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West Michigan Whitecaps

'Caps Honored Again, Franchise Wins National Promotions Trophy

November 19, 2007 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The Whitecaps 2007 season was as successful off the field as it was on. The team captured its fifth Midwest League Championship in 14 years and the franchise was also named the Class A Team of the Year by MiLB.com. Now, the 'Caps have another award to add to the trophy shelf. Earlier today, Minor League Baseball named the Whitecaps the winner of the Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy for all of the minor leagues.

"This is a huge honor for our promotions department, lead by Mickey Graham and Brian Oropallo, and our entire staff," said Whitecaps Vice President Jim Jarecki. "2007 was a special year and this adds that extra celebration to the season."

In early October, the Whitecaps received the Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy for the Midwest League. With that win, the team was placed in contention for the award on the national level. There were 11 total nominees for the national award, representing the 11 leagues in minor league baseball.

"Our goal in 2007 was to make sure there was never a dull moment at the ballpark and, with this award, I think we can say we succeeded," said Whitecaps Promotions Coordinator Brian Oropallo. "We had a lot of fun creating all the promotions and I think the fans had a great time coming to the ballpark. That's what minor league baseball is all about - fun."

The Whitecaps previously won the Midwest League award in 2002, but this is the first time the franchise has won the MacPhail trophy on the national level. "This award reinforces what we're doing both at games and within the community," said Jarecki. "Coming to a Whitecaps game is an experience and our staff made sure that every night was special. New promotions like Big Top Tuesdays and Thrifty Thursdays joined favorites like Field of Dreams and Super Hero Night to create a great, fun filled atmosphere. The bar has been set and the promotions department is already coming up with ways to top it next year."

The Larry MacPhail Trophy was established in 1966 and is given out annually to one team in Minor League Baseball that has distinguished itself in on-field and off-field promotions. The award will be presented to the Whitecaps at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December.

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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.

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