The Wave Vol.18 Issue 4 - 2023

A MESSAGE FROM WHITECAPS CEO

WELCOME BACK TO BASEBALL, WHITECAPS FANS!

On behalf of the entire Whitecaps organization, we can’t wait to celebrate 30 memorable seasons of Fun, Community, Experiences with all our fans at LMCU Ballpark this summer! A lot has changed since the Whitecaps came “Crashin’ ashore in ‘94’”, but one thing has always remained the same: our commitment to providing the best kind of summertime FUN to everyone in West Michigan!

In the dugout, Bryan Pena returns as Whitecaps manager to lead what looks to be a promising lineup of Detroit Tigers prospects. Get excited for another extremely talented roster to roll through West Michigan this season and 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 all off-season long to reimagine the FUN and create the best FAN experience in baseball. From new food items, to reimagined promotions to a fantastic slate of non-baseball special events, the 2023 season is stacked with experiences that will bring you back to the ballpark time and time again. Just to highlight a few…

• A season-long celebration of our 30th Anniversary with Flashback Fry-days, where reserved seat pricing will flash back to $12.50 and a flashback food item will be featured!

• We will celebrate West Michigan’s unique and diverse community with events like PRIDE Night on June 8th, our transformation to Las Calaveras de West Michigan on June 10th, July 30th and September 8th and our Negro League Appreciation Night on June 29th!

• Our fan favorite Made In Michigan Wednesdays will feature appearances by Lomas Brown Jack Morris, Larry Murphy, TJ Lang and Robert Fick!

• Fantastic promotional nights including Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond night on July 14th, Star Wars Night on June 24th and Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol Night on July 28th!

• A fantastic slate of LMCU Ballpark special events occurring when the ‘Caps are on the road, including Donut and Beer Fest on May 6th and B-93’s Birthday Bash on June 17th!

Perhaps our biggest news this off-season was the announcement of our LMCU Ballpark Modernization project. In January, we announced that the Whitecaps are doubling down and embarking on a multi-year project that will reinvest in the next 30 years of Whitecaps baseball by reimagining what LMCU Ballpark can be for baseball, the community, and the local entertainment landscape. Construction on Phase One is currently underway, so please excuse our dust during the 2023 season, and will be completed prior to Opening Day 2024. For more information on Phase One, and the entire project, please visit www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

So, after a long Michigan winter we want to welcome our fans back to the ballpark and to our Whitecaps brand of fun! Get ready to once again enjoy all those summer nights at LMCU Ballpark, hot dogs and peanuts, the sounds of baseball and 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 what is going to be an incredible season of Whitecaps Baseball and LMCU Ballpark events!

And last, but certainly not least, we can’t forget to say Thank You to West Michigan for your continued support of Whitecaps baseball and LMCU Ballpark. Your support pushes us every day to make sure that 2023 will be the best season of Whitecaps baseball yet. So, thank you, you truly are the best fans in baseball.

WELCOME TO LMCU BALLPARK! LET’S PLAY BALL!

JOE CHAMBERLIN CEO West Michigan Whitecaps

ballpark Modernization project

ballpark modernization project

For 30 years, LMCU Ballpark has hosted countless milestones and events that have left a lasting impression on the West Michigan community and the game of baseball. The home of the West Michigan Whitecaps has hosted more than 11 million fans, sent dozens of players to the Detroit Tigers, earned six Midwest League championships, and created hundreds of jobs to help drive the local economy.

In January, Whitecaps leadership announced that they are doubling down and embarking on a multiyear project that will reinvest in the next 30 years of Whitecaps baseball by reimagining what LMCU Ballpark can be for baseball, the community, and the local entertainment landscape.

Whitecaps management has worked with Detroit-based architecture firm ROSSETTI, a worldwide leader in the design of sports and entertainment facilities, for more than a year to develop plans to modernize LMCU Ballpark and cement it as a stateof-the-art facility that will entertain and embrace new generations of families, fans and players for years to come. West Michigan-based Erhardt Construction is the general contractor, and Progressive AE is assisting with several aspects of the project.

Joe Chamberlin, Whitecaps CEO and Managing Partner, said the construction project will ensure that LMCU Ballpark remains one of the best facilities in the nation.

“This ballpark is full of history, championships, and

memories for so many West Michigan families, including my own,” said Chamberlin. “Our primary objective in leading this franchise has always been to ensure that we are growing our fan base and that we are preparing to meet the needs of the next generation of Whitecaps fans, just as we have done for fans over the last 30 years. Once complete, this project will deliver the venue that the “best minor league sports market in the country” deserves and will ensure that LMCU Ballpark remains a top tier facility, both locally and nationally, for Whitecaps games, concerts, and special events for decades to come.”

The project will be divided into phases, with Phase 1 construction work beginning in just a few months to be completed prior to Opening Day 2024. All phases of the project are expected to be fully completed in roughly five years, based on baseball schedules, construction timelines and securing needed support and required approvals for future phases from Plainfield Township. LMCU Ballpark is one of a small number of privately financed Minor League stadiums in the country. As such, Phase 1 and all future phases will rely on significant private investment along with targeted public support to reach completion.

“Bringing all phases of this project to completion is going to be a heavy lift for our organization and ownership group,” Chamberlin said. “We are incredibly confident that our track record of success will help us secure the community stakeholder support we will need from the township and other partners to make CONTINUED ON PG. 7

LMCU Ballpark to undergo multi-phase modernization construction project.

all future phases of this reimagine a reality for the West Michigan community.”

When all project elements are complete, the construction phases are designed so that the final product offers a cohesive look, as if all phases were completed together. ROSSETTI took inspiration for the overall design from familiar lakeshore and beach town mainstays such as boardwalks, dune and beach grass, exposed beams, and outdoor social gathering spaces.

Phase 1

work began in the spring of 2023 and will be completed prior to the Whitecaps’ 2024 season. This phase focuses on player-facing improvements, which are driven by facility standard requirements set by Major League Baseball, and group hospitality experiences. It includes industry-leading player amenities to better develop the next generation of Detroit Tigers, completely overhauling the player experience for future Whitecaps. Player-facing improvements include both the home and visitor clubhouses and the playing surface, in addition to the stadium lighting upgrade that was completed last fall.

The third base side visitors’ clubhouse will be completely rebuilt and will become the home clubhouse, as the Whitecaps and visiting teams switch sides. The new home clubhouse will offer enhanced player spaces, larger weight room and training facilities, dedicated space for female coaching staff, and a state-of-the-art batting tunnel attached to the home clubhouse.

The grass and infield playing surface will be fully replaced, including the drainage system. Bullpens will be moved behind the right field wall, and the outfield dimensions will be reconfigured to closely match the angles players will see when they reach the Major Leagues.

Stadium lights were upgraded last fall to brighter, precisely focused LED lights with less glare and less light pollution. The new lights are capable of colored light shows synced to music for dramatic entertainment

during and after games as well as special events. Phase 1 will also completely revitalize the group hospitality experience at LMCU Ballpark with the construction of a new suite-level club space and expanded and upgraded group terraces on what is now the first and third base lawn areas.

A brand-new suite-level club space will be built above the new batting tunnel at the end of the third base structure, accommodating 200 guests for use on gamedays as well as year-round for special events. The space includes floor-to-ceiling windows, a large balcony for outdoor viewing, various height table and chair clusters, and a bar space for food and beverage service. Its capacity is similar to that of the current Pepsi Stadium Club.

Enlarged group space takes over the existing lawn slopes on both the first and third base sides, replacing the current hospitality areas down the lines. Several tiers of seating and gathering areas, from the concourse all the way down to field level, offer a variety of engagement opportunities and food service options for groups of 20 or more. These tiers offer a more cohesive look and feel while allowing flexibility for groups of all sizes to enjoy private areas. The third base side will feature four tiers, while the first base side includes three tiers and will adjoin the new bullpens.

For increased fan safety, the netting will be extended beyond the ends of the dugouts, where it currently ends, and go from foul pole to foul pole. Whitecaps President Steve McCarthy said strong demand for group hospitality spaces drove this portion of the construction plans.

“LMCU Ballpark continues to be a popular destination for summer outings and social gatherings,” McCarthy said. “The additional hospitality spaces will allow us to accommodate even more groups and provide more unique offerings than ever before. Each space will have its own character and distinctive seating layout, including ample space for casual gathering.”

In Part 2, fans provide more favorite ballpark views CONTINUED ON PG. 9

While the existing lawn areas will be replaced with the tiered hospitality areas, fans who enjoy viewing a Whitecaps game from the grass will still have that opportunity. A new lawn space will be created above the bullpens in the outfield, offering a view of both the game and the action in the bullpens below.

Fans attending games and events at LMCU Ballpark during the 2023 season will notice that the concourse third base barbeque area will be fenced off and closed to accommodate groundwork for Phase 1 construction.

Phase 2

will include construction projects in 2025 and beyond, building on LMCU Ballpark’s 30 years of history by completely overhauling the stadium and preparing it for a new generation of Whitecaps fans. Features of future projects include:

A reimagined stadium entrance experience that offers a view of the baseball field straight ahead as fans reach the top of the steps.

Exterior site activation for more entertainment options in the spaces outside the facility.

Beautification of the facility’s 45 acres, all conforming to the beach theme. A fully reimagined and updated suite level with a home plate club area.

An expanded concourse with new and improved food, entertainment and gathering options, including the construction of private outdoor suites for groups that prefer the great outdoors.

A new CapSized Shop retail space and new ticket office.

A new 360-degree concourse, modeled after a lakeshore style boardwalk, that allows fans to walk all the way around the field, enjoy gathering spaces in the outfield area and view the game from a number of different perspectives.

A state-of-the-art 400-seat center field hospitality club and special events center, the ballpark’s largest

space yet, that will provide a new level of gameday experience while also creating one of West Michigan’s most unique views for weddings, conferences, and other large scale special events.

Kirk Phillips, a ROSSETTI partner who led the project, said it was important to him to ensure that his firm’s vision would build upon an already outstanding professional facility.

“ROSSETTI is honored to partner with the Whitecaps organization to reimagine a West Michigan destination: LMCU Ballpark,” Phillips said. “These design renovations will enhance the experience for baseball fans and players alike, creating new social spaces and addressing player facilities to exceed MLB standards. When completed, the improved ballpark will surprise and delight this great community for many future seasons. It was important to us to go above and beyond when reimagining LMCU Ballpark because it is so well-known in the industry as a top-notch facility. We feel the improvements to this unique facility will be impressive at any professional level.”

Chamberlin echoed the excitement about the future of LMCU Ballpark.

“This venue has always been one of the best in Minor League Baseball, and we have maintained it incredibly well over the last 30 years,” Chamberlin said. “But there is nothing like a NEW ballpark, and that’s what we are committed to delivering to West Michigan. When this project is completed, LMCU Ballpark will look and feel like a brand-new facility ready to meet the needs of a new generation of fans. It’s going to be FUN to see how this community responds to work we have planned; I think they are going to love it.” FOR MODERNIZATION UPDATES SCAN HERE!

$50 gift card to Ruth’s Chris Steak House Grand Rapids! Post a photo to your favorite social media channel while tagging the Whitecaps and @RuthsChrisGrandRapids for a chance to win. Include our hashtag:

BELOIT SKY CARP

BELOIT, WI

midwest league

Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

DAYTON DRAGONS

DAYTON, OH

Miami Marlins (2021) skycarp.com

ABC Supply Stadium

Billy Gardner

Dan Radison

Jason Erickson

CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

FORT WAYNE TINCAPS

FORT WAYNE, IN

Minnesota Twins (2013) kernels.com

Veterans Memorial Stadium

Brian Dinkleman

Corbin Day

Carlos Hernández

Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

GREAT LAKES LOONS

MIDLAND, MI

Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

LANSING LUGNUTS

LANSING, MI

Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

Cincinnati Reds (2000) daytondragons.com

Day Air Ballpark

Brian LaHair

Eric Richardson

Todd Naskedov

Affiliation: Website:

Stadium:

Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS

EASTLAKE, OH

San Diego Padres (1999) tincaps.com

Parkview Field

Jon Mathews

Aaron Bay

Carlos Chavez

Los Angeles Dodgers (2007) loons.com

Dow Diamond

Daniel Nava

O’koyea Dickson

David Anderson

Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

PEORIA CHIEFS

PEORIA, IL

Cleveland Gaurdians (2003) captainsbaseball.com

Classic Park

Omir Santos

Jordan Becker

Kevin Erminio

Oakland Athletics (2021) lansinglugnuts.com

Jackson Field Craig Conklin

Ron Witmeyer Don Schulze

QUAD CITIES RIVER BANDITS DAVENPORT, IA

Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

Kansas City Royals (2021) riverbandits.com

Modern Woodmen Park

Brooks Conrad

Ryan Powers

Derrick Lewis

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS COMSTOCK PARK, MI

Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

Detroit Tigers (1997) whitecapsbaseball.com

LMCU Ballpark

Brayan Pena

C.J. Wamsley

Dan Ricabel

Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

SOUTH BEND CUBS SOUTH BEND, IN

Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

St. Louis Cardinals (2014) peoriachiefs.com

Dozer Park

Patrick Anderson

Casey Chenoweth

Edwin Moreno

Chicago Cubs (2015) southbendcubs.com Four Winds Field

Lance Rymel

Dan Puente

Clayton Mortensen

WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS

APPLETON, WI

Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

Milwaukee Brewers (2009) timberrattlers.com

Neuroscience Group Field

Joe Ayrault

Ken Joyce

Drew Thomas

CATERING PRICING

Pre-package Dippin’ Dots

$3.75/serving (150+ pks)

$4.25/serving (75-150 pks)

MICHIGAN DIPPIN’ DOTS

FLAVORS:

#MittenLovesDippin

CATERING PRICING

Cookies ʻn Cream, Rainbow, Cotton Candy, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Banana Split, and Brownie Batter

#MittenLovesDippin

CATERING PRICING

Pre-package Dippin’ Dots

$3.75/serving (150+ pks)

Dippin’ Dots Freezer rental, deliver y and pickup

$4.25/serving (75-150 pks)

Pre-package Dippin’ Dots

$3 75/serving (150+ pks)

$1.50/mile

$4 25/serving (75-150 pks)

(Delivery from LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park, MI)

Dippin’ Dots Freezer rental, deliver y and pickup

$1.50/mile

PLEASE NOTE:

FLAVORS:

Cookies ʻn Cream, Rainbow, Cotton Candy, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Banana Split, and Brownie Batter

FLAVORS:

Cookies ʻn Cream, Rainbow, Cotton Candy, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Banana Split, and Brownie Batter

Dippin’ Dots Freezer rental, deliver y and pickup

(Delivery from LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park, MI)

$1.50/mile

PLEASE NOTE:

•2’x2’ freezer rental includes logoed Dippin’ Dot freezer that will maintain the required -40 degree temperature.

(Delivery from LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park, MI)

•2’x2’ freezer rental includes logoed Dippin’ Dot freezer that will maintain the required -40 degree temperature.

•Freezer requires a dedicated standard 120V electrical outlet

•Freezer requires a dedicated standard 120V electrical outlet

PLEASE NOTE:

•Freezer is the customer’s responsibility from delivery to pick-up

•Freezer is the customer’s responsibility from delivery to pick-up

•Product may not be returned

•2’x2’ freezer rental includes logoed Dippin’ Dot freezer that will maintain the required -40 degree temperature.

CONTACT:

CONTACT:

•Product may not be returned

•Flavors can mix and match in any quantity

•Freezer requires a dedicated standard 120V electrical outlet

•Flavors can mix and match in any quantity

•Freezer is the customer’s responsibility from delivery to pick-up

•Customer pickup of product is available at LMCU Ballpark for no delivery or rental fee. Customer must provide cooler and dry ice to keep product frozen. No minimum order applies to pickups.

•Product may not be returned

•Customer pickup of product is available at LMCU Ballpark for no delivery or rental fee. Customer must provide cooler and dry ice to keep product frozen. No minimum order applies to pickups.

•Pre-payment with credit card, cash or check payment at delivery required

•Flavors can mix and match in any quantity

•Customer pickup of product is available at LMCU Ballpark for no delivery or rental fee. Customer must provide cooler and dry ice to keep product frozen. No minimum order applies to pickups.

•Pre-payment with credit card, cash or check payment at delivery required

•Pre-payment with credit card, cash or check payment at delivery required

Todd Jeluso

Greg Sebright

GregS@capsdots.com

ToddJ@capsdots.com

CONTACT:

616-634-4917

616-634-4917

Todd Jeluso ToddJ@capsdots.com

4500 West River Dr Comstock Park, MI 49321

616-498-5868

616-498-5868

616-498-5868

4500 West River Dr Comstock Park, MI 49321

4500 West River Dr Comstock Park, MI 49321

jackson jobe RHP #1

DOB: 7/30/2002

HT: 6’2”

WT: 190

DRAFTED: RD 1 (2021)

SCHOOL: heritage Hall H.S. (ok) THROWS: R BATS: R

jace jung 2b #2

DOB: 10/04/2000 HT: 6’0”

WT: 205

SCHOOL: texas tech THROWS: R BATS: L

wilmer flores RHP #3

DOB: 2/20/2001

HT: 6’4”

WT: 225

DRAFTED: RD 1 (2022)

DRAFTED: NDFA (2020)

SCHOOL: ARIZONA WESTERN JC THROWS: R BATS: R

TY MADDEN RHP #4

DOB: 2/21/2000

HT: 6’3” WT: 215

DRAFTED: RD 1 (2021)

SCHOOL: university of texas THROWS: R BATS: R

DOB: 1/26/2001 HT: 6’3” WT: 185

SCHOOL: oklahoma THROWS: R BATS: R

DRAFTED: RD 2 (2022)

INDICATES A FORMER WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS PLAYER

colt keith IF #6

DOB: 8/14/2001

HT: 6’3” WT: 211

DRAFTED: RD 5 (2020)

SCHOOL: biloxi H.S. (MS) THROWS: R BATS: L

justyn-henry malloy OF/IF #7

DOB: 2/19/2000 HT: 6’3” WT: 212 DRAFTED: RD 6 (2021)

SCHOOL: georgia Tech THROWS: R BATS: R

ryan kreidler SS #8

DOB: 11/12/1997

HT: 6’4” WT: 208

SCHOOL: ucla THROWS: R BATS: R

izaac pacheco IF #9

DOB: 11/18/2002

HT: 6’4”

WT: 225

DRAFTED: RD 4 (2019)

DRAFTED: RD 2 (2021)

SCHOOL: friendswood H.S. (tx) THROWS: R BATS: L

reese olson rhp #10

DOB: 7/31/1999 HT: 6’1” WT: 160

DRAFTED: RD 13 (2018)

SCHOOL: north hall H.S. (ga) THROWS: R BATS: R

RULES

• Must be shorter than 56” tall to enjoy the play structure and bounce houses

• Because we care, all children under 6 years of age must be accompanied by an adult

• Playground closes after the 8th inning or at the discretion of Whitecaps Management

• No admission when access fence is up

• Please see attendant for tokens for Free Throw Challenge, Speed Pitch and T-Ball

• Use of playground equipment and inflatables is at your own risk

• No running or rough play is permitted

• No throwing of objects or jumping off equipment

• No alcoholic beverages

• No food or drink allowed on the playground equipment

• Time limit on bounce houses at discretion of attendant when busy

FIND THESE WORDS IN THE WORD SEARCH!

(Hint: Some words are backwards!)

WHITECAPS BASEBALL

DIVE SLIDE SINGLE BAT STRIKE BUNT

STEAL HOME RUN

TRIPLE DOUBLE GLOVE FOUL CATCH

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! Learn

…and brought home for you to enjoy!

Quality milk starts on the farm…

…then travels to the dairy plant…

…is delivered to your grocery store…

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!

• 2023 ID BADGE

• CUSTOM LANYARD

• RIVER RASCAL ROOKIES DRAWSTRING BAG

EXPERIENCES:

• ONE FREE TICKET TO EVERY SUNDAY GAME

• A CHANCE TO BE RIVER RASCAL ROOKIE OF THE GAME

• RUN THE BASES AFTER THE GAME “EXPRESS LANE”

• 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

A $250 Value for just $40!

PRESENTED BY

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 COMPLES LEAGUE (R)

MANAGER: MIKE ALVAREZ

PITCHING COACH: GABE LUCKERT

HITTING COACH: NICK BREDESON

2125 N. LAKE ST. LAKELAND, FL 33805

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE (LOW-A)

MANAGER: ANDREW GRAHAM

PITCHING COACH: JUAN PIMENTEL

2125 N. LAKE ST. LAKELAND, FL 33805

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS

MIDWEST LEAGUE (HIGH-A)

lakelandflyingtigers.com

MANAGER: BRAYAN PEÑA

HITTING COACH: C.J WAMSLEY

PITCHING COACH: DAN RICABAL

4500 WEST RIVER DR. COMSTOCK PARK, MI 49321

ERIE SEAWOLVES

EASTERN LEAGUE (AA)

whitecapsbaseball.com

MANAGER: GABE ALVAREZ

HITTING COACH: FRANCISCO CONTREAS

DEVELOPMENT COACH: JUAN PIMENTEL

110 E. 10TH ST. ERIE, PA 16501

TOLEDO MUD HENS

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE (AAA)

MANAGER: ANTHONY IAPOCE

HITTING COACH: MIKE HESSMAN

PITCHING COACH: DOUG BOCHTLER

406 WASHINGTON ST. TOLEDO, OH 43604

DETROIT TIGERS

AMERICAN LEAGUE (MLB)

MANAGER: A.J. HINCH

HITTING COACH: MICHAEL BRDAR

PITCHING COACH: CHRIS FETTER

seawolves.com

mudhens.com

2100 WOODWARD AVE. DETROIT, MI 48201 tigers.com

non-profHITS

Throughout the season, every hit by a chosen player represents a donation to a local non-profit.

$6,250 Raised from Non-ProfHITS

5 non-profits

in 2022, your contributions helped the whitecaps community foundation provide... gifts in kind $450,288 in-stadium funding $479,146 cash donations $67,682 free tickets given 38,000+ received the Non-ProfHITS funds

reading club

The Reading Club is an incentive-based program for children K-6. Students who complete 15 minutes per day during March is Reading Month can attend a Whitecaps game for free!

294 schools involved 12,364 tickets donated

65,000 students participated

4 schools received a donation from the WCF Transportation Fund to help fund a trip to LMCU Ballpark.

for a cause

Helping non-profit organizations and other groups in-need experience the fun and excitement of a West Michigan Whitecaps game!

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.

ted rasberry youth league

Since 1995, more than a quarter of a million dollars has been pledged to the program, allowing more than 35,000 children the opportunity to participate in organized baseball and softball in their own neighborhoods. Kids are given the chance to be a part of a program designed to teach the fundamentals of baseball, sportsmanship, and the positive values of respect, responsibility, honesty and caring.

27 years

35,000+ children involved since 1995

300+

kids received equipment meals served

312 gloves donated

1,656

2,500 meals served

50/50

As a part of giving back, the WCF allows a select number of non-profit organizations the opportunity to host a 50/50 raffle at a Whitecaps game.

$81,500

raised

in 2022 received funds from 50/50 fundraising

28 non-profits

pinch hitter program

Helping non-profit organizations and other groups in-need experience the fun and excitement of a West Michigan Whitecaps game!

1,058 tickets donated

join us in making 2023 an even bigger year of impact! whitecaps community foundation THE WAVE 23

12 non-profits tickets donated

RECONNECT WITH YOUR FUTURE

Experience flexible schedules, small class sizes, state-of-the-art technology and hands-on training for skilled trades at Grand Rapids Community College. Plus take advantage of an active campus life, student government, an honors program and nationally ranked athletic teams. GRCC graduates step into rewarding careers in high-demand fields, or seamlessly transfer to the four-year college or university of their choice.

IN 2023, 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 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:

Get

Fans ages 50 years or better get half-off all bowl seats, including premium seats. Limit 6 tickets per transaction. Ticket availability will be limited.

Made in Michigan Wednesdays will feature appearances at LMCU Ballpark by celebrity athletes who were born in Michigan or played for a team in Michigan like the Pistons, Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, Spartans, Wolverines, or Whitecaps!

$3.00 20 oz. beers $3.00 hot dogs and $3.00 Pepsi products EVERY THURSDAY. Half-off Reserved Seat or lawn ticket when you show your active college or military ID at the box office.

Reserved seat pricing is flashing back to $12.50 and if the Whitecaps win on Fridays, all fans in attendance will receive a coupon for free Cosmik Fries at HopCat. Plus there will be a featured flashback food item and the Whitecaps will wear specialty jerseys every Friday night.

from the biggest of the big, to the littlest of the little.

Whenever you shop Meijer, you help support hundreds of teams across the Midwest.

BEL BELOIT SKY CARP (MARLINS) CR CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS (ANGELS) DAY DAYTON DRAGONS (REDS) FW FORT WAYNE TINCAPS (PADRES) GL GREAT

Brayan Peña

Former Detroit Tigers catcher Brayan Peña returns for his third season in 2023 after being named the 14th manager in West Michigan Whitecaps history in early 2021. The 40-year old will look to return the club to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. West Michigan is Peña’s third managerial stop after leading the short-season 2019 Connecticut Tigers of the New York-Penn League. In 2018, Peña made his coaching debut as the skipper of the Gulf Coast League Tigers-West team and led the club to Detroit’s firstever GCL Championship. Peña replaced Lance Parrish, who spent two seasons as Whitecaps manager before being reassigned as a Special Assistant to Tigers Executive Vice President. In 2021, the Whitecaps posted a 58-62 record in his first season as skipper while featuring the 4th-best run differential in the High-A Central League as his pitching staff gave up the fewest runs in the Eastern Division.

“I appreciate the Tigers and Whitecaps for trusting me with such great young talent,” said Peña. “I love Whitecaps fans – from everyone that works on and off the field, to the front office, that helped take our players to the next level and made all of us feel like major leaguers!” The native of Havana, Cuba played for five different Major League teams and was part of the 2013 Tigers Central Division Championship roster. Peña broke into the big leagues in 2005 as a member of the Atlanta Braves before joining the Kansas City Royals for four seasons before his Tigers arrival. Peña’s 2013 season in Detroit was punctuated by a .297 batting average – the highest in his Major League career while playing in 71 games as the backup to former Tigers and Whitecaps catcher Alex Avila. In his final game as a Tiger, Peña took over for an injured Avila in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox, going 1-for-3 with an RBI-single. After leaving Detroit, Peña spent the next two seasons as the primary catcher with the Cincinnati Reds in 2014 to 2015 before playing his final big-league season with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016.

In 2016, Peña attempted join the Army Reserve, but with his MLB contract prohibiting, Peña served as a troop ambassador. Peña currently resides in Miami, Florida during the off-season with his wife, Lina and their children Brayan Jr., Javy and Isabella.

manager bench coach

Tim Garland played 15 seasons in the minor leagues, stealing over 350 bases, and played in the outfield. Garland was not picked until the 48th round of the 1989 amateur draft, when the New York Yankees chose him. In his debut, he batted .327/.385/.374 for the GCL Yankees.

With the independent leagues forming, Garland got his second chance. He batted .294 for the 1994 San Antonio Tejanos, then .301 with 37 steals and 85 runs for the 1995 Rio Grande Valley White Wings. The San Francisco Giants saw enough to bring him back to Organized Baseball. In 1996, Garland produced at a .311/.379/.396 rate for the San Jose Giants, with 96 runs and 51 steals in 69 attempts. He led the California League in hits (171) and was 10th in average. He also paced Giants farmhands in runs and steals. Back with San Jose in 1997, Garland’s batting line fell a bit, to .298/.350/.393 with an impressive 65 stolen bases in 80 attempts and 106 runs. He again led Giants farmhands in runs and swipes. He was 3 steals behind Cal League leader Justin Baughman and his six double plays tied for the lead among league flyhawks. In 1998, Tim batted .263/.326/.330 with 15 steals in 20 tries over 55 games for the Shreveport Captains. He ended the year in the Baltimore Orioles chain, appearing for the Frederick Keys (.263/.341/.289 in 11 G) and Bowie Baysox (.262/.373/.360 in 59 G, only 8 steals in 15 tries).

After his playing career, Garland was a hitting coach in the Oakland A’s chain for the 2006 Kane County Cougars, 20072010 Stockton Ports, and 2011-2012 Midland RockHounds. He moved to the Houston Astros organization as hitting coach of the Corpus Christi Hooks in 2013-2014 and development specialist for the Quad Cities River Bandits in 2015. His focus with the Bandits was improving outfield play and baserunning. Garland next moved to the Detroit Tigers chain as hitting coach of the Lakeland Flying Tigers in 2017-2019 and FCL Tigers West in 2021. He was slated for the GCL Tigers West hitting coach position in 2020 before the minor league season was cancelled due to COVID-19. Garland was bench coach of the FCL Tigers in 2022.

Dan Ricabal

pITCHING COACH

Dan Ricabal pitched six seasons in the minors, reaching AA, then became a coach. The Seattle Mariners took Ricabal in the 70th round of the 1990 amateur draft. He did not sign with them, then went 10-1 for Cerritos College in 1992. He transferred to Cal State Fullerton and had a 11-3, 3.48 record in 1993. He improved to 12-1, 2.81 as a senior, a reliable starter for the team that finished third in NCAA Division I. He went 2-0 in the 1994 College World Series, allowing 3 hits and no earned runs in 11 innings.

After the conclusion of his playing career, Ricabal moved into coaching at the college level for several years. He was the pitching coach for the 2000 College of the Canyons. He returned to Cal State Fullerton in November 2000 as an administrative assistant for the baseball team during the 2001 season. From 2002-2004 he was the pitching coach for the University of California, Santa Barbara. Ricabal went back to professional baseball in 2006 as the pitching coach for the AZL Angels. He was slated to return to the AZL in 2007 until Pedro Borbon Jr. resigned unexpectedly on May 15th and Ricabal took over as pitching coach for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Ricabal spent the next four years coaching pitchers in the California League with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (2008-2010) and Inland Empire 66ers (2011).

Ricabal was pitching coach for Loyola Marymount University from 2012-2016. According to one source, “While at LMU, Ricabal’s pitching staff showed an immediate improvement and recorded some of the best team ERA’s in LMU history. (2013 – 3.17, 2014 –3.80, 2015 – 3.41 and 2016 – 3.83). Ricabal’s influence not only affected the entire pitching staff but the top pitchers developed rapidly under Ricabal. Four of LMU’s Top-10 best individual season ERAs, including Sean Watkins’ 1.89 in 2015 (third-best) and Colin Welmon’s 2.30 ERA in 2013 (sixth-best) all came under Ricabal’s tutelage.” He then moved to Long Beach State University in 2017 and stayed with the Dirtbags through the 2019 season. Ricabal returned to Cal State Fullerton and served as their pitching coach in 2020-2021.

C.J.

Wamsley hITTING COACH

The 2023 season marks Wamsley’s second year with the Whitecaps after spending the 2021 season as the developmental coach with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. The native of Conway, South Carolina enters his second season and third year in the Tigers system after five years as a hitting coach and recruiting coordinator at Ohio University and time as an assistant coach at Troy and Morehead State University.

Wamsley played college ball at Western Kentucky University and graduated in 2009 with a degree in business and organizational communication. He was a four-year letterwinner at Western Kentucky and a .300 career hitter for the Hilltoppers. Wamsley helped his team win Sun Belt Conference championships in 2008 & 2009 and participated in a pair of NCAA Regional tournaments.

Now offering Aquablation Therapy for benign enlarged prostate.

Trinity Health Grand Rapids is the only hospital in West Michigan to offer this robotic surgical procedure. Aquablation Therapy uses the power of water to provide long-lasting symptom relief with low complication rates.

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.

Thank you fans!

LMCU Ballpark has been the home for family, fun, and entertainment for the last thirty years. This year was no different for it brought us new extraordinary plays, friendships, and memories.

The Summer would not be the same without Whitecaps Baseball and our fantastic fan base. You, fans, came out to support the team, as well as enjoy our many promotional nights we held for you, the fans. As the regular season settles down, the West Michigan Whitecaps wanted to express their gratitude to the best fan base in all of Minor League Baseball!

This year we enjoyed Princess Night, Dog Days, a Marvel Weekend, and so much more.. We enjoyed walk-off wins, and witnessed last minute losses. The food was delicious, and the Biggby Promotional Team made us lose our voices!

We hope you have had a great summer full of family fun, baseball, and entertainment. We cannot wait to share the fun with you for the next thirty years.

Please enjoy this collection of photos that have been taken throughout our 30th Year as an organization! Let’s get after it, and see you in 2024!

continued on page 42

you crushed the nuts!

When t-shirts are being tossed, you know the Whitecaps just scored!

Crushing the Nuts is one of our favorite pastimes, and our in-state rival did not appreciate the amount of t-shirts thrown to fans!

Keep the runs coming!

you got autographs!

Every Sunday before the game, the West Michigan Whitecaps would come out pre-game to sign baseballs, jerseys, programs, and more!

Thousands of fans throughout the summer had the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite Whitecap!

you ate the food!

You cannot come to a Whitecaps baseball game without smelling the delicios options we have all around the ballpark! We know you will miss these items over the winter.

you celebrated history!

Negro League Appreciation Night was another fantastic night highlighting the Grand Rapids Black Sox, the minor league Negro League team that played in Grand Rapids.

you dressed up!

The Biggby Promo Crew really set the tone this season when they amped up the fun by dressing up in their favorite themed night costume!

The fans came out to support their favorite themed nights, too!

continued on page 45

LAKE MICHIGAN INSURANCE AGENCY

GRAND RAPIDS • lmiainsurance.org

VANDUREN INSURANCE AGENCY

GRAND RAPIDS AREA • vandurenagency.com

STEENLAND INSURANCE AGENCY

GRAND RAPIDS • steenland.com

BOOTH HILASKI GREVENSTUK INSURANCE AGENCY

DORR • bhinsurance.com

COLDBROOK INSURANCE GROUP

GRAND RAPIDS • coldbrookins.com

DOYLE & OGDEN INSURANCE ADVISORS

GRAND RAPIDS • doyle-ogden.com

J.L. SCHWARTZ INSURANCE AGENCY

COMSTOCK PARK • schwartzins.net

AIC INSURANCE SERVICES

ADA • theaicgroup.com

You Dedfended the diamond!

This year, the Whitecaps participated in weekend long celebration of Marvel!

Marvel Defenders of the Diamond included appearances from your favorite superheros, and new jerseys for the team to wear!

continued on page 47

You Came with Family

Enjoying a night at the ballpark with the family can create lasting memories!

The West Michigan Whitecaps are home for family, fun, entertainment, and we value every fan that walks through our stadium!

wednesday, august 16

friday, august 18

saturday, august 19

saturday, september 9

Here’s to aother thirty years! Thirty years of Whitecaps Baseball does not happen without the support from you, our fans.

New exciting things are coming to the ballpark, and we cannot wait to host the best fans in Minor League Baseball for another seaond of Baseball and summer fun! See you next summer!

GO CAPS!

LIMIT S CONTACT MORE SECURE FASTER

simple human sense®

LAKE MICHIGAN INSURANCE AGENCY

GRAND RAPIDS • lmiainsurance.org

VANDUREN INSURANCE AGENCY

GRAND RAPIDS AREA • vandurenagency.com

STEENLAND INSURANCE AGENCY

GRAND RAPIDS • steenland.com

BOOTH HILASKI GREVENSTUK INSURANCE AGENCY

DORR • bhinsurance.com

COLDBROOK INSURANCE GROUP

GRAND RAPIDS • coldbrookins.com

DOYLE & OGDEN INSURANCE ADVISORS

GRAND RAPIDS • doyle-ogden.com

J.L. SCHWARTZ INSURANCE AGENCY

COMSTOCK PARK • schwartzins.net

AIC INSURANCE SERVICES

ADA • theaicgroup.com

we have home, auto, business and life insurance. you know, all the bases.

The Great American Pastime ...And Baseball.

INTRODUCING SIP SHINE, AN EASIER-SIPPING MOONSHINE BORN ON THE SHORES OF THE GREAT LAKES. AVAILABLE IN THREE UNIQUE FLAVORS: SHINE BERRY SWEET TEA, ARNOLD SHINER and RAZZ-BERRY SHINEADE we’re excited to combine two of america’s greatest pasttimes—baseball & moonshine. GITCHA A SIP!

CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY AT THE BALLPARK!

PACKAGE INCLUDES: 12 TICK S A FIRST PITCH 12 SOUVENIRS A BI HDAY TRE AND MUCH MORE!

presented by

Whether it’s a group of 20 or 2,000, the Whitecaps have options available to make your next group outing affordable, easy and FUN! Our experienced and helpful group sales team will assist you in planning your event from start to finish.

Whether it’s a group of 20 or 2,000, the Whitecaps have options available to make your next group outing affordable, easy and FUN! Our experienced and helpful group sales team will assist you in planning your event from start to finish.

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 have their hand stamped. Customers can get their hand stamped at any alcohol sales location. 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!

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.

CONTINUED ON PG. 63

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 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 cash 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.

HOME RUN

It’s In The Bag

When a HOME RUN lands in the bag, one lucky fan wins FREE GROCERIES FOR A YEAR!

Root for the Whitecaps to HIT-THE-BAG and you could be a winner!

When a HOME RUN hits the bag, one lucky fan wins FREE OREO FOR A YEAR!

hospitality areas & deck rentals

MILLER LITE HOUSE DECK

Group Size: 250-350

Price: $3,900

Includes: 300 tickets (50 additional tickets available for purchase)

PEPSI STADIUM CLUB

Group Size: 150-250

Price: $3,700

Includes: 200 tickets (50 additional tickets available for purchase)

PIONEER STATE MUTUAL INSURANCE DECK

Group Size: 150-250

Price: $2,800

Includes: 200 tickets (50 additional tickets available for purchase)

GENERAL RV CAMPGROUND

Group Size: 100-150

Price: $2,300

Includes: 150 tickets (No additional tickets available)

The MLHD is our largest hospitality area located in right-center field. Unique and spectacular view of the field, canvas awnings and a private bar area.

Partially-covered seating with a fantastic view of the game! Located in right field.

Indoor and outdoor seating, private restrooms, HDTVs, climate-controlled settings and a private bar area. Located in right-center field.

Patio-styled tables with cushioned chairs, umbrellas and field level swivel seating right behind the Whitecaps bullpen down the right field line.

west michigan whitecaps

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

JON Connolly

CLASS OF 2014

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

CLASS OF 2012

gregory soto

CLASS OF 2023

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

BRUCE FIELDS

CLASS OF 2010

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

CLASS OF 2016

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

In 2017, Gregory Soto brought his tantalizing talent to West Michigan. After signing with the Detroit Tigers back in 2012 at just 17 years old, it wasn’t until five years later that the lefty with a triple-digit fastball got the chance to put on a Whitecaps uniform. His timing couldn’t have been better, as he helped the ‘Caps to the best winning percentage in all of professional baseball that season with a 91-45 overall record. In those days, Soto was a starting pitcher and was instrumental in helping the 2017 ‘Caps set the Midwest League record with 28 shutouts that season and was named the Tigers 2017 Minor League Pitcher of the Year. After making the Major Leagues for the first time in 2019, Soto eventually found his niche in the bullpen, collecting 48 saves over the past two seasons, along with back-to-back nominations to the American League All-Star team. In January of 2023, Soto was traded to the defending National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies as part of a five-player trade with Detroit. The Whitecaps appreciate and recognize the moments, talent, and character the 27-year-old imparted on the ‘Caps on and off the field, and congratulate him on his induction into the Whitecaps Hall of Fame!

gregory soto

CLASS OF 2023

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Fields managed the Whitecaps from 1997 through 2000, compiling an impressive four-year record of 331-220. He was a two-time Midwest League Manager of the Year and won the league championship in 1998. In three of his four seasons, the Whitecaps posted the league’s best record, including the astounding 1997 season when the team had the best record in all of professional baseball at 92-39 (.702 winning percentage).

After his stint with the Whitecaps, he went on to manage the AAA Toledo Mud Hens for two seasons, then joined the Detroit Tigers as hitting coach from 2003 to 2005. Before his coaching career, he played 13 seasons in the Minor Leagues (mostly in the Detroit organization) and appeared in 58 Major League games with Detroit and Seattle from 1986 to 1989.

Blank

BRUCE FIELDS

CLASS OF 2010

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Maybin was the Detroit Tigers 1st round pick (10th overall) in 2005. He played in 101 games for West Michigan in 2006 with a .304 batting average and was named Tigers Minor League Player of the Year. He led the Whitecaps to the 2006 Midwest League Chmapionship. Maybin made his MLB debut with the Tigers on 8/17/07. Maybin has had stints with the Tigers, Marlins, Padres, Braves and Angels. Maybin, who played in 3 decades recently announced his retirement this past off-season.

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Former Whitecaps pitcher Jon Connolly was inducted into the Whitecaps Hall of Fame on January 23, 2014 at the annual Whitecaps Winter Banquet. He is the lone Hall of Fame inductee for 2014.

Connolly made his lone season in West Michigan a memorable one. In 2003 the southpaw tied a franchise record by racking up 16 victories, and his ERA of 1.41 is the lowest for a starter in the history of the Whitecaps. He also holds the Whitecaps record for shutouts (5) and is second on the Whitecaps all-time leaderboard in winning percentage (.842). His dominating season also earned him a spot on the Midwest League Post-Season All-Star team.

After being drafted by the Tigers in the 28th round of the 2001 Draft, Connolly had a long Minor League career that included stops with eight different teams in the Tigers’ and Cubs’ organizations. Connolly finished his career in 2008 pitching for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.

JON Connolly

CLASS OF 2014

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Santiago earned mid-season and post-season Midwest League All-Star honors for his performance in 2000 with the Whitecaps. He missed most of August due to a shoulder injury, but was still named as the best defensive shortstop in the league by Baseball America and finished the season with a healthy .272 batting average. He quickly moved up the ladder and made his Major League debut with the Tigers in May of 2002. That season he was named to the TOPPS Rookie All-Star Team. Santiago was traded to the Mariners in 2004, then re-signed with the Tigers two years later. He remains with the Tigers in 2023 as a minor league infield coordinator.

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

ANDY VAN HEKKEN

CLASS OF 2013

MATT WALBECK

CLASS OF 2012

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

HEATHER NABOZNY

CLASS OF 2016

BRANDON INGE

CLASS OF 2009

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

DON KELLY

CLASS OF 2016

ALEX AVILA

CLASS OF 2017

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Walbeck managed the Whitecaps for three years, from 2004 through 2006. He made a quick jump to a managerial career from a Major League playing career; he spent 10 years as a catcher in the majors from 1993 to 2003, building a career .233 average with the Cubs, Twins, Angels and Tigers. He spent his final two years with the Tigers before moving directly into his first managerial role with the Whitecaps in 2004. He led that squad to a Midwest League Championship as a rookie manager, then won the league championship again two years later, in 2006. He was named Midwest League Manager of the year in both 2004 and 2006. Walbeck posting an overall 238-181 record with the Whitecaps. He then was promoted to AA Erie, where he was named Eastern League Manager of the Year in 2007. In 2008 he was named third base coach for the Texas Rangers; the following year he returned to the Minor Leagues as manager of the AA Altoona Curve (Pirates). He won his fourth Manager of the Year honor in six years of managing in 2010, leading Altoona to the Eastern League Championship. In 2011 he managed the A Rome Braves (Atlanta) for the first half of the season before leaving the organization due to philosophical differences.

MATT WALBECK

CLASS OF 2012

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Brandon Inge played catcher for the Whitecaps in 1999, hitting .244 with 54 runs, 86 hits, 25 doubles, nine home runs and 46 RBI and 15 stolen bases. He was named as the best defensive catcher in the Tigers farm system by Baseball America with a .990 fielding percentage, 703 put-outs and only five errors. He was a leader on and off the field and gave much of his free time to community appearances.

Inge started his Major League career with the Tigers in April 2001. He posted career highs of 27 home runs and 83 RBI in 2006, and hit .353 during the 2006 World Series. Inge has played catcher, third base and outfield during his career and was considered one of the best defensive third basemen in the American League. He went to play with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Oakland A’s before retiring in 2013.

BRANDON INGE

CLASS OF 2009

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Avila joined the Whitecaps after the 2008 amateur draft, and in his three months with the Whitecaps, he posted a .305 batting average with 22 RBI in 55 games as catcher. The son of Detroit Tigers V.P. & GM Al Avila, Alex made his debut with the Detroit Tigers on August 6, 2009, playing seven seasons with the Tigers before signing a one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox in 2016. Alex also played for the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals.

Alex has retired from baseball and can be seen on the MLB Network.

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Van Hekken pitched for the Whitecaps in 2000, putting up impressive numbers that still rank among the team’s finest in its 29-year history. His 16 wins that season is tied with Jon Connolly’s 16 in 2003 as the team record for wins; and he still ranks in the top 10 in team records for winning percentage (.727, 8th), ERA (2.45, 8th) and strikeouts to walks ratio (3.41, 10th).

A third-round draft pick by the Mariners in 1998, Van Hekken made his major league debut on September 3, 2002, for the Tigers, throwing a complete game shutout for a victory against the Cleveland Indians. He made five major league starts that month, going 1-3 with a 3.00 ERA in 30 innings pitched. He played in the minor leagues for the Tigers for the next two seasons, then spent the next two years with the farm systems of the Braves, Reds and Royals. In 2008 he signed with the Astros and played mostly for their AAA team for four seasons. He then signed with the Nexen Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization before the 2012 season, and had a successful career in Korea.

ANDY VAN HEKKEN

CLASS OF 2013

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Nabozny was the first head groundskeeper in Whitecaps history, overseeing the playing surface that would earn raves from players and managers alike from 1994 to 1998. In March 1999, she became the first female head groundskeeper in Major League Baseball history when she was hired by the Detroit Tigers. Her first year with the Tigers in 1999 was their last in Tiger Stadium; the following year the team moved to Comerica Park and its brand new field supervised by Nabozny. In addition to her duties with the Tigers, she was hand-picked to be part of the grounds crew for the Super Bowl in 2004 and has served at several Super Bowls since then. In 2006 the Michigan State University sports turf management graduate was named to Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40 list of Detroit’s most promising successful young businesspeople. Her attention to detail, work ethic and love of her work has made her one of the most highly respected experts in her field. Nabozny will be in her 23rd season at Comerica Park.

HEATHER NABOZNY

CLASS OF 2016

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

While playing for the Whitecaps in 2002, Kelly posted a .286 BA while collecting 59 RBI and scoring 72 runs. Kelly made his Major League debut for the Detroit Tigers in April of 2007 before re-signing with the Detroit Tigers in 2009. Kelly reached the milestone of having played every position on the field in his major league career on July 2, 2011. Kelly spent 6 years with the Tigers before finishing his career as a player with the Marlins in 2016.

Don Kelly was an assistant with the Tigers before moving on to the Houston Astros as first base coach and is currently serving as the Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach.

DON KELLY

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

FERNANDO RODNEY

CLASS OF 2015

ROBERT FICK

CLASS OF 2009

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

BUCK FARMER

CLASS OF 2020

DENNY BAXTER & LEW CHAMBERLIN

CLASS OF 2018

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

MATT JOYCE

CLASS OF 2019

NICK CASTELLANOS

CLASS OF 2016

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Robert Fick came to the Whitecaps in 1997 as a backup catcher. However, due to an injury to another player, Fick was able to play first base and had one of the best seasons a Whitecap has ever had. Fick helped lead the Whitecaps to their best regular season record by hitting .341 with 16 home runs and 90 RBI. That season, he was named a Midwest League All-Star as well as the League’s MVP. Fick owns 12 Whitecaps single-season records including batting average, hits, longest hitting streak, runs and doubles.

Fick played 10 Major League seasons with the Tigers, Braves, Devil Rays, Padres and Nationals and was named to the 2002 American League All-Star team. He is also remembered for recording the last hit ever at Tiger Stadium when he belted a grand slam off the Royals’ Jeff Montgomery in the 8th inning.

ROBERT FICK

CLASS OF 2009

WEST

Lew Chamberlin, from Grand Rapids, was Michigan’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 1996 and the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame’s Warren Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award winner in 2003. Baxter, from Muskegon, earned a CPA degree from Michigan State University before co-founding the Whitecaps, and was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Both of these men serve on several boards, leadership councils and non-profit charities around West Michigan. Together, they brought the Whitecaps to West Michigan in 1994 as one of the only privately-funded sports teams in the country. The team was named the Minor League Franchise of the Decade in 1999 by Baseball America.

LEW CHAMBERLIN & DENNY BAXTER

CLASS OF 2018

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Castellanos joined the Whitecaps in 2011 as a 19-year-old after being drafted as a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds in the 2010 MLB draft. He batted .312 with seven home runs , 76 RBI and a Midwest Leagueleading 158 hits (tying the team record). He was named the Tigers’ minor league position player of the year as well as a Midwest League Post-Season All-Star.

Nick was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2019, and has also played in Cincinnati, and signed as a free agaent with the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the 2022 season.

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Former Whitecaps pitcher Fernando Rodney was the lone 2015 inductee to the Whitecaps Hall of Fame. Rodney posted a 6-4 record and 2.92 ERA with 56 strikeouts for the Whitecaps in 2000. He made his Major League debut with the Tigers in May 200. He has pitched for the Tigers, Angels, Rays and the Mariners, Cubs, Padres and Marlins.

NICK CASTELLANOS

FERNANDO RODNEY

CLASS OF 2015

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Buck Farmer was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 5th round of the 2013 MLB June Draft out of Georgia Tech. Buck pitched for the West Michigan Whitecaps in 2014, making 18 starts, going 10-5 with a 2.60 ERA and 116 Strikeouts/24 Walks before being promoted to Double A Erie Seawolves where he pitched two games.

On Tuesday, August 13, 2014, he made his Major League debut for the Detroit Tigers in a spot start against the Pittsburgh Pirates, earning a no-decision. Buck spent the last seasons working out of the bullpen for the Detroit Tigers and went 6-6 with 73 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings while posting career best 3.72 ERA in 2019. Buck is now with the Cincinnati Reds.

BUCK FARMER

CLASS OF 2020

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

Matt Joyce was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 12th round of the 2005 Major League Draft. He played for the West Michigan Whitecaps in 2006 where he batted .258 with 11 home runs and 86 RBIs as the Whitecaps captured the Midwest League Championship. He made his Major League debut in May of 2008 with the Tigers before being traded to Tampa Bay. Matt has played for the Cleveland Indians and the Atlanta Braves.

MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

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