MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Fifth Third Ballpark to Host Two Former City League Rivals

Published on August 15, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Two former City League football rivals will meet for the first time playing in the O-K Gold League at Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, September 26. Ottawa Hills and Catholic Central have been playing each other for more than 80 years and will be starting the next chapter in their storied history on the baseball field.

"We're really looking forward to this event," said Whitecaps Director of Outside Events Matt Costello. "High school football is such a big part of West Michigan life in the fall and Catholic Central and Ottawa Hills are two schools with a great tradition and history. We're really looking forward to hosting this game."

While Fifth Third Ballpark is primarily used for Whitecaps games, the venue has played host to a multitude of other events in recent years, including concerts, collegiate baseball games and carnivals. The GVSU-Wayne State game in 2007 was the first football game played in the stadium. Forest Hills Northern and Cedar Springs are already scheduled to play a football game in the ballpark on Friday, October 10.

"This is an awesome opportunity for our players, our coaches and our whole community," said Catholic Central Athletic Director Todd Kolster. "This game will give people the opportunity to get behind not just the football program, but our entire school community. For us, this is going to be a very special event."

The football field will run from the third base dugout area to the right field wall with the goal posts placed on each end of the field. The only field modification will be the removal of the pitching mound. "It's going to look exactly how it looked for the GVSU-Wayne State game," said Costello. "We're going to leave the infield the way it is, so it will look like an old school football field once the lines and end zones are painted."

Tickets for the game will be general admission. The student price will be $5 and an adult ticket will cost $7. Fans can begin purchasing tickets for the event on Monday, August 25 at the Fifth Third Ballpark Box Office, online at www.whitecapsbaseball.com or over the phone at (616) 784-4131. Tickets will also be available at Ottawa Hills and Catholic Central High Schools.

For more information on the event, please contact the Whitecaps Public Relations Department at (616) 726-7065

Check out the West Michigan Whitecaps Statistics



Midwest League Stories from August 15, 2008


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.

OurSports Central