Future Tigers to Play in Detroit
August 3, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The future of the Detroit Tigers will be on display August 22 at Comerica Park as the West Michigan Whitecaps, the Tigers single-A affiliate, take on the Fort Wayne Wizards, the San Diego Padres single-A affiliate. The game is the first ever minor league contest played at Comerica Park and will count as a Midwest League regular season game for the two teams. All tickets are general admission and cost just $10.
The game will give fans the opportunity to sit as close to the action as they want at Comerica Park while watching the team that propelled current Tigers Brandon Inge, Nook Logan and Omar Infante into the major leagues. Current Tigers bench coach Bruce Fields also made West Michigan a stop along his path to the major leagues as the Whitecaps manager from 1997-2000. Fans will also see former Tigers Matt Walbeck ('97,'02,'03), who now manages the Whitecaps and A.J. Sager ('96-'98), the Whitecaps pitching coach. Other Whitecaps that have gone on to play in Major League Baseball include San Diego Padres catchers Ramon Hernandez ('96) and Robert Fick ('99) and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jeff Weaver ('98).
The Whitecaps and Wizards will have plenty of talent on display as top draft choices from both parent clubs are on the respective rosters. The Whitecaps feature top prospects Jeff Frazier, Andrew Kown and Brent Dlugach as well as the Tigers second and third picks in the 2005 draft, catcher Chris Robinson and closer Kevin Whelan. Another name to note on the 'Caps roster is Matt Parrish, son of former Tigers catcher and current Tigers bullpen coach Lance Parrish. The Wizards roster is highlighted by Matt Bush, the number one overall pick from the 2004 draft, along with Cesar Ramos, who was drafted in the first round in 2005.
The entire minor league experience will take place on a major league stage with promotions, games and entertainment. The Whitecaps mascots will be on hand, and fans will be treated to between-inning promotions such as Build a Human Sandwich, Backseat Driver and the classic Dizzy Bat Race.
West Michigan based fans can purchase tickets to ride in a Whitecaps-provided bus to and from Comerica Park with snacks and refreshments for only $30, which does not include a ticket to the game. Patrons will be allowed to bring alcoholic beverages on the bus, and there will be at least one bus that will be alcohol free.
In addition to all seats being available for just $10, suites and party decks will be available for rental at a discounted rate. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Whitecaps ticket office at (800)-CAPS-WIN, Ticketmaster at (800)-364-4774 or the Comerica Park box office at (246)-25-TIGER. For more information on this game visit www.whitecaps-baseball.com or call (616)-784-4131.
Midwest League Stories from August 3, 2005
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