It's Macker Time

June 5, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The 2006 Grand Macker is getting ready to tip off. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament, which serves as a fundraiser for the Grand Rapids Public Schools athletic department, will take place this Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11 at Fifth Third Ballpark.

"The Grand Macker is shaping up to be a great event," said Whitecaps director of outside events Matt Costello. "We've got several hundred teams signed up and we're looking forward to two great days of basketball and family fun."

The basketball courts will be set up in the south parking lot of Fifth Third Ballpark. In addition, the area will feature concession stands and areas for spectators to watch the action. The ballpark will also be open for fans looking to cool off or just relax.

"We're going to have lots of basketball and lots of food - and everything supports the Grand Rapids Public Schools," said Costello. "Families can come out to the ballpark, have a fun afternoon and support a great cause."

The 2006 Gus Macker had been cancelled earlier this year, but received a new lease on life when Spectrum Health stepped up and made a substantial donation to keep the event going. Several other companies, including Meijer, Verizon, Pepsi, Burger King, Pepsi, Adac Automotive, Comfort Suites, BioLife and MC Sports, have stepped up to the plate and offered support.

Funds raised from the Macker Tournament at Fifth Third Ballpark will be used to avoid a pay-to-play system for GRPS student athletes. Organizers hope the event yields $100,000 for the school district.

Play will begin at 8:00 a.m. both days and is scheduled to wrap up at 6:00 p.m. The awards presentations will start at 12:30 p.m Sunday and continue through the day as championship games are concluded. Early registration for teams starts Thursday at the GRPS Franklin campus from 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. On-site registration begins Friday at 3:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Ballpark. Friday's registration will run until 8:00 p.m. and will start again Saturday at 7:00 a.m.

For more information on the Grand Macker at Fifth Third Ballpark, you can log onto the Whitecaps website, whitecapsbaseball.com.

Midwest League Stories from June 5, 2006

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• Cougars build lead, beat devil rays - Kane County Cougars
• Justice smacks walk-off hit, Swing commits six errors - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Cougars comeback falls short - Kane County Cougars
• Swing lose in extras, streak ends at six - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Chiefs drop third straight to Wizards 6-2 - Peoria Chiefs
• Dragons come all the way back, lose in 10 - Dayton Dragons
• SilverHawks take series over Lugnuts - South Bend Silver Hawks
• Hawks take three of four from Lansing - South Bend Silver Hawks
• McCormick Placed on DL - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Chiefs Add Outfielder Carter - Peoria Chiefs
• It's Macker Time - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Hundley activated from DL - Fort Wayne TinCaps
• Padres to hold tryout camp at Memorial Stadium - Fort Wayne TinCaps
• Billek Promoted to Daytona - Peoria Chiefs

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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