Tigers players, but also the future of their entire gameday experience.
and that shows growth. We’re reinvesting in the facility and the anticipation is going to be there for a lot of people,” Whitecaps Vice President and General Manager Jim Jarecki said. “Once it’s done, once we get to that end game, this ballpark is going to be in a primo place to take us into the next couple of decades.”
phase 1
An elevated player experience
Phase 1 of construction started in spring 2023 and almost entirely focused on updating the player facilities based on Major League Baseball’s requirements. These improvements included:
Rebuilding the third base clubhouse, which will serve as the Whitecaps’ home clubhouse, moving visiting teams across the field to the newly-renovated clubhouse on the first-base side. The Whitecaps’ new clubhouse offers a larger weight room and training facilities, dedicated spaces for female coaches and staff, and a state-of-the-art batting tunnel.
Upgrading the stadium lights to LEDs which are brighter while reducing both glare and light pollution, which was completed prior to the 2023 season.
“The Tigers are excited. Our affiliation with Detroit dates back to 1997, so they know what this market means, they know what this facility means to players and the community,” Jarecki said. “When they send the players here, they see nothing but the positives. It’s going to continue to be a great facility for the players to play in on a daily basis.”
Phase 1 also featured enhanced group hospitality experiences with a new suite-level club space built above the new batting tunnel on the third-base side.
The upgrades required an extensive planning process as fans tracked the steady progress through the 2023 season.
“Last year was all about discovery, fact finding, going over engineering reports, drawings. It ended up being kind of a delayed start, but we wanted to do it right,” Jarecki said. “This project is a little different than when you’re doing something brand new from scratch. When you have a building that’s already 30 years old, you’re going to find things that maybe weren’t quite expected, and you need to adapt. But we worked through that last summer and took that work through winter.”
phase 2
Transforming LMCU Ballpark
Phase 2 will begin after the last game this September. This phase will include field improvements and a reconfiguration of some group hospitality spaces.
The playing surface will be replaced for the first time in 12 years. The grass and infield playing surface will be completely removed to make way for the installation of a new drainage system. In addition, the bullpens will be moved to the outfield and lie behind the right-field wall, giving pitchers the same type of experience and viewpoint they will have sitting in the bullpen of a major league stadium. The outfield walls will be brought in to reduce the distance in the power alleys, making the field a hitter’s park and giving players similar angles they can expect when they reach the Major Leagues.
The lawn area will be situated behind the bullpens, allowing avid fans to follow the action on both the field and in the bullpens.
Along with the obvious field changes will come additional changes to the seating areas. Phase 2 brings new terraces to both the first and third base sides to introduce more space for group outings. While the new configuration won’t necessarily add more capacity to the stadium, it will give fans more room to move around the deck and provide spectacular right-field views of the action. The lawn will be relocated to right field near the bullpens.
“Phase 2 will be truly transformational. The new field, bullpens, and wall angles will be on par with major league fields and something the players will appreciate as they continue to develop for their major league debuts,” Jarecki said. “And the improvements to the seating areas will be appreciated by fans as they get the front-row experience of the sights and sounds of professional baseball.”
2024 lmcu ballpark construction update
phase 3
Reimagining the fan experience
Phase 3 is expected to begin in 2025 and is focused on providing the next generation of Whitecaps fans with an exciting new gameday experience. Future features will include:
A redesigned stadium entrance that offers a view of the field as soon as fans reach the top of the steps.
Exterior site activation for more entertainment options in areas outside the facility.
A beach-themed beautification of the facility’s 45 acres.
An updated suite level with a new home plate club area.
An expanded concourse with new and improved food, entertainment, and gathering options, including the construction of private outdoor suites.
A new CapSized Shop retail space and new ticket office.
A 360-degree boardwalk-styled concourse that allows fans to walk all the way around the field and view games from different perspectives.
A state-of-the-art 400-seat center field hospitality club and special events center, which will become the ballpark’s largest space and can be used for weddings, conferences, and other special events.
“Fans will be able to see the ongoing progress,” Jarecki said. “As fans drive on the highway, they’ll be able to see the larger structures and ongoing construction up and down U.S. 131.”
The modernization project has enjoyed a collaborative, team-first approach from the very beginning. The
Whitecaps front office worked with the Detroit-based architecture firm ROSSETTI for more than a year to develop the plans to improve and expand LMCU Ballpark. Locally, Erhardt Construction has been serving as the general contractor, and Progressive AE is assisting with additional project details.
The Whitecaps also will continue to work closely with the Tigers and Major League Baseball officials to ensure they meet the established minimum facility requirements set for every minor league team.
The entire project has an estimated completion of 2028, depending on baseball schedules, construction timelines, and permit coordination with Plainfield Township.
LMCU Ballpark already holds a unique distinction as one of the few privately financed stadiums in all of Minor League Baseball. As a result, the project relies on private investments and targeted partnerships to help with funding efforts.
“We’re making sure we are going the right way about this,” Jarecki said. “We keep going back and forth to make sure everything is right before we make any final decisions. But the anticipation is definitely already there for the community.”
In fact, the most difficult part of the entire project may be playing the waiting game. Fans and players alike have been tracking the renovation progress since the first announcement was first made.
“Everything has been so well received. There have been times in the legacy of the ballpark that really stand out and are etched in people’s minds, the six Midwest League championships being one obvious example,” Jarecki said. “But this announcement was one that really got attention. People grew up at this ballpark. I’ve heard so many times what great memories people have made and what a big community asset this ballpark is.
“We’re not going anywhere, so it’s the perfect time to reinvest in that support.”
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ballpark a-z guide
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: The West Michigan Whitecaps administrative offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. On game days our ticket office is open from 10:00 a.m. until after the game and can be reached at (616) 784-4131.
ALCOHOL MANAGEMENT: In compliance with Michigan state law, anyone under the age of 21 will not be served alcohol at LMCU Ballpark. If customers wish to consume alcohol while at LMCU Ballpark, they must present a valid ID. Violators of the law will be removed from LMCU Ballpark. As part of our alcohol management policy, the Whitecaps offer free cab rides.
APPEARANCES: Schools and other organizations may request a player or mascot appearance by filling out calling the Whitecaps Community Relations Department at (616) 784-4131 ext. 1154.
AUTOGRAPHS: Fans may seek autographs near the Whitecaps bullpen on the first base side before and after the game, as well as near the clubhouse on the first base concourse after the game. In addition, a team autograph session is held on the field every Sunday before the game for all fans. *Please remember that players must focus on their jobs, so please respect their judgment on signing or not signing autographs before the game.
AUTOMOBILE ASSISTANCE: Fans who encounter vehicle troubles while visiting LMCU Ballpark may receive assistance from Whitecaps staff. If your vehicle won’t start or you need some help, simply lift the hood of your car or contact a Whitecaps representative.
BABY CHANGING STATIONS: Changing stations are located in all restrooms along the concourse, CapSized Shop, behind the Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Deck, as well as in the DTE Energy Suite Level unisex restroom behind home plate. There is also a changing station available in the Founders Rooftop restroom.
BAG CHECK: LMCU Ballpark security reserves the right to inspect and confiscate any package or container coming in the ballpark. Purses, backpacks, and diaper bags are permitted but are subject to a search.
BARRIER-FREE SEATING AND PARKING: The Whitecaps provide wheelchair accessible and companion seating in the 4Topps, premium box, box, and reserved seating areas. All of our group hospitality areas, including the DTE Energy Suite Level, feature easy wheelchair accessibility. Elevators are located on either side of the ballpark to take fans to the box seat level. LMCU Ballpark has handicapped reserved parking spaces in all lots. Proper identification is required to use these spaces.
BIKES: We have bike racks available for fans in the front plaza (Gate A). LMCU Ballpark is located right off the White Pine Trail, great for biking! Sponsored by Grand Valley Metro Council.
BIRTHDAYS: Fans wishing to purchase a Whitecaps Marge’s Donut Den Birthday Party Package should contact the Group Sales Department at (616) 784-4131. Birthday messages will be scrolled on the video board during the middle of the 4th inning. The best way to get your announcement made is to fill out the Birthday Announcement page found here or call (616) 784-4131 ext. 1160 and leave a message 24 hours in advance on the birthday hotline answering machine, which is checked daily.
CAPSIZED SHOP: CapSized Shop, the Whitecaps souvenir shop, can be found on the concourse behind home plate of LMCU Ballpark. CapSized is open on gamedays at 10 a.m. The Capsized Shop closes two hours before game time and opens up again when the gates open. Fans will be accommodated during normal business hours, Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Please call for off-season store hours.
CENTENNIAL SECURITIES DECK: The Centennial Securities Deck is located just behind the left field wall and can accommodate groups of up to 250 people. Groups can rent the upper, lower, or entire deck depending on its needs. For more information, contact the Whitecaps Group Sales Department at (616) 784-4131.
CASHLESS: LMCU Ballpark is cashless. A cash to card kiosk can be found by Gate A. Please visit whitecapsbaseball.com for more information.
CONCESSIONS: LMCU Ballpark’s concessions are located all along the concourse and Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Deck, with main concession areas located near the main entrance on either side of home plate and satellite concessions located throughout the concourse.
DTE ENERGY SUITE LEVEL: Luxury suites may be available for game rental. For more information, contact the Whitecaps Group Sales Department at (616) 784-4131 ext. 0.
E-MAIL: Whitecaps administrative staff member E-mail addresses consist of the first name and last initial @ whitecapsbaseball.com. For example: JaneD@ whitecapsbaseball.com for Jane Doe. The general E-mail address is playball@ whitecapsbaseball.com. Whitecaps players do not have individual E-mail addresses through the team.
FAN MAIL: Player fan mail may be sent care of the Whitecaps Clubhouse, P.O. Box 428, Comstock Park, MI 49321.
FAN SUGGESTIONS: Fans with a comment or suggestion may express it in person or by filling out the suggestion form at the Michigan Paving Guest Services.
FIRST AID: The First Aid station is located on the concourse level behind home plate. The first aid station is staffed by certified personnel from Corewell Health.
FOOD AND DRINK: Coolers, cans, bottles, or food will not be permitted in the ballpark, with exceptions for baby products and medical necessities.
FOUNDERS ROOFTOP: Located along the first baseline above the administration building, the Founders Rooftop can host groups from 150 to 200 people. Some features include a spectacular view of the game and the Grand River, rooftop atmosphere, private restrooms, and partially covered seating.
FOUL BALLS: Fans may keep any ball that is hit or thrown into the stands. However, any ball or bat thrown can be potentially dangerous - please stay alert at all times. Those leaving the park to retrieve a ball will need to show their game ticket for re-entry and bags are subject to search.
GATES OPEN: On game days, LMCU Ballpark will open its gates for the public one hour fifteen minutes before game time.
GENERAL RV CAMPGROUND: The General RV Campground is reserved for private parties and is located near the Whitecaps Bullpen on the first baseline. It accommodates groups of up to 150. For more information, contact the Whitecaps Group Sales Department at (616) 784-4131.
GROUP OUTINGS: Groups of 20 or more may book outings through the Whitecaps Group Sales Department. Please call (616) 784-4131 for more information.
KIDS MEALS: The LMCU Ballpark main concessions stands (Crash’s Cravings and Franky’s Favorites) offer a Kids Meal. The meal consists of a regular hot dog, chips, cookie and small drink.
LOST AND FOUND: Lost and found items can be taken to and retrieved from the Michigan Paving Guest Services, located on the concourse behind home plate.
LUMBERMEN’S GRILL AREA: Enjoy a pre-game or in-game barbeque on the first base Lumbermen’s Grill Area. Let the Whitecaps serve your group dinner and then head to a reserved seating section with your group to watch the game.
MEIJER HOMETOWN PLAYGROUND: The Meijer Hometown Playground is just past the first base lawn area and open until the eighth inning. The Whitecaps provide attendants but cannot be held responsible for the actions of children in the playground. Parents are strongly encouraged to monitor their children.
MILLER LITE HOUSE DECK: The Miller Lite House Deck provides a rooftop atmosphere and can accommodate 350 people. It is located just behind the rightcenterfield wall and above the Pepsi Stadium Club. For more information, contact the Whitecaps Group Sales Department at (616) 784-4131.
NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGERS: Those interested in performing the National Anthem prior to a Whitecaps game should send an email and audio file of your “a capella” version of the National Anthem to Ben Love at BenL@whitecapsbaseball. com.
PAGING: The public address system at LMCU Ballpark will be used for paging in extreme cases only. Those needing to page someone should report to the Michigan Paving Guest Services located on the concourse behind home plate.
PARKING: Parking is $8.00 at LMCU Ballpark for cars and $10.00 for buses and RVs. Motorcycle parking is available, courtesy of BMW Motorcycles, for $8.00.
PEPSI STADIUM CLUB: The Pepsi Stadium Club is located behind the right-centerfield wall and provides a plush, climate-controlled area for up to 250 people. The Pepsi Stadium Club also offers 13 televisions, private restrooms and an exclusive bar/buffet. The Pepsi Stadium Club is available for rent year round. For more information, contact the Whitecaps Group Sales Department at (616) 784-4131.
PIONEER STATE MUTUAL INSURANCE DECK: The Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Deck is located behind the right field wall and is reserved for private parties. The Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Deck seats up to 250 people and is equipped for food and drink service before and during the game. For more information, contact the Whitecaps Group Sales Department at (616) 784-4131.
PLANET FITNESS PATIO: The Planet Fitness Patio is located along the third base side next to the visitor’s bullpen. This area has a mix of soft seating and swivel chairs along the field that can seat up to 120 people. For more information, contact the Whitecaps Group Sales Department at (616) 784-4131.
PROHIBITED ITEMS: Prohibited items include outside food and beverages, glass bottles/containers, coolers, alcoholic drinks, smoking including e-cigs, pets/animals (except Certified Assistance Dogs), weapons of any kind. The West Michigan Whitecaps and LMCU Ballpark reserve the right to check any bag or container coming into the facility and confiscate any prohibited items.
PROMOTIONS: The promotions schedule is available online at whitecapsbaseball. com.
PROPOSALS: If you would like to propose at a Whitecaps home game, please contact Ben Love at BenL@whitecapsbaseball.com. Proposal requests must be submitted 1 week prior to preferred game date and are limited to one per game, on a first-come, first-served basis.
PUBLICATIONS: The Whitecaps publish The Wave, a free full-color program with scorecard for each series of games.
RAIN CHECKS: In the event that 5 innings of one game are not played, except when the Whitecaps are in the lead at the end of 4 1/2 innings, any ticket from that game will be good for exchange for the same price ticket to any regular season Whitecaps home game or playoff home game this season. All exchanges are subject to availability. There are no refunds for tickets for a rain out game. Also, any rainout tickets purchased from Tickets.com may only be exchanged at the Whitecaps Ticket Office.
RESTROOMS: Restrooms are located on the concourse level on the first and third base sides, as well as on the DTE Energy Suite Level and behind the Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Deck. All of the restrooms at LMCU Ballpark are wheelchair accessible.
SECURITY: The Whitecaps have several security personnel at each game. In the event of a security problem, notify a member of security, a member of the Whitecaps staff, or report to the Michigan Paving Guest Services booth located on the concourse behind home plate.
SMOKING: LMCU Ballpark is a smoke-free facility (including e-cigarettes and vaping). You may smoke outside of Gate C or outside of Gate A at the bottom of the stairs, however, a ticket is required for re-entry.
SPEAKERS BUREAU: Organizations seeking a speaker from the Whitecaps should contact the Community Relations Department at (616) 784-4131 ext. 1154.
STROLLERS: Strollers are allowed in LMCU Ballpark.
TAILGATING: Tailgating is NOT allowed at LMCU Ballpark.
TICKET OFFICE HOURS: The Whitecaps Ticket Office is open during the season Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and during all home games. On weekend home dates, the advanced ticket sales window opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes after the game.
in our Community
From the neighborhood fields to the grand arenas, we stand united in supporting our community and its leagues!
2004 champIonshIp team
2004
COMSTOCK PARK – Twenty years ago, “Shrek 2” was the top film at the box office, “American Idol” ruled the TV ratings, Usher’s “Yeah!” was the song of the summer, and the West Michigan Whitecaps were champions.
As the 2004 Midwest League All-Star break approached, though, the Whitecaps’ place at the top seemed about as likely as Usher playing the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show.
But sometimes you just have to let things play out. The Whitecaps ended the first half of that 2004 season in last place in the Midwest League standings. While there may have been nowhere to go but up from there, even the most devoted optimists would have been hard pressed to predict that the team would go on to win the third championship in franchise history. That’s exactly what happened, though, as the team closed out the second half of the season on a 24-6 run that catapulted them into the postseason. Here, several key members of that team reminisce on what made that season so special and how they were
able to turn everything around and capture another championship for West Michigan.
ANTHONY TOMEY (Relief pitcher): “We were the worst team in the league in the first half, dead last. I remember one of the organization’s player development directors came into the locker room in the last game before the all-star game and said something like, ‘Just so you know, a bunch of guys aren’t going to be here in the second half if you don’t get to together.’ ”
GARTH MCKINNEY (Right fielder): “I don’t know what it was that first half that caused us to struggle. It’s hard to put a finger on it, but I do remember at one point (Whitecaps manager) Matt Walbeck basically shut off the music in the clubhouse and basically told us to get with it.”
2004 Championship Team
Walbeck’s managerial career started only a few months after his playing career had ended with the 2003 Detroit Tigers, who finished 43-119 that season and set the record for most losses in American League history. If there was any pressure on Walbeck to win right away, he didn’t feel it.
JIM JARECKI, VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER: “Matt Walbeck was a special manager. Barely had the catching gear off when he became our manager and then to drive these guys to a special season. He was such a steady force for the players. Once we started that turnaround in August, there was no stopping us. Those guys were a machine.”
WALBECK: “We plugged along and 30 games into the second half, we started to find ourselves and I started to figure myself out as a manager. Next thing you know, we’re in the playoffs. I do know that we had a sense of urgency and the feeling of playing scared went away. We just went out and focused on our tasks at hand and I remember having a lot of freedom as a manager.”
GIARRATANO: “I wish I had been there longer. I was only there in April and May and then I got called up (to Lakeland). While I do have a ring and remain friends with a bunch of those guys, it all started at the top with Walbeck. Being a true player’s manager and coach, and having played the game itself, was what really made it happen.”
The foundation of that 2004 team dated back to the 2003 New YorkPenn League, where the Oneonta Tigers short season roster featured future Whitecaps such as Giarratano, McKinney, Tomey, Vince Blue, Frankie De La Cruz, Andrew Graham, Kelly Hunt, and Virgil Vasquez, among others.
GIARRATANO: “That league for most of us, if not all of us, was our first taste of pro ball. Everybody was in the same boat, coming from college or high school, and trying to get acquainted, getting used to being
on the road, meeting with new teammates. You’re starting your journey together. Going through all that together, the crappy hotels, long bus rides, getting up early after a night game and having to play a day game, going through all those experiences creates a brotherhood.”
MCKINNEY: “Our camaraderie was awesome. When you’re together with guys for that amount of time, you get to know everybody, and we had a great time. We had a lot of fun on that team.”
GRAHAM (Catcher): “Great friendships. That was probably one of the closest teams I’ve been on. We all came up together and the team unity was really strong, which is sometimes rare.”
TOMEY: “We were all kind of in the same boat. We weren’t high round picks, we weren’t big name prospects, but we kind of said let’s just get as far as we can, and we just gelled. We were unstoppable that second half.”
WALBECK: “Our team had a sense of humor about it. We’d have Hawaiian shirt Sundays, lots of fun stuff that built camaraderie. We had some real characters on the team, but when the time came to play ball, we were not scared or intimidated.”
JARECKI: “These guys couldn’t lose in August. You don’t want to say anything as it’s happening, but the competitiveness and leadership they brought every day was fun to watch.”
The 24-6 run propelled the Whitecaps in the postseason, where they beat the Lansing Lugnuts and South Bend Silver Hawks before facing off against the Kane County Cougars – who had the best record in the league and beaten West Michigan eight straight times in the regular season.
“They sometimes looked like a varsity team playing against the freshmen team with talent they had.”
TOMEY: “We knew that Kane County was the best team the entire season. They had some big guys, guys who were going to play in big leagues. The (parent club Oakland) A’s were in that Moneyball mode, so they were all guys you’d heard of, not necessarily top picks but top college players. It was a
rivalry we had, but a cool atmosphere to play in.” After splitting the first four games, the Whitecaps won the deciding Game 5 in front of the home fans to complete the improbable in-season turnaround from last place to champions.
WALBECK: “It was exhilarating. The night before, I think we played 16 innings and lost a tough one. But we managed to come back, lay it all on the table, and get after it.”
MCKINNEY: “I get goosebumps just thinking about that. I remember that last out was a pop up between first and second and Eric Rodland bounced off Kelly Hunt. They were both calling for the ball and as big as Kelly was (6-foot-5, 240 pounds) Eric bounced off him and caught it. It was just pure excitement and a dog pile after that. Winning something like that with your friends is pretty special.”
GRAHAM: “I still remember that celebration. I’m from Australia and didn’t know what to expect. Until you’ve been in the game a long time, you don’t realize how rare championships are. The fact that we went to the playoffs that first year was special for all of us. It’s something we all still remember.”
TOMEY: “We had some great times. We found this stupid statue thing, I can’t remember what we called it, but we took it everywhere with us in the second half. After we won and were done celebrating, we ended up going out and burying it in the field after the game. It was just a great group of guys who still pull for each other.”
GIARRATANO: “I really think that the success of that team late in the year is a testament to the friendships and relationships and bonds that these guys had. They’re all friends to this day and I think that started in Oneonta and then they brought that to a great city with a great manager. It was the perfect combination for success.”
While 20 years may have passed since that final out clinched another Midwest League championship, the memories, friendships, and ties to the West Michigan community remain just as strong as they did in 2004. To this day, most of the players still keep in touch, whether it’s attending each other’s weddings, taking trips together, connecting on Facebook, or simply talking smack every fall in a fantasy football league.
GRAHAM went on to win another Midwest title as manager of the Whitecaps in 2015 and has also spent time in the Tigers organization as the manager in both Erie and Connecticut. He is currently the manager of the Lakeland Flying Tigers: “As a player, it’s exciting to win; as a manager; you put a lot more hours in behind closed doors getting prepared for the games. Amazing how different the feelings were. After we won 2004
championship, myself, Anthony Tomey, and Jim Jarecki got to go to Comerica Park onto field and were put up on the videoboard to represent the team. Dmitri Young gave us his suite for the game, and we ate like kings and got to watch the Tigers play. Pretty good way to wrap that season up.”
WALBECK won another Midwest League title as manager of the Whitecaps in 2006. From there, he managed Erie and later coached and managed with the Texas Rangers, Altoona Curve of the Eastern League, and Class A Rome Braves. These days he works with the California Parks and Rec system, coordinating with FEMA after natural disasters strike, and can be found at gowalbeck.com, a web-based training program designed for coaches and players: “Michiganders are completely loyal and may be the best sports fans in America. You have that sense of pride and, knowing that, you’re always trying to do your best. To experience that fan base and the excitement around the team and each other as a community really made it feel like family.”
GIARRATANO’s rise through the minors culminated in a 15-game stint with the Tigers in 2007. He now works as a commercial real estate broker in St. Louis and helps coach his kids’ youth sports teams: “Baseball is tough. When you travel so much and play on different teams, from high school to college to pro leagues, you lose touch with guys. Everyone intends to keep in touch but that’s not always the case. With this group, it’s the opposite.”
MCKINNEY gave baseball lessons to West Michigan athletes for years after his playing career ended. He now is a plant manager for Wonderland Tire in Wayland and devotes his time to his family and church: “That year we played for the Whitecaps, God started picking my heart. My salvation really started taking hold in 2004. I met my wife at very end of that season, and just days before my first kid born in 2010, we moved back to West Michigan. I have been very blessed to have a good church community that we are a part of, and the blessing that West Michigan has been for me personally and for my family has been really special.”
TOMEY opened his first Jimmy John’s franchise in the Detroit area while he was still playing for the Whitecaps. That entrepreneurial spirit exploded after his baseball days ended. He’s since opened another 50-plus Jimmy John’s locations in the Detroit metro area, launched the “Born in Detroit” apparel line, and created 8 Mile Vodka: “So many great memories. We had a party during the all-star break, a huge bash at my cousin’s house. We did a lot of dumb things, but that catapulted us into the second half. It was an awesome summer. Just a great group of guys who still pull for each other.”
HOME RUN
It’s In The Bag
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hall of fame whitecaps
COMSTOCK PARK - Matt Manning’s West Michigan Whitecaps debut might not have been perfect, but it didn’t take long for fans to see why the Detroit Tigers made him the No. 9 overall pick in the 2016 Major League Baseball draft.
In his first three appearances, the right-handed pitcher gave up 11 runs on nine hits over 6 2/3 innings.
Manning didn’t need long to find his footing, though. He immediately followed those three games with six shutout innings against Bowling Green and nine strikeouts in five innings against Fort Wayne. In 16 games with the Whitecaps overall during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Manning struck out a whopping 102 batters before getting named to the 2018 All-Star Futures Game and then making his Tigers debut in June 2021.
Then, on July 8, 2023, Manning pitched the first 6 2/3 innings of a combined no-hitter with relievers Jason Foley and Alex Lange in the Tigers’ 2-0 win against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Despite an inauspicious start, it’s easy to see why Manning was named one of baseball’s top 100 prospects for five consecutive seasons, and why he was ultimately inducted into the West Michigan Whitecaps Hall of Fame this past winter.
“That’s what the minor leagues are for, I think, putting yourselves in those jams,” Manning said in a YouTube video thanking West Michigan fans for their loyalty and support. “I mean, at the time I was 19 and 20 years old and it was the most important baseball of my life. Just those situations, building myself to be the big-league pitcher I am now, are just invaluable.
“Playing for the Whitecaps is where I learned what it was like to play and pitch for a city and not just for myself because I knew everyone who came to watch us play wanted us to win just as badly as I did.”
Make your 2025 Hall of Fame nomination!
Want to have a hand in determining the next Whitecaps Hall of Fame member? Now’s your chance.
Nominations for the hall of fame’s next class will be accepted through May 15. Fan voting will begin on June 1 and votes can be cast via the Whitecaps website until Sept. 1.
Inductees will be determined by a committee that includes members of the front office and local media representatives, as well as online fan votes from a list of former Whitecaps players, managers, and staff. The 2025 Hall of Fame class will be announced in October.
Eligible candidates must meet the following requirements:
Players and coaches
Played or coached for the Whitecaps in his or her career.
Must be out of the Whitecaps organization for a minimum of five years.
In case of death, the candidate must be out of the Whitecaps organization for a minimum one year.
Non-player/non-coach candidates
Other members of the Whitecaps community will be eligible.
Candidates will be judged based on outstanding contributions, support, or significant achievements to the organization and/or West Michigan community.
Criteria
Criteria of possible candidates will be judged over the individual candidate’s entire career. Achievements with the Whitecaps will be emphasized, but the entirety of a career will be considered. Candidates will be judged on his or her impact on the community, character, sportsmanship, and integrity.
areas & Deck rentals
MILLER LITE HOUSE DECK
our largest hospitality area located in rightcenter field. Unique and spectacular view of the field, canvas awnings and a private bar area.
Group Size: 250-350
Price: $4,200
Includes: 300 tickets
(50 additional tickets available for purchase)
PIONEER STATE MUTUAL INSURANCE DECK
Partially-covered seating with a fantastic view of the game. Located in right field.
Group Size: 150-250
Price: $3,000
Includes: 200 tickets
(50 additional tickets available for purchase)
PEPSI STADIUM CLUB
Group Size: 150-250
Price: $3,900
Includes: 200 tickets
(50 additional tickets available for purchase)
Indoor and outdoor seating, private restrooms, HDTVs, climate-controlled settings and a private bar area. Located in right-center field. two
Group Size: 100-150
Price: $2,450
Includes: 150 tickets
(No additional tickets available)
FOUNDERS ROOFTOP
Spectacular view of both the game and the Grand River located on the first baseline. Partially-covered picnic tables, private restrooms and rooftop atmosphere.
Group Size: 150-250
Price: $3,200
Includes: 200 tickets
(50 additional tickets available for purchase)
PLANET FITNESS PATIO
Two-tier area right next to the HOME bullpen on the third baseline. Swivel field seats with food and drink rail and cushioned patio seating.
Group Size: 80-125
Price: $2,400
Includes: 125 tickets
(No additional tickets available)
Full Deck: $3,000 - 200 tickets
(50 additional available for purchase)
Lower Deck: $2,100 - 125 tickets
(15 additional available for purchase)
Upper Deck: $1,350 - 75 tickets
(5 additional available for purchase)
That’s
Fan Code of Conduct
To provide a welcoming experience for all, the West Michigan Whitecaps have implemented a Fan Code of Conduct. Out of respect for fellow guests, players, coaches, and ballpark staff, all guests are prohibited from:
· Trespassing on the playing field at any time;
· Interfering with baseballs that are in play;
· Throwing or tossing objects;
· Using foul, obscene or derogatory language (see below) or gestures;
· Misusing or overconsuming alcohol, including, underage consumption;
· Behaving in a manner that is disruptive, unruly, or abusive;
· Accessing areas of the ballpark without a proper ticket, pass, or credential;
· Misusing tickets, passes, or credentials in any way; or
· Bringing prohibited items into the ballpark.
Derogatory language is defined as offensive language concerning a person’s race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or national origin. Anyone using such language is subject to automatic ejection from the ballpark.
Violations of the Fan Code of Conduct will not be tolerated and may lead to ejection from the ballpark, a ban on attending future games, or other consequences. Guests who are found to have used derogatory language will be ejected from L-M-C-U ballpark.
Guests are encouraged to report violations of the Fan Code of Conduct to the nearest ballpark staff member. This can be done in person, at the Michigan Paving Guest Service location, directly with Ballpark Security, or by calling 616-784-4131.
Sure, we’re home to the West Michigan Whitecaps - but what are we doing the 300 or so days a year that they’re away? LMCU Ballpark is West Michigan’s largest outdoor event destination, and the perfect location for your next special event - any time of year!
Buying a new home, expanding your business, or looking for the best way to keep more money in your pocket? Team up with LMCU, the credit union rated #1 in Michigan and Florida for helping our members earn more and pay less.*
Open an account today. Call (616) 242-9790, visit LMCU.org, or slide into one of our convenient locations.
Pierre & Liliane, LMCU members
CALL 811 BEFORE YOU DIG
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