Celebrating their 24th season, the Detroit Tigers-affiliated farm club, the West Michigan Whitecaps, play right here in Grand Rapids at Fifth Third Park. Join us as we remember the good times and recount the history of our beloved West Michigan Whitecaps.
Based on a long dream of bringing minor league baseball back to Grand Rapids after a long hiatus, business partners Lew Chamberlin and Dennis Baxter bought the Midwest League’s Madison Muskies in the early-1990s with the intent of moving them to West Michigan. After securing private financing, the duo gave the green light to start constructing Old Kent Park (Old Kent Bank (now Fifth Third Bank) bought the naming rights to the stadium) in Comstock Park. After running a “Name That Team” contest in the Grand Rapids Press, the duo chose the team name Whitecaps from over 1,800 entries.
The Whitecaps originally started as an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, but that affiliation was short-lived as the Whitecaps eventually switched allegiances and became the Detroit Tigers’ Single-A minor league affiliate in 1997. The Whitecaps have welcomed millions of fans and have earned a reputation as one of the best-run minor league teams in the country. In addition to being a model minor-league franchise, the Whitecaps have had baseball success as well, winning six Midwest League championships so far, the most recent in 2015.
If you are looking to spend a beautiful Michigan day at the ballpark, they play around 60 home games each season, so you are sure to find a time and date that works for you. Tickets are priced at $8.00, $12.50, $14.0, $16.00 and $27.50. In addition to the standard fare of hot dogs, soda, peanuts, popcorn and nachos, Fifth Third Park offers an extensive selection of locally-brewed craft beer.
Come on down to the ballpark and buy us some peanuts and Cracker Jacks! Or just connect with us, sometimes we can get tickets. 🙂
