Whitecaps to Host First-Ever 3D Printed T-Ball Game

July 17, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Baseball is a sport that has been built on traditions for more than 150 years. This Saturday, July 19, tradition will meet the future when the West Michigan Whitecaps host the first-ever game played by using equipment printed by 3D, or additive manufacturing, technology.

Two teams from the Northwoods Little League will take the field at Fifth Third Ballpark at 5:30 p.m. and will use helmets, bats, balls, bases and tees all manufactured by Burton Precision/Universal 3D Print located in Comstock Park. The game is scheduled to last about 45 minutes. The Whitecaps take the field against the Burlington Bees at 7:00 p.m.

The process of 3-D printing uses computer-created digital models (CAD) to create real-world objects. The printers follow the shape of the CAD model by stacking layer upon layer of material to make the objects.

"We at Burton Precision are excited to showcase 3D printing for the West Michigan Whitecaps," Jim Krug Presided of Burton Precision explained. "3D printing is definitely the wave of the future." The market is expected to reach $8.41 billion by 2020. It's going to be an exciting time for individuals and business's during the next decade featuring the benefits and opportunities 3D printing have in store."

Burton Precision will also be on-site to custom 3D print figurines for fans for a nominal fee.

The Whitecaps take the field against the Burlington Bees at 7:00 p.m. Gates will open at 5:30. Following the game there will be a fireworks display courtesy of Family Fare.

Tickets for any remaining game in the 2014 regular season or playoffs can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

• Discuss this story on the Midwest League message board...

Midwest League Stories from July 17, 2014

• Bowling Green rolls by Wisconsin with 8-2 win - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
• Defensive Errors Plague Snappers in 6-3 Loss to Dayton - Beloit Sky Carp
• Dragons Win Second Straight on West Road Trip - Dayton Dragons
• Hernandez and Querecuto Help BG Topple Timber Rattlers - Bowling Green Hot Rods
• Amputee Awareness Night at Perfect Game Field - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Loons Shut out by Clinton Again - Great Lakes Loons
• Kernels Outlast Lake County 4-3 - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Kernels Beat Lake County 4-3 - Lake County Captains
• Cougars go 10 innings to blank Lugs, 3-0 - Lansing Lugnuts
• Cougars Toss Ten-Inning Shutout - Kane County Cougars
• Pena Powers Hawks Past Bees 6-3 - South Bend Silver Hawks
• Ficociello, Crawford Help Extend Winning Streak - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Early Power Surge Downs Bees - Burlington Bees
• Chiefs Drop Fastest Nine-Inning Game of Season - Peoria Chiefs
• Whitecaps to Host First-Ever 3D Printed T-Ball Game - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Fried Returns, TinCaps Win - Fort Wayne TinCaps
• TinCaps' Fast Start Leads to Rout of Bandits - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Offense Backs Holovach, LumberKings Dominate Loons, 5-0 - Clinton LumberKings

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent West Michigan Whitecaps Stories

• Captains Capsize 'Caps, 4-2
• Whitecaps Wash Away Captains, 6-2
• 'Caps Play Longball in Series-Clinching Win
• 'Caps Lose Big Lead in 9-8 Loss
• Whitecaps Fall to Loons, 5-4