Fifth Third Ballpark before the 2014 Midwest League All-Star Classic. Pit file photo
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Detroit Tigers and West Michigan Whitecaps announced Tuesday morning that the two clubs have agreed to a two-year extension of their player development contract.
This agreement will keep Tigers’ prospects playing for West Michigan at Fifth Third Ballpark through the 2020 season.
West Michigan has been Detroit’s Class A Midwest League affiliate since 1997. Under the Tigers’ banner, the Whitecaps have won four Midwest League titles (1998, 2004, 2006 and 2007) while also seeing dozens of prospects and current starts play in West Michigan. Some of these names include Alex Avila, Brandon Inge, Nick Castellanos, Don Kelly and Andy Dirks.
Director of Minor League Operations Dan Lunetta said that the extension was an easy decision for the Tigers moving forward.
“We are delighted to extend our partnership an additional two years, taking us to 2020,” Lunetta said in a press release Tuesday morning. “This all takes place because of several factors; first, our tremendous relationship with the Whitecaps ownership and front office; second, their continued commitment to providing a first class operation and an excellent environment for our players to develop; and third, wonderful and strong support from the community. It is a natural tie for the Tigers and Whitecaps to maintain a long-term commitment to one another and we are proud to continue our affiliation with the Whitecaps.”
The Whitecaps and Tigers last renewed the agreement in 2011 with a four-year deal to keep the relationship through the end of 2018.
“They’ve given us great players and teams over the years, four of which have won the Midwest League championship,” Whitecaps Vice President Jim Jarecki said about the new deal. “But, just as important, they have understood and have been supportive of our community efforts here in West Michigan. We are extremely excited to be extending our player development contract to 2020 and working with the front office of the Detroit Tigers.”
The 2015 Whitecaps season will see its first pitch Thursday, April 9 at 6:35 p.m. when the Whitecaps host the Dayton Dragons.
