Whitecaps get called up to “Advanced A” level with Tigers
Comstock Park, Michigan - - Wednesday, December 9, 2020- - The Detroit Tigers announced today the West Michigan Whitecaps are in line for a promotion of sorts, becoming the big-league club’s Advanced A affiliate beginning in 2021, after spending 24 seasons as their Low A designee. The move comes as
Comstock Park, Michigan - - Wednesday, December 9, 2020- - The Detroit Tigers announced today the West Michigan Whitecaps are in line for a promotion of sorts, becoming the big-league club’s Advanced A affiliate beginning in 2021, after spending 24 seasons as their Low A designee. The move comes as part of Major League Baseball’s restructuring of the Minor League Baseball player development system.
“We’re thrilled for our fanbase,” said Joe Chamberlin, CEO of the West Michigan Whitecaps. “It means West Michigan will see a higher level of baseball talent which translates to the opportunity to see more Detroit Tigers prospects, along with Midwest League rival prospects, and more fun for the fans!”
The Midwest League has long been a leader within Minor League Baseball recognized for their top-tier facilities, desirable markets, and overall attendance season after season, with many well-respected owners and operators. That means that facilities such as Fifth Third Ballpark, with its award-winning grounds and large crowds, are already maintained near or at a level that MLB wants from the farm system moving forward.
“Player development has never been more important to our organization than it is today, and we’re excited to invite West Michigan to move forward as part of the Tigers family as our High A affiliate,” said Al Avila, Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager. “The Whitecaps have been standout partners for us, and do a great job ensuring our players are in the best position for growth and development to become impactful contributors to our organization. I’d especially like to thank Lew Chamberlin, the club’s executives, state and local government officials, and the West Michigan community for their passion and commitment to this great sport.”
The move up the affiliation ladder enhances the already high-standing status of professional minor league sports in West Michigan. In September 2019, Grand Rapids/Comstock Park was named “Top Minor League Market” in the United States by Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal.
Since 1994, the West Michigan Whitecaps have provided affordable family entertainment for nearly 11 million fans. But while the move to High A raises the talent level on the field, ticket prices will not skyrocket because of this promotion.
“The move to Advanced A does not directly affect our ticket policy” Chamberlin said. “We feel very good about our long track record of delivering affordable, family entertainment, and any changes to our pricing moving forward will continue to be directly related to the cost of running our business, as they always have been, and not this affiliation-level change.”
Today’s announcement further solidifies the Whitecaps long-standing affiliation with the Detroit Tigers, dating back to 1997, as well as adding fuel to an energized fanbase excited to get back to Fifth Third Ballpark in 2021.
“We’re grateful for the strong relationship and partnership we have enjoyed with the Tigers for more than 24 seasons,” Chamberlin added. “Our mission here remains intact. Bringing fun, community, and experiences to West Michigan. Affordable, family entertainment is our job, and we are focused on bringing fans the best season yet in 2021 with a new level of baseball!”
About West Michigan Whitecaps: The Whitecaps minor league baseball team was established in 1994. The Whitecaps are the Advanced A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the Eastern Division of the Midwest League. The team’s home games are played in West Michigan’s favorite multi-purpose venue, Fifth Third Ballpark. For more information visit https://www.milb.com/west-michigan. Contact: Steve VanWagoner at stevev@whitecapsbaseball.com or 616.726.7067.
Whitecaps Announce a Stacked 2025 Promotions Lineup
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (Feb. 10, 2025) - The first pitch of the 2025 season will be thrown at 6:35pm on Friday, April 4th as the Whitecaps take on the Dayton Dragons at LMCU Ballpark. The first 1,000 fans through the gates that night will receive a Whitecaps Campfire Mug, courtesy
2025 Whitecaps Fan Food Vote Winner Announced
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (March 13, 2025) - Walk, or carefully run, to check out the new foods coming to LMCU Ballpark this summer! “The Fan Food Vote is always so much fun. It gets our fans’ creative juices flowing and it excites our team as it signals baseball season is
Cappuccilli Returns to Whitecaps Dugout
COMSTOCK PARK, MI – West Michigan Whitecaps manager Tony Cappuccilli is headed back to LMCU Ballpark, returning for his second season at the helm in 2025 with an all-new coaching staff as part of a move announced in conjunction with the Detroit Tigers on Monday. Cappuccilli (pronounced Cap-uh-CHELLY) hit the
Whitecaps Open Submissions for 2025 Fan Food Vote
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (Feb. 6, 2025) - Have you ever thought, “You know what food would be great at the ballpark?” Well, it’s your time to shine! The West Michigan Whitecaps are bringing the Fan Food Vote back to LMCU Ballpark for the 2025 season, and they’re calling all fans
Kirk Gibson to Headline Whitecaps Annual Winter Fundraising Event
\FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\ KIRK GIBSON TO HEADLINE WHITECAPS ANNUAL WINTER FUNDRAISING EVENT Comstock Park, MI - - Thursday, January 16, 2025 - - The West Michigan Whitecaps announced today that Detroit Tigers legend and current Bally Sports Detroit color commentator Kirk Gibson will headline the Whitecaps Community Foundation Winter Banquet
West Michigan Whitecaps Announce Acquisition of AJ’s Family Fun Center, Rebranding as Game Time Fun Park for 2025
\FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\
\West Michigan Whitecaps Announce Acquisition of AJ’s Family Fun Center, Rebranding as Game Time Fun Park for 2025
Comstock Park, MI - - Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - - The West Michigan Whitecaps are thrilled to announce the acquisition of AJ’s Family Fun Center in Comstock Park,
Whitecaps Announce 2025 Game Times, Fireworks & More
\FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\
\Whitecaps Announce 2025 Game Times, Fireworks and More
Comstock Park, MI - - Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - - Comstock Park, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps have announced their game times for the upcoming 2025 season. The team welcomed more than 372,000 fans through the gates
Banana Ball Coming to LMCU Ballpark
\FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\ Banana Ball to Make First-Ever Michigan Appearance at LMCU Ballpark in 2025 Comstock Park, MI - - Friday, October 4, 2024 - - Get ready, West Michigan! The West Michigan Whitecaps are thrilled to announce that the Banana Ball World Tour will be making a stop in
‘Caps Fall in Season Finale, 4-2
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps grabbed an early advantage but couldn’t hold on as an eighth inning three-run homer from TJ Schofield-Sam was the difference in a 4-2 loss to the Lansing Lugnuts in front of 7,048 fans Sunday afternoon at LMCU Ballpark. West Michigan held a
Liranzo Launches ‘Caps to 2-1 Win
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps pitching staff walked the tightrope as MLB Top-100 prospect Thayron Liranzo delivered a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning in a 2-1 victory over the Lansing Lugnuts in front of 7,885 fans Saturday night at LMCU Ballpark. WATCH: LIRANZO’S TWO-RUN HOMER
‘Caps Crack Nuts in 6-5 Win
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — In a seesaw battle that saw three separate lead changes, the West Michigan Whitecaps leaned on late offensive firepower and a Thayron Liranzo two-run, go-ahead single in the seventh to earn them a 6-5 win over the Lansing Lugnuts in front of 5,528 fans Friday night
‘Caps Wash Away Lugnuts, 7-3
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps fell behind early before exploding for five runs in the fourth inning as the bullpen stifled the Lansing Lugnuts in a 7-3 comeback victory in front of 5,219 fans on a rain-soaked Thursday night at LMCU Ballpark. The Whitecaps trailed 3-1 going
Whitecaps Blank Lugs, 1-0
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps collected their Midwest League-best 13th shutout of the year as ‘Caps pitchers silenced the Lansing Lugnuts in a 1-0 victory in front of 4,653 fans Wednesday night at LMCU Ballpark. Whitecaps starter Jaden Hamm combined with relievers Max Alba, Tanner Kohlhepp, and
‘Caps Walk Off Lansing in 11, 5-4
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps trailed 4-1 going into the ninth inning before mounting a four-run rally as Luke Gold delivered a walk-off single in the 11th, earning the 5-4 victory over the Lansing Lugnuts in front of 4,443 fans Tuesday night at LMCU Ballpark. The ‘Caps
Whitecaps Settle for Split in Dayton
DAYTON, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps missed a chance to get a much-needed series win as part of a 7-2 loss to the Dayton Dragons in front of 8,706 fans at Day Air Ballpark on Sunday afternoon. The Whitecaps, who won three of the series’ first four games against
‘Caps Falter Late in Walk-Off Loss
DAYTON, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps finished on the wrong end of a back-and-forth contest as part of an 8-7 walk-off loss to the Dayton Dragons in front of 8,227 fans Saturday at Day Air Ballpark, dropping them 4.5 games behind in the race for a spot in the
‘Caps Strike Fast in 7-2 Win
DAYTON, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps scored six runs in a two-inning span and pulled closer to a spot in the 2024 Minor League Baseball Postseason as part of a 7-2 victory over the Dayton Dragons in front of 8,130 fans Friday at Day Air Ballpark. Max Anderson sparked
‘Caps ‘Peck’ Away at Division Deficit in 9-5 Win
DAYTON, OH — Infielder Johnny Peck enjoyed a career-high four RBI performance with a three-hit night as the West Michigan Whitecaps trimmed their deficit in the Midwest League Eastern Division playoff race with a 9-5 win over the Dayton Dragons in front of 7,549 fans Thursday at Day Air Ballpark.
Whitecaps Dropped in Dayton, 5-3
DAYTON, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps lost a three-run lead and suffered a significant hit to their postseason chances as part of a 5-3 loss to the Dayton Dragons on Wednesday night in front of 7,449 fans at Day Air Ballpark. The ‘Caps, who built a 3-0 lead after
‘Caps Keep Hopes Alive in 11-2 Win
DAYTON, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps crept closer in the race for the lone playoff spot in the Midwest League Eastern Division, as Detroit Tigers top prospect Max Clark tied a career-high with five RBI in an 11-2 win over the Dayton Dragons on Tuesday night in front of
‘Caps Fall on Bazzana Blast, 5-3
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps carried a one-run lead into the top of the ninth when Guardians top prospect Travis Bazzana delivered a go-ahead three-run homer as part of a 5-3 loss to the Lake County Captains in front of 7,202 fans Sunday afternoon at LMCU Ballpark.
‘Caps Come Up Just Short, 4-3
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps put the potential game-winning run in scoring position in the bottom of the ninth inning but couldn’t find the break they needed, falling to the Lake County Captains 4-3 in front of 8,325 fans Saturday night at LMCU Ballpark. The Whitecaps –
Whitecaps Downed by Lake County, 4-2
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — Despite making a lot of hard contact, the West Michigan Whitecaps couldn’t find a big swing when they needed it as the Lake County Captains defense stood tall in a 4-2 loss in front of 7,792 fans Friday night at LMCU Ballpark. The Whitecaps fell victim
‘Caps Fall to Captains, 7-1
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps bats went silent on Thursday as part of a 7-1 loss to the Lake County Captains in front of 6,482 fans at LMCU Ballpark. The Whitecaps put on just five baserunners in the contest, going hitless in their only at-bat with runners
Whitecaps Wash Away Captains, 6-2
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps pitching staff walked the tightrope as late offense propelled them past the Lake County Captains 6-2 in front of 6,833 fans Wednesday night at LMCU Ballpark. Despite loading the bases in the eighth, ‘Caps reliever Erick Pinales escaped trouble with an inning-ending