Peña Returns as Whitecaps Manager
Skipper comes back with all-new coaching staff COMSTOCK PARK, MI - - Thursday, January 6, 2022 - - The West Michigan Whitecaps announced today manager Brayan Peña will return for his second season at the helm in 2022. He returns with an all-new coaching staff, in a move announced in
Skipper comes back with all-new coaching staff
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - - Thursday, January 6, 2022 - - The West Michigan Whitecaps announced today manager Brayan Peña will return for his second season at the helm in 2022. He returns with an all-new coaching staff, in a move announced in conjunction with the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.
The former Detroit Tigers catcher and 14th manager in Whitecaps history led his team to a 58-62 record in his first season. West Michigan posted the 4th-best run differential in the 12-team High-A Central League while giving 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!”
Peña’s return to West Michigan comes alongside several new faces to the Tigers minor-league ranks, including pitching coach Dean Stiles, hitting coach C.J. Wamsley, development coach Nick Bredeson, athletic trainer Sean McFarland, and strength coach Tyler Gniadek and baseball information assistant Quinn Smith.
“Nothing better than getting official word that Brayan Peña will be returning to the dugout and leading the Whitecaps in 2022,” said Whitecaps VP & General Manager Jim Jarecki. “Brayan has grown into his managerial position and navigated the team through an unusual 2021 season. The positive atmosphere he creates, not only on the field but off the field, is very unique. He places his work ethic and love for baseball right out in front for all to see—I know Whitecaps fans are excited to see him back. “
Dean Stiles spent 2021 managing the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League to a league-best 54-42 record. His most previous stops included time as a Pitching Coach in the LA Dodgers organization in the pitching development program. Before his time with the Dodgers, Stiles served as pitching coach at the collegiate level with the University of Oregon, Florida International University, and San Jose State University. Stiles mentored 54 pitchers selected in the MLB Draft during that time, including first-round selections Nate Pearson of the Toronto Blue Jays and David Peterson of the New York Mets.
Wamsley spent 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. Bredeson also spent time in Athens as an assistant coach for Ohio University before joining the Tigers this offseason. McFarland, an alum of Bowling Green State University and the 2018 New York-Penn League Athletic Trainer of the Year, has worked in the Tigers system since 2017. Gniadek arrives with professional experience after stints with the Los Angeles Angels and Chicago White Sox over the past five years.
Peña arrived in West Michigan after managerial stops with the Connecticut and Gulf Coast League Tigers after a 12-year playing career. The native of Havana, Cuba, played for five different Major League teams, including a part of the 2013 Tigers AL Central Division Championship roster. In 2018, Peña led the GCL-Tigers to its first league championship since it became a full-time member in 1995.
“This group of coaches are bringing some good experience that should translate well with the Whitecaps players,” Jarecki added. Spring Training cannot start soon enough and Opening Day 2022 is just around the corner.”
The Whitecaps have preparations for the 2022 campaign well underway. The scheduled season opener is set for Friday, April 8 at Dow Diamond against the Great Lakes Loons before the home opener Tuesday, April 12, with the Lansing Lugnuts at 6:35 p.m. Get information on 2022 season tickets by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
About West Michigan Whitecaps: The Whitecaps minor league baseball team was established in 1994. The Whitecaps are the High- A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the Eastern Division of the High-A Central League. The team’s home games are played in West Michigan’s favorite, largest, outdoor, multi-purpose venue, LMCU Ballpark. For more player information, contact Dan Hasty at DanH@whitecapsbaseball.com or 586.604.6755. For more information on Whitecaps and LMCU Ballpark visit whitecapsbaseball.com or contact Steve VanWagoner at stevev@whitecapsbaseball.com or 616.318.8949.
‘Caps Conquered by Captains in 6-4 Loss
EASTLAKE, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps put the potential game-tying run on second base in the ninth inning but failed to complete the rally, falling to the Lake County Captains 6-4 Tuesday evening at Classic Park. The Whitecaps failed to convert on several prime opportunities, finishing just 2-for-13 with
Clark Lifts ‘Caps to Wild Walk-Off
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — Outfielder Max Clark delivered a game-tying home run and Andrew Jenkins scored on a game-ending wild pitch as the West Michigan Whitecaps capped off a series sweep of the Dayton Dragons with their second consecutive walk-off victory by a score of 7-6 in 10 innings Sunday
Peck Slays Dragons in Walk-off Winner
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps found themselves down a run in the bottom of the 11th inning when John Peck delivered the biggest swing of the day, driving home two runs to walk off the Dayton Dragons Saturday evening at LMCU Ballpark. Peck – who finished 0-for-5
Whitecaps Open Season with Shutout
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps drew ten walks while the pitching staff piled on 12 strikeouts in a 7-0 shutout win over the Dayton Dragons in front of 4,532 fans on opening night at LMCU Ballpark. The Whitecaps, who led the Midwest League with 13 shutouts in
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
Clark, McGonigle Headline Whitecaps ’25 Roster
Clark, McGonigle Headline Whitecaps ’25 Roster Two of Baseball’s Top Prospects to Open Season in West Michigan COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - - The West Michigan Whitecaps will benefit from their affiliation to Major League Baseball’s top farm system, with three of the top six Detroit Tigers prospects heading to LMCU
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