MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Baseball Banquet Conquers Snow; Annual Event Raises $26,000 for Charity

Published on January 29, 2004 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Despite 10 inches of snow on the ground and flurries in the air, more than 400 people packed the Pinnacle Center Tuesday night for the Whitecaps 10th Annual Winter Baseball Banquet. The event, which included a raffle, silent and live auction, raised $26,000 for the Whitecaps Inner-City Youth Baseball and Softball program.

Underwritten by Varnum Riddering Schmidt and Howlett, LLP, the Winter Baseball Banquet is the main source of funding for the YMCA program. It has now raised more than $210,000 during its ten years. The Whitecaps Inner-City Youth Baseball and Softball Program gives underprivileged children the chance to play organized baseball. The money raised Tuesday night will be used for uniforms, equipment and field supervision.

Tuesday night's banquet capped off a full day of activities with the Detroit Tigers Caravan. The Banquet began with a crowd favorite, the silent auction. Big ticket items included a golf package ($425), an autographed Derek Jeter baseball ($360), basement windows installed by West Michigan Glass Block ($350) and an autographed Steve Yzerman photo ($350).

Following dinner, Whitecaps Radio Announcer Rick Berkey hosted a live auction. An opportunity to rent out Fifth Third Ballpark for the night pulled in the largest bid - $2,600. Other big ticket items at the live auction included a suite at Comerica Park that netted $1,700 and $1,000 gave one lucky fan the opportunity to be a Whitecap for a day.

The highlight of the night came when current Tigers Manager Alan Trammell spoke to the crowd. Trammell addressed his team's struggles in 2003 and assured fans 2004 will be a better year for Detroit. Other guest speakers included current Tigers hitting coach and former Whitecaps Manager Bruce Fields, Tiger play-by-play announcer Dan Dickerson and Whitecaps pitching ace Jon Connolly. Other Tigers in attendance included pitchers Kenny Baugh, Jamie Walker and Gary Knotts.

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Midwest League Stories from January 29, 2004


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