COMSTOCK PARK -With the first half division title up for grabs and a playoff spot on
the line, the Whitecaps are returning home on Wednesday, June 10 for a big homestand
both on and off the field.The Whitecaps are currently in first place in the Eastern division. They lead Fort Wayne by a game and Great Lakes by six games.
West Michigan will kick off the homestand with a four-game series against the South Bend Silver Hawks. South Bend is fourth in the Eastern Division but boasts three of the Arizona Diamondbacks' top 15 prospects in right-handed pitcher Wade Miley, shortstop Reynaldo Navarro and catcher Rossmel Perez.
The Whitecaps end the homestand with a crucial series against the Fort Wayne TinCaps that could decide the division. The TinCaps' pitching staff leads the league in strikeouts and closer Brad Brach leads the league with 15 saves. The Fort Wayne roster also includes San Diego Padres' No. 3 prospect Jaff Decker. He leads the league in on-base percentage and is third in slugging percentage.
Aside from the great baseball, the homestand will have something going on for everybody. The homestand begins Wednesday, June 10 with Honoring America's Heroes Night during the Whitecaps' 7:00 p.m. game against South Bend. A three-volley salute to honor America's fallen veterans will be presented by the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard and the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans choir will sing the National Anthem. Festivities will conclude with a Farm Bureau Insurance Fireworks show.
Thursday, June 11 is Irish Night. Green beer will be served at the ballpark and Celtic rock band Craic Wisely will perform on the Miller Lite House Deck after the game. Thursday is also an Altogas Thrifty Thursday. Fans can purchase two hot dogs, 20 oz. beers, 22 oz. sodas and soft pretzels for $2 each. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Friday, June 12 is a Wendy's Tiger Friday with former Tiger and University of Michigan quarterback Rick Leach. The first 1,000 fans will receive a one-of-a-kind Rick Leach bobblehead. Gates open a 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
The South Bend series finale is scheduled for Saturday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. The first 1,000 fans will receive baseballs courtesy of the United States Army. A Farm Bureau Insurance Fireworks show will follow the game.
The Whitecaps kick off their series against Fort Wayne on Sunday, June 14 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday is Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. The Whitecaps will wear light blue alternate jerseys that will be auctioned off for charity during the game. Sunday is also a Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Family Day. The first 1,000 kids eat free. Fans are also welcome to play catch on the field and children can run the bases after the game, courtesy of Lake Michigan Credit Union.
Monday, June 15 is JQ99 All Faiths Night. Fans get half off a box or reserved seat when they show a church or community bulletin. Also, pastors from three different churches will be running the Pediatric and Specialty Optical eyeball race. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16 is Bob Evans Senior Night. Fans 50 or better get half off box or reserved seats. The Amazing Christopher will also be performing between innings during the Whitecaps' 7:00 p.m. game.
The homestand ends on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday is Priority Health Wellness Wednesday. Fans are encouraged to stay for a post-game lap around the warning track and a Farm Bureau Insurance fireworks show.
Individual and group tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the West Michigan Glass Block Ticket Office at Fifth Third Ballpark, by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
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