MWL1 Fort Wayne TinCaps

TinCaps Homestand Preview: April 3-6

March 31, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release


Game and Broadcast Schedule

Wednesday, April 2 - Meet The Team Night

Thursday, April 3, 7:05 p.m. - TinCaps vs. Great Lakes Loons

Friday, April 4, 7:05 p.m. - TinCaps vs. Great Lakes Loons

Saturday, April 5, 5:05 p.m. - TinCaps vs. Great Lakes Loons

Sunday, April 6, 3:05 p.m. - TinCaps vs. Great Lakes Loons

All games are broadcast on The Fan 1380 (WKJG) and XFINITY Digital Cable Channel 81, with audio streamed online at TinCaps.com.

For Your Entertainment

Wednesday, April 2

Meet The Team Night

Free Admission

50% Off Concession Items

Autograph Session on concourse at approximately 7:00 p.m. following team workout open to the public beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 3, 7:05 p.m.

Opening Day

Thirsty Thursday ($1.00 domestic draft beer and other drink specials)

Postgame Fireworks presented by Parkview Health

Giveaways: Parkview Trauma Centers "Don't Text and Drive" Texting Gloves &

Magnet Schedules presented by Kraft, Kroger, and Scotts

Friday, April 4, 7:05 p.m.

Salute to Facial Hair Theme Night

Giveaway: Magnet Schedules presented by Kraft, Kroger, and Scotts

Saturday, April 5, 5:05 p.m.

Beer Tasting in ONE Treetops (tickets must be purchased in advance)

Giveaway: Magnet Schedules presented by Kraft, Kroger, and Scotts

Sunday, April 6, 3:05 p.m.

Autograph Day presented by Sky Zone (fans can go on field postgame to meet players)

Giveaway: Magnet Schedules presented by Kraft, Kroger, and Scotts

TinCaps On The Field

- For the first time ever, the TinCaps have a position player with local roots. Ossian native and Norwell High School Class of 2013 alum Josh VanMeter, who was selected by the Padres in the 5th round of last year's MLB Draft, is San Diego's 31st-best prospect, according to Baseball America.

- Eleven players who spent time in Fort Wayne a year ago return for Opening Day in 2014. Mallex Smith, who led the entire Midwest League in stolen bases last season with 64, headlines the TinCaps' outfield. Meanwhile, 2013 Midwest League All-Stars Dane Phillips (catcher) and Luis Tejada (first base) are also back, as is starting pitcher Walker Weickel. Other returners are RHP Erik Cabrera, RHP Matt Chabot, RHP Tayron Guerrero, RHP Genison Reyes, RHP Josh Richardson, C Ryan Miller, and INF Rey Bruguera.

- Fort Wayne's top newcomers include 19-year old infielder Franchy Cordero, whom Baseball America regards as the No. 12 prospect in the Padres' system. Another teenage infielder, Dustin Peterson was selected by the Padres in the 2nd round of last year's draft and is considered San Diego's 22nd-best prospect.

- Michael Collins is the new manager of the TinCaps. Fort Wayne's skipper hails from Canberra, Australia, and replaces Jose Valentin, who was promoted to be San Diego's first base coach after leading the TinCaps the past two campaigns. The 29-year old Collins managed the Arizona League Padres in 2013 and San Diego's Dominican Summer League affiliate in 2012. Prior to managing, he played 10 years as a catcher in Minor League Baseball, including two seasons in the Midwest League with the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2004 and 2005.

- Pitching coach Burt Hooton and hitting coach Morgan Burkhart, both of whom have MLB credentials, are back for their second seasons in Fort Wayne.

- The TinCaps extended the Midwest League's longest active playoff appearance streak to five in 2013. Fort Wayne won the Eastern Division's first-half wild card with a 43-26 record - the second most wins in a half in franchise history. In the playoffs, the TinCaps swept the Bowling Green Hot Rods in the Eastern Division Semifinals before bowing out to South Bend in the Divisional Finals.

Check out the Fort Wayne TinCaps Statistics



Midwest League Stories from March 31, 2014


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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