West Michigan Whitecaps
From SoSH
| Location: | Comstock Park, Michigan |
| Established: | 1994 |
| MLB Affiliation: | Detroit Tigers |
| League: | Midwest League |
| Level: | A |
| Ballpark: | Fifth Third Ballpark |
| Championships: | 5 (1996, 1998, 2004, 2006, 2007) |
| Division Titles: | 5 |
| Wild Card: |
The West Michigan Whitecaps are a Minor League Baseball team that plays in the Midwest League, and are a Single-A affiliate to the Detroit Tigers.
Contents |
Franchise History
The Midwest League came to the Grand Rapids area in 1994 upon the arrival of the former Madison muskies. The Whitecaps were brought to West Michigan by local businessmen Lew Chamberlin and Dennis Baxter. The Whitecaps were affiliated with the Oakland Athletics before they joined the Tigers' farm system in 1997.
Their home ballpark is Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park. Before the 2002 season it was known as Old Kent Park; the name was changed when the park's title sponsor, Old Kent Bank, was purchased by Fifth Third Bank. Fifth Third also sponsors ballparks in Dayton and Toledo, Ohio. The team's official mascots are Crash the River Rascal and Franky the Swimming Pig.
Major League Affiliations
- Arizona Diamondbacks (1997-present)
- Chicago White Sox (1988-1996)
Team Names
- West Michigan Whitecaps (1994-present)
- South Bend White Sox (1988-1993)
Notable Alumni
Notable Red Sox Who Played Here
Trivia
- In 2006, Michael Hernandez became the first person ever in the history of the Midwest League to hit for the cycle twice.
- Also in 2006, Michael Hollimon hit 3 home runs in one game. And, Cameron Maybin hit 2 grand slams in the season.
