The Wave 2022 April 12 - May1 by West Michigan Whitecaps

T S E W G I H C I M E

It’s impossible.

Until it isn’t. Queen Fighting cancer and winning

APRIL 12 - 17

APRIL 26 - MAY 1

FEATURES

THE 9

JOSIAH WALLACE

PAGE 21

PAGE 63

LOS WHITECAPS DE WEST MICHIGAN PAGE 54

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 4-5 6 -7 8 18 19 25 29

Season Schedule Promotional Schedule Coaching Staff Whitecaps Roster Message from our CEO Weekly Promotions Grand Slam Brands Midwest League Teams

33-48 40-41 44 49 51-52 68 72 76-77

Kids Activities Official Scorecard Whitecaps Community Foundation Road to Detroit Map Tigers Top Ten Prospects NonprofHITS Staff List LMCU Ballpark Guide

VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 1 | APRIL 12 - MAY 1 Entire contents © 2022 Whitecaps Professional Baseball Corp. All rights reserved. Advertising Sales: Leah Austin • JD Triemstra • Ernie McCallum • Britney Behrens• Dan Morrison • Jim Jarecki Contributors: Writing: Michael Zuidema • Steve VanWagoner Photography: Jack Powers The Wave is designed and produced under the direction of Jack Powers • Printed by: Rogers Printing, Ravenna, MI

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2022 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

APRIL SUNDAY

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OFF 17

2:00 | LAN

DOLLAR DAYS!

6:35 | LAN

OPENING DAY! WINTER HAT GIVEAWAY!

12:00 | LAN

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1 1

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1:05 | GL

2:00 | LAN

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RESERVED TICKETS

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7:05 | DAY

1:05 | DAY

6:35 | GL

12:00 | GL

6:35 | GL

2:00 | GL

OFF

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1:05 | DAY

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6:35 | BEL

6:05 | BEL

13 11:00 | BEL SCHOOL DAY!

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SATURDAY 7

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OFF 8

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OFF 15

2:00 | BEL

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6:00 | DAY

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RILEY GREENE

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11:00 | DAY

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2022 COACHING STAFF

BRAYAN PEÑA MANAGER

Former Detroit Tigers catcher Brayan Peña returns for his second season in 2022 after being named named the 14th manager in West Michigan Whitecaps history in early 2021. The 40year 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 first-ever 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, Baseball Operations and General Manager Al Avila. 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 and 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.

DEAN STILES PITCHING COACH

Equipped with coaching experience spanning four decades, Dean Stiles arrives in West Michigan as pitching coach for his first season after spending 2021 managing the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League. Last season, the Raptors posted 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. As a player, Stiles, made his home as an infielder at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif., before transferring to Oregon and finishing his career with the Ducks. He graduated with a degree in journalism in 1982, and in 1986 completed his secondary education credential at the UO College of Education. He currently resides in Eugene with his wife Megan, sons Taylor and Cooper, and daughter Chloe. Cooper in a member of the Oregon baseball team.

C.J. WAMSLEY HITTING COACH

The 2022 season marks Wamsley’s first 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.

NICK BREDESON DEVELOPMENTAL COACH

Nick Bredeson was a catcher for the Ohio University Bobcats from 2013-2018. He missed considerable time due to injuries which explains the longerthan-average career. A native of Bloomfield Hills, MI, Bredeson earned his undergraduate degree in sport management and a graduate degree in coaching education from Ohio. Soon after graduation, Bredeson joined the Ohio coaching staff as an assistant coach while also working on his graduate degree. He remained in that position through the 2021 season. In June 2021 he moved to Belmont University as a volunteer assistant coach, but didn’t stay very long before he was hired by The Detroit Tigers to be the West Michigan Whitecaps developmental coach for the 2022 season.

ADDITIONAL STAFF

Athletic Trainer...................................................................................................................................................................Sean McFarland Strength and Conditioning Coach......................................................................................................................................... Tyler Gniadek Baseball Video Information / Hawkeye Operator............................................................................................. Kyle Flanagan/Kyle Peets

WHITECAPS ROSTER Detroit Tigers Affiliate

Manager - Brayan Peña Pitching Coach - Dean Stiles Hitting Coach - C.J. Wamsley Coach - Nick Bredeson Athletic Trainer - Sean McFarland Strength & Conditioning Coach - Tyler Gniadek Baseball Information Assistant - Quinn Smith

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APRIL DOLLAR DAYS!

ENJOY THE MONTH OF APRIL WITH GREAT DEALS THAT WILL STRETCH YOUR DOLLAR!

WEDNESDAY

APRIL 13 - 17

THURSDAY

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6:35 | GL

PRETZELS

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27 12:05 | GL

SATURDAY

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SUNDAY

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APRIL 26 - 30

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A MESSAGE FROM WHITECAPS CEO JOE CHAMBERLIN

WELCOME BACK TO BASEBALL , WHITECAPS FANS! If there is anything we have learned over the last three years, it’s certainly to expect the unexpected, but also that nothing can beat a summer night outside at LMCU Ballpark. As our community continues to rebound from the challenges of the last few years, our organization is once again ready to help all of West Michigan get back to normal as our season unfolds. A lot has happened around the ballpark since last season, and we could not be more excited to welcome you back to see what’s new. IT’S YOUR SUMMER! On the field, Bryan Pena returns as Whitecaps Manager for his second campaign at the High-A level, following the Whitecaps promotion ahead of the 2021 season. We saw the High-A designation pay immediate dividends in 2021 with names like Torkelson and Dingler lighting up the diamond early in the year. 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 this offseason 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 2022 season is stacked with experiences that will bring you back to the ballpark time and time again. Just to highlight a few… •Made In Michigan Wednesdays featuring appearances by Cecil Fielder, Jason Hanson, Chris Chelios, Darren McCarty and Joel Zumaya. •The return of Star Wars Night with appearances from all your favorite characters on July 16th! •Celebrations of West Michigan’s unique and diverse community with events like PRIDE Night on June 9th, our transformation to Las Calaveras de West Michigan on June 11th, July 15th and August 21st and our celebration of the Grand Rapids Black Sox on July 28th. • A fantastic slate of LMCU Ballpark special events occurring when the Caps are on the road, including a Traverse City Pit Spitters game on June 22nd. Most importantly, as we do every season, after a long Michigan winter I want to welcome fans back to the Whitecaps brand of fun, community, experiences. Welcome back to summer nights at LMCU Ballpark, hot dogs and peanuts, the sounds of baseball 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 the FUN. And last, but certainly not least, I can’t forget to say Thank You to West Michigan for your continued support of Whitecaps baseball. We couldn’t do what we do without all of you and your support pushes us every day to make sure 2022 is 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

T WWKLY S E N W A G I PROMOTIONS H S C I P M A C E T I WH

CREATIVITY • ENGAGEMENT • INNOVATION This year, in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s initiatives, teams throughout Minor League Baseball will be honoring the most influencial and impactful Black players to ever put on their uniforms. These players may have been standout performers who went on to have long and illustrious major league careers. Others might have had stellar minor league careers, while some simply had one incredible season that could be described as a “year for the ages.” To help celebrate and recognize the rich history of African Americans in baseball, here are five of the best Black baseball players to suit up for the West Michigan Whitecaps.

CAMERON MAYBIN (2006)

WYNTON BERNARD (2014)

Only 19 years old when he arrived in West Michigan, Maybin was

Bernard may have started the 2014 season without a team, but

drafted by the parent club, the Detroit Tigers, with the 10th overall

he ended the year with a place in the West Michigan record books.

pick in the 2005 draft. He certainly lived up to the hype.

The outfielder had joined the Whitecaps that spring following an open tryout after the San Diego Padres organization released the

In his lone season with the Whitecaps, Maybin batted .304 with

35th round draft pick.

nine home runs, 69 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases, and was selected to play in the MLB All-Star Futures Game. The young outfielder also

From there, Bernard went on to set a Whitecaps record for hits

helped lead West Michigan to the 2006 Midwest League Champi-

in a season with 159, and lead the Midwest League with a .328

onship and was named the MWL Prospect of the Year.

batting average. He also led the league in runs (89), was second in total bases (217) and on-base percentage (.401), and third in

Only 20 years old at the time, Maybin was the youngest player in

stolen bases (44). As a result, Bernard joined Robert Fick (1997)

the American League when he made his Major League debut with

and Gorkys Hernandez (2007) as only the third Whitecaps player

the Tigers in 2007. Maybin, who was included in the December

to be named league MVP.

2007 trade that brought Miguel Cabrera to Detroit from the Florida Marlins, retired this past January after a 15-year major league

Bernard joined the Double-A Erie SeaWolves in 2015 and has

career with ten teams. That included a one-year return to Detroit

since spent time in the minor league systems for the San Francisco

in 2016, when he had 110 hits and a .315 batting average in 94

Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Colorado Rockies.

games.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 27)

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Brown’s final year in the majors was 2009, and he finished a 10year career with 581 hits, 59 home runs, and 326 RBIs. His best individual season was with the Royals in 2006, when he had 151 hits and finished tied for ninth in the American League with 41 doubles.

MARK WOODYARD (2001) The fourth-round draft pick by the Detroit Tigers emerged as a reliable arm in the starting rotation during his time in West Michigan. The right-hander finished second on the Whitecaps in 2001 with 25 starts, 636 batters faced, 143 2/3 innings pitched, and 84 strikeouts.

DEVON TRAVIS (2013) Travis only appeared in 77 games for the Whitecaps, but he made

After working his way up through the minor league system, Wood-

every one of them count.

yard broke into the big leagues at the end of the 2005 season, appearing in three games for the Tigers. He finished with a 1.50

The 13th-round draft pick of the Tigers was leading the Midwest

ERA in six innings with three strikeouts and zero walks.

League in batting (.352), hits (102), and games (77) when he was promoted to Class A Lakeland in late June 2013. At the time, he

Woodyard became a free agent following the 2006 season and

also was leading all second baseman with a .982 fielding percent-

spent the next few years playing independent ball in the Golden

age and had been named MVP of the Midwest League All-Star. In

Baseball League, Atlantic League, and American Association of

fact, he made such a strong impression with his play that manag-

Professional Baseball.

ers also named him a Midwest League Post-Season All-Star as the best second baseman in the league. During the 2014 offseason, the Tiges traded Travis to Toronto, where he batted .304 and .300 in his first two major league seasons, but also battled numerous shoulder and knee injuries. Ultimately, he would retire following the 2018 season, finishing a fouryear career with 320 hits and .274 batting average in 316 games with the Blue Jays.

EMIL BROWN (1995) A sixth-round draft pick of the Oakland Athletics, Brown led the

In 2022, Travis is enjoying his second season as a coach in the Atlanta Braves minor league system.

Whitecaps – then in only their second season – with 459 at-bats, 115 hits, and 67 RBIs. Those number helped ensure that the 20-year-old right fielder wouldn’t remain in the minor leagues for long. Selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1996 Rule 5 draft, Brown made his major league debut on April 3, 1997. Brown spent the next five seasons as a role player for the Pirates, and would go on to play for the Padres, Royals, Athletics, and Mets.

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T S E N W A G I H S C I P M TECA I H W

BEER CITY BUNG HAMMERS

Fans of the West Michigan Whitecaps know that the team has embraced Grand Rapids’ thriving craft beer culture for several years. From a special logo for the 2014 Midwest League All-Star game logo, to our “Craft Clubhouse” presented by Mitten Brewing Co., to the annual Michigan Brewer’s Guild Winter Beer Festival held at LMCU Ballpark every year, the Whitecaps love craft beer. The Whitecaps took the next step with the local craft beer community and changing the team’s name for one special night in 2018. Now, once a year, the Whitecaps become the Beer City Bung Hammers for “Salute to Beer City Night.”

saturday, AUGUST 20 • 6:35 P.M. CALAVERAS DE WEST MICHIGAN Baseball is a sport that embraces families and celebrations, and the “Calaveras de West Michigan” alternate persona of the West Michigan Whitecaps brings the vibrant local Hispanic/Latino community and its traditions to LMCU Ballpark. Fans enjoy sugar skull decorating, face painting, authentic food and music, games and more when Las Calaveras de West Michigan take the field.

Saturday, june 11 • 6:35 P.m. frIday, july 15 • 6:35 P.m. Sunday, august 21 • 2:00 p.m. PRESENTED BY: GENTEX

GRAND RAPIDS DAM BREAKERS The Grand Rapids Dam Breakers are an alternate persona of the West Michigan Whitecaps. Designed to bring awareness to the Grand River Restoration Project that is bringing excitement to our waterway by restoring the rapids back to a 2.5 mile stretch of the Grand River in Downtown Grand Rapids.

saturday, july 30 • 6:35 P.M. PRESENTED BY: CONSUMERS ENERGY

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Learn more at AHealthierMichigan.org

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. W006470

THE HISTORY OF THE

In 1947, six baseball franchises began operation as the Class D Illinois State League. However, the league didn’t stay exclusive to Illinois for long. When the Marion Indians relocated to Paducah, KY in 1940, the league’s name changed to the Mississippi-Ohio Valley League, in recognition of its expanding boundaries. The Mississippi-Ohio Valley League expanded to include two teams from Iowa in 1954, resulting in the circuit’s present-day moniker, The Midwest League. The league’s membership

increased significantly in 1961 after the collapse of the Class B IllinoisIndiana-Iowa League. The following season, the defunct organization’s Appleton, Burlington, and Cedar Rapids franchises joined the Midwest League. One year later, after a reorganization of the Minor League categorization system, the Midwest League was classified as a Class A league, a designation that remains to this day. In 1982, the league expanded to 12 teams by adding the Beloit Brewers, Danville Suns, Madison Muskies, and the

Springfield Cardinals. The league expanded to 14 teams in 1988 with the addition of franchises in South Bend, Indiana and Rockford, Illinois. During the 1990s, several teams changed cities: Kenosha, Madison, Rockford, Springfield, Waterloo, and Wausau lost teams, while Battle Creek, Dayton, Fort Wayne, Grand Rapids, Kane County, and Lansing gained teams. The 2010 season brought the addition of two more teams to the league: the Bowling Green Hot Rods and the Lake County Captains. Both teams were members of the South Atlantic League

before bringing balance to the Eastern and Western Divisions of the Midwest League. The Fort Wayne TinCaps are currently the oldest franchise in the league. The Tincaps started as the Mattoon Indians in 1947 and played in Keokuk, IA, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Kenosha, WI before moving to Fort Wayne in 1993. The Clinton Lumber Kings hold the distinction of being in one city the longest, having played in Clinton since 1954.

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MIDWEST LEAGUE BELOIT SKY CARP

CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS

BELOIT, WI

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

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

DAYTON DRAGONS

Minnesota Twins (2013) kernels.com Veterans Memorial Stadium Brian Dinkleman Jairo Rodriguez Mark Moriarty

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

Miami Marlins (2021) skycarp.com ABC Supply Stadium Jorge Hernandez Matt Snyder Jason Erickson

FORT WAYNE TINCAPS

DAYTON, OH

FORT WAYNE, IN Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

GREAT LAKES LOONS

LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS

MIDLAND, MI

EASTLAKE, OH

Los Angeles Dodgers (2007) Affiliation: loons.com Website: Dow Diamond Stadium: Austin Chubb Manager: David Anderson Hitting Coach: Ryan Dennick Pitching Coach:

LANSING LUGNUTS

PEORIA, IL Oakland Athletics (2021) lansinglugnuts.com Jackson Field Philip Pohl Javier Godard Don Schulze

QUAD CITIES RIVER BANDITS DAVENPORT, IA

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

COMSTOCK PARK, MI

Detroit Tigers (1997) whitecapsbaseball.com LMCU Ballpark Brayan Pena C.J. Wamsley Dean Stiles

St. Louis Cardinals (2014) peoriachiefs.com Dozer Park Patrick Anderson Willi Martin Edwin Moreno

SOUTH BEND CUBS SOUTH BEND, IN

Kansas City Royals (2021) riverbandits.com Modern Woodmen Park Brooks Conrad Andy LaRoche Steve Luebber

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS Affiliation: Website: Stadium: Manager: Hitting Coach: Pitching Coach:

Affiliation: Cleveland Gaurdians (2003) Website: captainsbaseball.com Stadium: Classic Park Manager: Greg DiCenzo Hitting Coach: Chris Smith Pitching Coach: Caleb Longshore

PEORIA CHIEFS

LANSING, MI

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

San Diego Padres (1999) tincaps.com Parkview Field Brian Esposito Randolph Gassaway Jimmy Jones

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

Cincinnati Reds (2000) daytondragons.com Fifth Third Field Brian LaHair Daryle Ward Brian Garman

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

Chicago Cubs (2015) southbendcubs.com Four Winds Field Lance Rymel Dan Puente Tony Cougoule

WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS APPLETON, WI

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

Milwaukee Brewers (2009) timberrattlers.com Neuroscience Group Field Joe Ayrault Nick Stanley Will Schierholz

T S E N W A G I H S C I P M TECA I H W

A NEW TAKE ON A TRADITIONAL PROMOTION, THE WHITECAPS HAVE REFURBISHED TIGERS WEDNESDAYS INTO “MADE IN MICHIGAN WEDNESDAYS.” THE NEW LOOK FEATURES APPEARANCES FROM ATHLETES WHO WERE BORN IN MICHIGAN OR PLAYED FOR A TEAM IN MICHIGAN SUCH AS THE PISTONS, TIGERS, LIONS, RED WINGS, SPARTANS, OR WOLVERINES. PLEASE JOIN US ON THESE DATES, AND MEET YOUR FAVORITE PAST OR PRESENT ATHLETE!

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 PRESENTED BY: MICHIGAN SOYBEAN

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT

WHITECAPSBASEBALL.COM

AUTOGRAPH PROCEDURE Fans looking to get an autograph will need to come to the autograph table, behind section 109, along the first base concourse to get a number. The numbers will be announced in blocks, e.g. 1-50, and when your number is called you are able to get in line. You will need to present your number at that time to get your autograph. One autograph per number per person, and you must present your number to get your autograph (multiple numbers may not be presented at one time). For a 6:35 p.m. game, the gates open at 5:15 p.m. and autographs will start promptly at 5:45 p.m. Season Ticket Holders can get in at 5:00 p.m. (10-game plan holders and up). There are a limited number available and when they are completed, fans may be able to get another number if time permits. Autographs will end at 8:00 p.m.

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.

141569 02/22

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

HEY KIDS! JOIN CRASH, FRANKY AND ROXY IN THE FUN AND GAMES! BUT MAKE SURE YOU KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR FOUL BALLS! FIND THESE WORDS IN THE WORD SEARCH! (Hint: Some words are backward!)

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Scan the QR code to take the Whitecaps quiz for a chance to win prizes! 36

CRASH NEEDS SOME COLOR!

Redeem this page at any J&H Family Store

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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:

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• FIRST 1,000 KIDS 12 & UNDER EAT FREE • PREGAME: PLAY CATCH WITH PARENTS AND GET MASCOT AUTOGRAPHS

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JOIN TODAY! FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: 616.726.7053 or visit WHITECAPSBASEBALL.COM

A SERVICE OF GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

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THE WHITECAPS PLAYERS ARE JUST BEGINNING THEIR JOURNEY TO THE MAJORS. MOST PLAYERS DRAFTED OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL START IN THE GULF COAST. 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 GULF COAST LEAGUE (R)

MANAGER: HITTING COACH: PITCHING COACH:

RYAN MINOR TIM GARLAND MIKE ALVAREZ

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LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE (LOW-A)

MANAGER: HITTING COACH: PITCHING COACH:

ANDREW GRAHAM FRANSCISCO CONTREAS JUAN PIMENTEL

2125 N. LAKE ST. LAKELAND, FL 33805

u o Y e Ar e! r e H

H T N O A O R G A

lakelandflyingtigers.com

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS MIDWEST LEAGUE (HIGH-A)

MANAGER: HITTING COACH: PITCHING COACH:

BRAYAN PEÑA C.J WAMSLEY DEAN STILES

4500 WEST RIVER DR. COMSTOCK PARK, MI 49321

whitecapsbaseball.com

ERIE SEAWOLVES EASTERN LEAGUE (AA)

MANAGER: HITTING COACH: DEVELOPMENT COACH:

GABE ALVEREZ JOHN MURRIAN DANIEL RICABAL

110 E. 10TH ST. ERIE, PA 16501

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DETROIT TIGERS AMERICAN LEAGUE (MLB)

MANAGER: HITTING COACH: PITCHING COACH:

A.J. HINCH SCOTT COOLBAUGH CHRIS FETTER

2100 WOODWARD AVE. DETROIT, MI 48201 tigers.com

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T TOP TEN S E N W A G I PROSPEES H C I 2P M 2E0C2A DETROIT TIGERS

T I H W

INDICATES A FORMER WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS PLAYER INFORMATION PROVIDED BY MINORLEAGUEBALL.COM

RILEY GREENE OF DOB: 1/28/1998

SPENCER TORKELSON 1B

HT: 6’3” WT: 200 DRAFTED: RD 1 (2019)

SCHOOL: Paul J. Hagerty H.S. (FL) THROWS: R

BATS: R

HT: 6’1”

WT: 220 DRAFTED: RD 1 (2020)

SCHOOL: Arizona State University THROWS: R

BATS: R

JACKSON JOBE RHP

DILLON DINGLER C DOB: 9/17/1998

DOB: 8/26/1999

HT: 6’3” WT: 210 DRAFTED: RD 2 (2020)

SCHOOL: Ohio State THROWS: R

BATS: R

DOB: 7/30/2002

HT: 6’2” WT: 190 DRAFTED: RD 1 (2021)

SCHOOL: Heritage Hall High School THROWS: R

BATS: R

TY MADDEN RHP DOB: 2/21/2000

REESE OLSON RHP

HT: 6’3” WT: 215 DRAFTED: 2021

SCHOOL: Texas THROWS: R

BATS: R

HT: 6’1”

WT: 160 DRAFTED: RD 13 (2018)

SCHOOL: North Hall High School THROWS: R

BATS: R

CRISTIAN SANTANA IF DOB: 11/2/1997

HT: 6’0” WT: 165

THROWS: R

BATS: R

JOEY WENTZ LHP DOB: 10/6/1997 HT: 6’5” WT: 220 DRAFTED: RD 1 ATL (2016) SCHOOL: Shawnee Mission East H.S. (KS) THROWS: L BATS: L

DOB: 7/31/1999

RYAN KREIDLER SS DOB: 11/2/1997

HT: 6’4” WT: 208 DRAFTED: RD 35 (2016)

SCHOOL: University of California THROWS: R

BATS: R

10.

IZAAC PACHECO IF DOB: 11/18/2002 HT: 6’4” WT: 225 DRAFTED: RD 2 (2021) SCHOOL: Friendswood Highschool THROWS: R BATS: L

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LOS WHITECAPS DE WEST MICHIGAN

UTILIZAN EL PROGRAMA DE LA COPA DE LA DIVERSIÓN PARA UNIRSE A SU CIUDAD HERMANA EN MÉXICO

COPA DE LA DIVERSIÓN

TO BUILD RELATIONS WITH GRAND RAPIDS SISTER CITY IN MEXICO Por Steve VanWagoner | Traducido por Chanel Zapata By Steve VanWagoner | Translated by Chanel Zapata

Desde la primera temporada de los Whitecaps en West

Since the West Michigan Whitecaps’ inaugural season in

Michigan en el 1984, los Whitecaps se han comprometido a

1994, the team has been committed to being an inclusive

brindar un ambiente inclusivo para su comunidad en donde

and welcoming community asset. The Whitecaps are about

reina la diversión y las magníficas experiencias para los

fun, community and fan experiences.

aficionados. As part of this commitment, the Whitecaps joined a group Como parte de este compromiso, los Whitecaps se unieron

of 72 Minor League Baseball teams during the 2019 season

a otros setenta y dos equipos de Las Ligas Menores de

participating in the Copa de la Diversión initiative. For three

Béisbol en el 2019 para participar en el programa de la Copa

games, the Whitecaps adopted the identity of Las Calaveras

de la Diversión. En donde durante tres partidos, los Whitecaps

de West Michigan.

adoptaron la identidad de las Calaveras de West Michigan. The games focused on celebrating the Hispanic culture Durante estos partidos se enfocaron en celebrar la cultura

and its influence on America’s pastime, including adding new

Hispana de la mano de su nueva identidad. Además, rindieron

Hispanic food options, creating a culturally relevant persona

honor a la influencia de los Hispanos en el deporte del

and focusing on fun giveaways.

béisbol, a su vez los fanáticos pudieron experimentar distintos refrigerios Hispanos, obsequios y música.

Motivated to make their Copa de la Diversión participation count, the Whitecaps began meeting with community leaders

Motivados a dejar una huella con su participación en la Copa de la Diversión, el equipo comenzó a reunirse con

and business partners to find out how they could make the biggest impact.

líderes comunitarios, así como sus socios para encontrar una manera de contribuir a la comunidad.

During an initial meeting with the Grand Rapids Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Whitecaps were introduced to

Durante una de sus primeras reuniones con la Cámara de

several local leaders along with representatives visiting from

Comercio Hispana de Grand Rapids (en inglés, Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids’ sister city of Zapopan, Mexico. The meeting

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) los Whitecaps tuvieron la Continúa en la página 57 | Continued on page 57

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oportunidad de conocer a varios embajadores de su ciudad

was aimed at finalizing details surrounding an upcoming trip

hermana en Zapopan, México. Precisamente, esa reunión era

to Zapopan by Grand Rapids representatives to strengthen

para finalizar los detalles de un viaje a la ciudad de Zapopan

relations between the cities.

con el fin de fortalecer las relaciones entre ambas ciudades. “Understanding

baseball

crosses

borders

without

“Entendemos que el béisbol cruza fronteras sin discriminar

discriminating based on demographic or economic class, we

acerca de clases sociales o estatus económico y sabíamos

knew we could play a role in some way,” said Dan Morrison,

que había una oportunidad para ayudar,” dijo Dan Morrison,

Vice President of Sales for the Whitecaps.

vicepresidente de ventas para los Whitecaps. “We understood there was a need for equipment such as “Comprendimos que, para empezar el programa de beisbol

gloves, bats, helmets and baseballs for the city of Zapopan to

en Zapopan, se necesitaba equipo como bates, pelotas, cascos

start its baseball program,” Morrison said. “Knowing we could

y guantes,” dijo Morrison. “Desafortunadamente sabíamos

not provide equipment to every kid who wanted to play, we

que no podíamos proveerle a cada niño que quisiera jugar,

decided instead to give the equipment to the administrator of

pero pudimos obsequiarles el equipo a los administradores

the program and the local police department so it would stay

del programa y al departamento de la policía para que se

at the fields.”

quedara en los parques de pelota.” By providing enough equipment to have five games run En fin, se le proveyó suficientes cascos, bates, guantes y pelotas para que se pudieran jugar cinco partidos a la vez y

simultaneously on separate fields, all kids who wanted to play baseball could participate.

lo cual quiere decir que cualquier niño que desee jugar puede participar.

The Whitecaps’ desire to play a part in helping build relations with their sister city came full circle when Benjamin

Los Whitecaps han desarrollado relaciones con su ciudad

Hernández, a diplomat from Zapopan, was in attendance at

hermana más allá del terreno de juego, cuando en agosto el

an August game to see Las Calaveras de West Michigan take

embajador de la ciudad de Zapopán, Benjamín Hernández

the field at LMCU Ballpark. He brought with him custom sugar

ABOVE: Biggby Coffee Promo Team getting festive with their sugar skull face paintings! LEFT: Players from Las Calaveras De West Michigan display their native countries’ flags at during the Copa de la Diversiòn.

Continúa en la página 58 | Continued on page 58

dijo presente durante el partido de las Calaveras de West

skulls that paid tribute to the Whitecaps’ new “Calaveras”

Michigan en el parque de LMCU Ballpark. Benjamín trajo

identity. The Grand Rapids delegation, led by Mayor Rosalyn

consigo calaveras directamente desde México y estas le

Bliss, visited Zapopan in October and presented its mayor

rinden tributo a su identidad para la Copa de la Diversión.

with the Whitecaps’ equipment donation.

Luego en octubre, la alcaldesa de la ciudad de Grand Rapids lideró a la delegación de Grand Rapids en su visita a la ciudad

“We feel like we’re part of a much bigger collective,”

hermana y presentaron el regalo de los Whitecaps ante el

said Jenny Garone, Community Relations Manager for the

alcalde de Zapopán.

Whitecaps. “Not only did we make an impact on children in Zapopan, but our commitment extends to our ballpark

“Sentimos que somos parte de algo más grande para la

activities. We make announcements in Spanish at each

sociedad,” dijo Jenny Garone, la gerente de relaciones a la

game and play authentic music as part of our commitment

comunidad. “No solo dejamos una huella para los niños en

to our fans and the local Hispanic community. MiLB’s Copa

Zapopán, si no que demostramos nuestro compromiso en

de la Diversión initiative has helped in our mission of fun,

nuestra comunidad con nuestras actividades en el parque

community and experiences.”

de pelota. Durante cada partido, disfrutamos de locutores en español y de música autentica todo esto con el fin de que nuestra comunidad local hispana y los aficionados se sintieran bienvenidos. Definitivamente el programa de la Copa de la Diversión de Las Ligas Menores de Béisbol nos ha ayudado a continuar con nuestra misión de proveerle a la comunidad diversión y experiencias.”

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JosIah ST E GAN W Wallace ICHI PS M TECA I H W

Josiah Wallace didn’t need long to endear himself to the players

Alissa said. “Once he started to like it, the weather was nice and

in the West Michigan Whitecaps’ bullpen last summer.

we didn’t have anything for school yet, so we kept going.”

A well-timed pack of Skittles was all that was needed to do the

Catcher Cooper Johnson and pitcher Adam Wolf emerged as two

trick, even if candy isn’t normally a recommended part of a pro-

of Josiah’s favorite players, and he loved interacting with on-field

fessional baseball players’ diet.

host Bob Wells and the Biggby Coffee Crew, the Whitecaps between innings entertainment staff. Matt and Alissa especially

“Josiah is a gift giver. Josiah is always trying to sneak in contra-

appreciated the kindness and attention Whitecaps players and

band to give to the players at the park,” said Josiah’s dad, Matt

staff gave to Josiah, who suffered a spinal cord injury as a baby

Wallace. “He’s bringing candy to them, and he might cause a

and uses a walker.

little ruckus with the coaching staff if he isn’t careful.” “One of the Biggby Coffee Crew was really good with Josiah. He Josiah, a 12-year-old sixth grader at Knapp Charter Academy,

got to help with the fireworks one night, and another night take

fell in love with attending Whitecaps games last summer with his

part in a basketball game,” Alissa said. “She thought through

parents, Matt and Alissa, and older brothers, Noah, Elijah, and

how to do everything on top of the dugout, how to get there, get

Gabe. The family regularly found a good spot down the first-base

him up there, everything to do with his walker. I really appreci-

line near the Whitecaps bullpen, where Josiah enjoyed watching

ated her.”

the players warm up and snagging the occasional autograph. “He just fell in love with the whole gamut of the experience. He One day, Josiah overheard one of the catchers mention they

loved to connect with the players, get autographs,” Matt said.

were running out of candy in the bullpen. One game later, the

“But he also loved the games between innings, the fireworks,

players had a fresh stash of Skittles, Josiah was hooked on

everything going on around the ballpark.”

baseball, and the Wallaces had a new summer tradition.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 64

“We didn’t start until early August, a little later in the year, but there were a couple weekends when we went to all three games,”

The Wallaces have always been a baseball family. Matt pitched

the 2022 schedule loaded and ready on his iPad and started

at Taylor University in Indiana and regularly attended Cincinna-

planning his August 16 birthday party at the ballpark back in

ti Reds games while growing up in Indianapolis. In 2017, they

January. And, of course, there are his usual favorites:

moved to Grand Rapids, where Matt is a professor at Cornerstone University and Alissa a physical therapist with the Kent

“The players. Watching home runs,” Josiah said. “And fireworks.”

Intermediate School District. “I think we’ll have to figure out a plan to limit how many games Matt and Alissa also help run the Michigan Chapter of Friend-

we go to,” Matt said with a laugh. “Otherwise, I’m going to have

ship Sports International, a nonprofit Christian organization that

to get a job there.”

provides leadership, discipleship, and service opportunities to students. For his part, Josiah also enjoys karate, horseback riding, wheelchair basketball, and attending Cornerstone games. He went to his first Grand Rapids Griffins game this past December – he particularly enjoyed a fight that broke out on the ice – but he might be most excited about returning to LMCU Ballpark this summer on a regular basis. For Christmas, Josiah got a gift card to buy game tickets along with a new Whitecaps jersey with his name on the back. He’s got

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Cover all the bases with

EVENTS • AGRICULTURE • SPORTS WEDDINGS • CONSTRUCTION

Losing a child is heartbreaking... On January 7, 2016, we lost our 25-year-old son Jamie Lee Scranton. He was a beautiful young man with his whole life ahead of him. Jamie had a smile that could light up a room, and he gave the greatest hugs in the world. He loved to spend time at his grandparent’s home, sharing childhood memories and stories with the whole family. Jamie was his father (Kirk’s) buddy and companion for so many amazing life adventures and events. When they were together, their love for one another filled the room. The jokes they shared were funny for others before the punchline, as their infectious laughter spread to all those in their presence. Kirk was Jamie’s idol, and Jamie was his shining star. Losing a child is heartbreaking, and the pain is unimaginable. The facts state that suicides are not rational, and questions will remain unanswered for a lifetime. When a parent loses a child to suicide, they are forced to move forward on their life’s journey with heaviness in their hearts and a hole that will never be filled. As parents of a tragic suicide and the loss of our son, we are vowing to talk, walk, run and protest to bring community awareness and push for mental health resources to be more readily available to those in need. We want open discussions and conversations using “Jamie’s Voice,” to bring awareness to mental illness, depression, addictions, and suicide. Our goal is to help prevent lives from ending tragically; and to bring a voice of hope to those who suffer in silence. Jamie’s Parents, Kirk and Patti

kerkstraservices.com • (616) 662-2677 •

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Help yourself to a customized flight or a pint of your favorite beer. Over 40 taps of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails are yours to pour.

CHECK OUT WHAT’S ON TAP!

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DOG DAYS!

BRING YOUR DOG TO THE BALLPARK!

THURSDAY

MAY 12 TUESDAY

JUNE 7 WEDNESDAY

SEPTEMBER 7 WHITECAPSBASEBALL.COM S T W E

I G A N M I C H

W H I T E C A P S

JOIN THE WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS IN PLAYING THEIR IN-STATE RIVAL, THE LANSING LUGNUTS! BE HERE FOR FAMILY FUN, ENTERTAINMENT, AND TO CRUSH THE NUTS! PLEASE JOIN US ON THESE SPECIAL DATES!

APRIL 12-17 & JUNE 7-12 Proud printer of the 2021 West Michigan Whitecaps Programs.

NONPROF

HITS!

IN 2022, 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:

GROUP TICKETS W E S T

M I C H I G A N

W H I T E C A P S

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.

GROUP TICKET PRICING LAWN

RESERVED

Available for groups of 20 or more.

BOX

PREMIUM

GROUP RATE

$10.00

$13.50

$15.00

$17.00

W/ HOT DOG & SODA

$15.00

$18.50

$20.00

$22.00

UNDATED

$14.00

ADD AN ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BBQ! Group Size: Up to 180 (20 person minimum) Price: Varies based on group size and seating choice Pre-game meal: Begins 1 hour 15 minutes before game time In-game meal: Begins 30 minutes after game time

GROUP PERKS! Parking Discounts Group Announcement Souvenir Discount

Ask your ticket rep about GRILL AREAS adding a BBQ to your group outing!

ASK YOUR TICKET REP ABOUT ADDING A BBQ TO YOUR GROUP OUTING!

SUITE LEVEL SUITE OPTIONS

SUPER SUITE

Give your guests the VIP treatment by

Located on the first baseline, our Super

renting a suite for your next event at the

Suite is the ideal option for groups of 60-75.

ballpark. Our spacious and luxurious suites

Equipped with a private bar area, four flat-

offer climate-controlled settings, HDTVs,

screen televisions, indoor/outdoor seating,

waitstaff and some of the best food and

an exclusive buffet, and plenty of room for

beverages in the park! Perfect for hosting

pre-game business meetings.

clients, birthday parties, and more!

15 person suite: $650 25 person suite: $950 35 person suite: $1,150 50 person combo suite: $1,900 *Limited additional tickets available for purchase

Group Size: 60-75 Price: $2,550 Rental Ticket Info: Includes 75 tickets *A meal plan purchase is required with your rental

VISIT WHITECAPSBASEBALL.COM/SUITES FOR MORE INFO

2022 STAFF LIST

Scott Lutz - Tech nology Administrator

Lew Chamberlin - Chairman and Founder

Kyle Willacker - Tech nology Assistant

Denny Baxter - Chairman and Founder

Chris Parsons - Administrative Assistant

Joe Chamberlin - CEO

Martha Beals - Administrative Assistant

Steve McCarthy - President

Melanie Lonsway - Office Administrator

Jim Jarecki - Vice President and General Manager

Andrew Stallard - Operations Intern

Dan Morrison - Vice President of Sales

Dana Weitenberner - Operations Intern

Steve VanWagoner - Director of Marketing & Media Relations

Joe Zimmerman - Promotions Intern

Jack Powers - Senior Design & Brand Specialist

Clay Coltson - Promotions Intern

Kelly Gonzalez - Multimedia Coordinator

Megan MacLeod - Ticket Sales Intern

Ben Love - Promotions and Fan Entertainment Manager

Tyler Glave - Ticket Sales Intern

Alex Brodsky - Social Media and Digital Marketing Coordinator

Logan Complo - Groundskeeping Intern

Leah Austin - Partnership Coordinator

Davina Jones - Hospitality Intern

JD Triemstra - Account Executive

Desmond Ray - Community Relations Intern

Ernie McCallum - Account Executive

Macy Mineni - Multimedia Intern

Brittney Behrens - Account Executive Shaun Pynnonen - Director of Ticket Sales Emily Milne - Ticket Operations Coordinator Kaitlyn Silvey - Box Office Manager Riley Paulus - Ticket Sales Consultant Nick Bradshaw - Ticket Sales Consultant Mike Epstein - Ticket Sales Manager Brandon Olson - Ticket Sales Consultant Mike Klint - Special Events Operations Manager April Butler - Special Events Manager

FIELD AND GAMEDAY STAFF Manager - Brayan Peña Pitching Coach - Dean Stiles Hitting Coach - C.J. Wamsley Developmental Coach - Nick Bredeson Athletic Trainer - Sean McFarland Strength and Conditioning Coach - Tyler Gniadek Baseball Information Assistant / Hawkeye Operator - Quinn Smith

Chelsea Vanderwal - Special Events Coordinator

Play-by-Play Announcer - Dan Hasty / Nate Wangler

Jenny Garone - Community Relations Manager

PA Announcer - Michael Newell

Lori Ashcroft - Merchandise Manager

On-Field Host - Bob Wells

Courtney Walsh - Director of People

Official Scorers - Joey Sutherlin, Aaron Sagraves and Jesse Campbell

Abby Martin - People Operations Coordinator James Lacy - People Operations Assistant

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Matt Timon - Director of Food and Beverage

No. of Games Broadcast - Home-66, Away-66

Amanda Stephan - Hospitality Manager

Stadium Name - LMCU Ballpark

Danielle O’Connor - Food and Beverage Operations Manager Matt Schumaker - Event Chef Brett Frieze - Operations Manager Ashley Mesman - Operations Assistant Mitch Hooten - Head Groundskeeper Kipp Jelinski - Ballpark Facility Maintenance Manager Matt Richardson - Facility Maintenance Assistant Dave Rozema - Controller + Director of Finance Zack Harvey - Staff Accountant

Location - 4500 West River Drive NE, Comstock Park MI 49321

LISTEN LIVE! STREAMING AT

WHITECAPSBASEBALL.COM

Choose JOY 99.3

West Michigan Lighting & Controls

Proud Sponsors of the Whitecaps Reading Club

www.westmichiganlighting.com

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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!

PLEASE SIP RESPONSIBLY

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2022 LMCU BALLPARK A-Z GUIDE

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: The West Michigan Whitecaps administrative offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. On game days our ticket office is open from 10:00 a.m. until after the game and can be reached at (616) 784-4131. ALCOHOL MANAGEMENT: In compliance with Michigan state law, anyone under the age of 21 will not be served alcohol at LMCU Ballpark. If customers wish to consume alcohol while at LMCU Ballpark, they must 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 judgement 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 Souvenir 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 behind home plate. 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 Spectrum 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. GUEST ASSIST: Help keep the ballpark safe and friendly. Text (616) 420-1115 with your location and brief description of you issue and our event staff will respond. Texting, messaging and data rates may apply. KIDS MEALS: The LMCU Ballpark main concessions stands (Crash’s Cravings and Franky’s Favorites) offer a Kids Meal. The meal consists of a regular hot dog, chips, cookie and small drink.

LOST AND FOUND: Lost and found items can be taken to and retrieved from the Michigan Paving Guest Services, located on the concourse behind home plate.

PROMOTIONS: The promotions schedule is available online at whitecapsbaseball. com.

LUMBERMEN’S GRILL AREAS: Enjoy a pre-game or in-game barbeque on the first or third 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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), TO TRANSVERSE weapons of any kind. The West Michigan Whitecaps and ENTRANCE AISLE & FIELD LEVEL LMCUBallpark reserve the right to check any bag or container coming into the facility and confiscate any 9 308 ITE 30 Lumbermen’s SUPER SU prohibited items. 1st Base Grill 109

Founders Rooftop

110

GATE

& TICKET OFFICE

SAFECO ATM 4TOPPS

ps 4Top

111

112

113

GATE

ENTRANCE

302 301 304 303 6 305 307 30 ps

114

4Top

115

TO SUITE LEVEL & SERVICE ENTRANCE

TO TRANSVERSE AISLE & FIELD LEVEL

ENTRANCE

313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 4Topps

116

117

4Topps

118

4Topps

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

Lumbermen’s 3rd Base Grill

Cornerstone 3rd Base Lawn

VISITORS

S CAP ITE WH

Canadian Lakes Landi

ng Centennial Securities Deck

Cornerstone 1st Base Lawn

General RV Campground

Meijer Hometown Playground

Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Deck

Miller Lite House Deck (top)

Pepsi Stadium Club (below) TICKET OFFICE

SMOKING AREA (outside of gate) Designated smoking areas are located outside Gate C and the bottom of the front plaza

GATE

ELEVATORS

RESTROOMS

FIRST AID/GUEST SERVICES

Red Pin

17 Mile Rd.

Kenowa

Laketon Rd.

15 Mile Rd.

Coolidge St.

12 Mile Rd.

9 Mile Rd.

Roosevelt St.

Riv

est

Grand River Dr.

Crahen Ave.

Fuller Ave.

Breton Rd.

52nd St. 54th St.

Pettis Ave. r

tti

Hall St.

Ca sca de

Rd .

Burton St. 28th St.

36th St.

44th St.

den

52nd St.

ive

Ada Dr.

Medical Park

Bar

52nd St.

St.

52nd St.

Kraft Ave.

Kalamazoo

36th St.

Sparks Dr.

East Paris

32nd St.

44th St.

East Beltline Ave.

Breton Rd.

28th St.

Spaulding Ave.

Forest Hill Ave.

Plymouth Rd.

Fuller

Rd.

Eastern Division Ave.

Patterson

College Ave.

. Ave ille ndv

sca

Burton St.

Alger St.

Eastern

Burlingame

Wilson Ave.

Lak

ve.

Canal Ave.

8th Ave.

14th Ave.

Knapp St.

Fulton St.

Lake Dr.

32nd St.

Rivertown Pkwy.

44th St.

Re e

Burton St.

36th St.

Learn more or reserve your spot online, visit: 121 St. Port Sheldon spectrumhealth.org/OrthoUrgentCare 44th St. 44th St.

East Beltline Ave.

Coit Ave.

Monroe Ave.

Monroe

Ottawa

Davis Turner Ave.

Lane

Hall St.

Division

Canal Ave.

36th St.

Robinson Rd.

Franklin

Prairie St.

Clyde Park

. Tyler

28th St.

Dr. ago Chic Prairie St.

St Cottonwood

8th

12th Ave.

Byron Center Ave.

Baldwin St.

Ivanrest Ave.

Knapp St.

Spectrum Health Medical Group Orthopedic Urgent Care Leonard St. Leonard St. 4100 Lake Drive, Suite 300 Bradford St. Grand Rapids, MI Michigan St. 616.267.7000 Fulton St.

Gra

Dr.

Knapp St.

Dean Lake Ave.

3 Mile Rd. 3 Mile Rd. Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Walk-ins welcome

Seward

Alpine Ave.

Bristol Ave.

Covell Ave.

Collindale Ave.

Wilson Ave.

Kenowa Ave.

20th Ave.

o cag

18th

28th

an Buren St.

Oakleigh Rd.

Wilson Ave.

8th Ave.

14th Ave.

24th Ave. 26th Ave. 20th Ave.

r Ave

Jupite

4 Mile Rd. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Walk-ins welcome

Wealthy

Burton St.

5 Mile Rd.

e. Av or mo ad Bro

Burton

ive

Bristol Ave.

16th Ave.

Kenowa Ave.

Ave.

Fifth St. Fourth St.

*We do. not treat back/neck/spine pain or patients under the age of i Ch eight years old.

Rosewood St.

ica

er Walk

Bauer Rd.

4 Mile Rd.

. Dr

Cannonsburg Rd.

Lamoreaux Dr.

Providing a game-changing experience: Bridge St. Lake Michigan Dr. • Skilled orthopedic professionals Fulton St. • On-site imaging Obrien Rd. • Physical and Fennessy occupational therapy Luce St. • Check wait times and reserve your spot in line Dr. Butterworth e. et Av Mark • Follow-up appointment coordination er Riv •CoNo referral needed tto and n Gr w

West River Rd.

e. Av oit

5 Mile Rd.

d oo nw Iro

. Dr

Fillmore St.

lan

rth

6 Mile Rd.

4 Mile Rd. We’re here to help get you back in the game. At Spectrum Health Orthopedic Urgent Care, we offer 3 Mile Rd. convenient care for sprains, strains, fractures and Hillside other injuries – and you’re likely to pay less than a trip Lincoln St. Richmond St. to the emergency department. Evening and Saturday Re m em Ann St. br hours are available, and you can reserve your spot an ce Rd St. . online to save time. Leonard Injuries can’t wait. Leonard St.

ns St.

Buth Dr.

Alpine Ave.

Kenowa Ave.

Arthur St.

8th Ave.

Fruit Ridge Ave.

16th Ave.

24th Ave.

eonard St.

Belding Rd.

Northland Dr.

t Dr

Injuries Happen. Start with Orthopedic Urgent Care. 7 Mile Rd.

Cleveland St.

Pos

Pine Island Dr.

8 Mile Rd. Dickensen St.

E. Division St.

W. Division St.

Wolverine Blvd.

10 Mile Rd.

Belmont Ave.

10 Mile Rd.

Algoma Ave.

Vinton Ave.

Schultz St. Alpine Ave.

Kenowa Ave.

Wilson St.

13 Mile Rd.

Northland Dr.

13 Mile Rd.

Fruit Ridge Ave.

Goodings St.

14 Mile Rd.

Sparta Ave.

Truman St.

Gerald R Ford International Airport

HELP US

RECYCLE BETTER! GATORADE BOTTLES As empty as possible, stay hydrated!

WATER BOTTLES As empty as possible, stay hydrated!

BEER CUPS 20oz & HUGE cups

WHITECAPS SOUVENIR CUPS

We are currently working on a list of all recylable items at the ballpark. We will update these signs as soon as possible! In the meantime, visit recyclingraccoons.org for more information on recycling!

WHAT TO TOSS DRINK CARRIERS

HOT DOG CARRIERS

These drink carriers are biodegradable but cannot be recycled

PEPSI CUPS

USED NAPKINS

As little liquid as possible!

FRY CUPS Unfortunately, oils from fried items contaminate the recycling process

POPCORN BOXS

If you see this sticker on your item, that means it’s trash!

AUTOGRAPHS!

$500 OFF Furnace or AC Install

Offering Precise Calibration for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

$185

Certified Technicians

www.actionglassmichigan.com

*Does not apply to Scout Party Package. Valid waiver required for all participants. Rebounderz Grip Socks required to jump and may be purchased in-store if not already owned. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Call for details. Expires 12/31/2022

*One coupon per person. Arcade, Laser Tag, Mini Golf, Escape Rooms, and VR sold separately. Cannot be used for groups or special promotions. Valid waiver required for all participants. Rebounderz Grip Socks required to jump and may be purchased in-store if not already owned. Call for details. Expires 12/31/22

10 OFF %

ALL MERCHANDISE AT THE CAPSIZED SHOP COUPON MUST BE PRESENT. EXCLUDES CLEARANCE MERCHANDISE, GIFTCARDS AND GAME-USED ITEMS

LOCATED BEHIND HOME PLATE!

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Expires September 30, 2022

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on your Meat Department purchase of $20 or more with coupon with yes

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on Our Family Ice Cream 48 oz. with coupon with yes

on Our Family Ketchup 19.5-34 oz. or Mustard 14-20 oz. with coupon with yes

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BOGO FREE OR $1.00 OFF

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any 16oz Specialty Latte hot or iced Valid at Participating West MI Locations

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WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

CAMERON MAYBIN CLASS OF 2016

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

JON Connolly

BRUCE FIELDS

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

RAMON SANTIAGO

HEATHER NABOZNY

CLASS OF 2014

CLASS OF 2012

CLASS OF 2010

CLASS OF 2016

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.

CAMERON MAYBIN CLASS OF 2016

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).

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.

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.

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.

BRUCE FIELDS

JON Connolly

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.

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 2022 as the 3rd Base Coach.

CLASS OF 2010

HEATHER NABOZNY CLASS OF 2016

CLASS OF 2014

RAMON SANTIAGO CLASS OF 2012

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

ANDY VAN HEKKEN

MATT WALBECK

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

SCOTT LANE

BRANDON INGE

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

DON KELLY

ALEX AVILA

CLASS OF 2013

CLASS OF 2020

CLASS OF 2016

CLASS OF 2012

CLASS OF 2009

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.

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.

MATT WALBECK

ANDY VAN HEKKEN

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.

Scott Lane was and is an original. Hired as the first General Manager for the West Michigan Whitecaps in September of 1993, Scott’s vision and experience led the Whitecaps to opening up the ballpark in April, 1994, then setting consecutive Class A attendance records three seasons in a row. Scott oversaw numerous upgrades, expansions and renovations to LMCU Ballpark throughout his tenure. Named President in 2001, Scott continued his leadership until retiring in December of 2018.

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.

Prior to coming to West Michigan, Scott started his career as a radio newscaster in Rockford, IL before moving on to MiLB and spending time as Assistant GM with the Rockford Expos and the Kane County Cougars. It was with the Cougars that Scott met Lew Chamberlin and Denny Baxter and developed a solid working partnership. As a two-time Midwest League Executive of the Year winner (1994 and 1996), his guidance led the West Michigan Whitecaps to earn numerous awards such as Baseball America’s Team of the Year, MiLB’s President’s Award, MiLB’s Class A Outstanding Team, and Larry MacPhail Promotional Award.

CLASS OF 2012

CLASS OF 2013

BRANDON INGE

SCOTT LANE

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

CLASS OF 2009

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 AVILA CLASS OF 2017

CLASS OF 2020

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 CLASS OF 2016

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

FERNANDO RODNEY

ROBERT FICK

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

BUCK FARMER

LEW CHAMBERLIN & DENNY BAXTER

CLASS OF 2015

CLASS OF 2020

CLASS OF 2009

CLASS OF 2018

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

MATT JOYCE

NICK CASTELLANOS

CLASS OF 2019

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.

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.

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

FERNANDO RODNEY

WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS HALL OF FAME

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.

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.

CLASS OF 2009

CLASS OF 2015

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 Texas Rangers.

LEW CHAMBERLIN & DENNY BAXTER

BUCK FARMER

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.

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.

CLASS OF 2018

CLASS OF 2020

Nick was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2019, and has also played in Cincinnati, and has recently joined the Philadelphia Phillies.

NICK CASTELLANOS CLASS OF 2016

MATT JOYCE CLASS OF 2019

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