We are very fortunate to have a Class A Baseball Team here in Grand Rapids Michigan,
called The Whitecaps. The Whitecaps are affiliated with the Detroit Tigers and play their home
games in beautiful Fifth Third Ball Park - 4500 West River Dr. Comstock Park. MI.
Started in 1994, the Whitecaps belong to the 14 team Midwest League, otherwise known as
the Minor Leaques. They play 70 home games and 70 road games each season. The Whitecaps
are a local favorite for family & youth entertainment and sports action. The staff works very
hard to make it an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Many Ballplayers are recruited out of high school or college
baseball. The Whitecaps come from all over the country as
well as the Dominican Republic. Past players have been from
Canada, Australia, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela,
& Nicaragua to name a few. The Tigers have an extensive
scouting system focused on finding the best talent possible
around the world.
Most of the Whitecaps' players stay with host families while
they are here in Grand Rapids, much like a foreign exhange
student program. The host families provide housing, usually
offering home cooked meals and sometimes even transportation.
About 95% of all Whitecaps have stayed with host families.
Fun facts about the Whitecaps:
- average age is 22 yrs old
- 60 players have gone on to the Major Leagues
- Mascots -Crash the River Rascal & Franky the Swimming Pig
- 5 Midwest League Championships since 1994
- If you catch a ball in the park, you may keep it
- If you leave the park to catch a ball, you cannot return
Several years ago, we hosted several families attendance to thank them for choosing us as
their realt estate agent. I recall the 8 year old son of a client that was so excited
about attending the game. During the seventh inning stretch, with total reverence, he asked
the third base coach to sign his baseball. He was so impressed with the signed ball, I'll never
forget the look of rapture on his face. He walked back to his seat in a trance,holding the ball
like a precious crystal. That scene is what baseball is all about to me.
Monday, April 7, 2008 is Opening Day for the Whitecaps this year.
Go ahead, take your family out to the local Ball Game and make some memories.
Copyright by Terry Westbrook 2008 ~Westbrook Realty
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Website url: Terry Westbrook.com
Email: terry@TerryWestbrook.com
2007 photos from Whitecaps website - Scott Sizemore at bat & young fan eating snocone
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