Many answers to frequently asked questions are available in the A-Z Gameday Info Guide section. Please check there if your question is not answered here.
Q: What are your ticket prices?
A: Tickets for the game range from $5.00 - $13.00. Kids two and under are free unless they are going to need a seat.
Q: How can I have a birthday or anniversary announcement made at a game?
A: The Whitecaps can make birthday and/or anniversary announcements during the game. The best way to get your announcement made is to call 616-784-4131 x 1160 and leave a message on the birthday hotline answering machine, which is checked daily. The Whitecaps are not able to determine the point in the game when the announcement will be made and can not put any personal announcements on the scoreboard.
Q: Can I bring a camera/video recorder?
A: Yes, cameras and other recording devices are allowed for the games.
Q: Can I bring a chair or blanket for the lawn section?
A: Yes, both chairs and blankets are allowed in the lawn sections. Since these are General Admission areas, we ask that everyone to be considerate of other fans in your immediate area.
Q: If it rains, can I bring an umbrella?
A: Yes umbrellas are allowed in the case of inclement weather.
Q: If the game is postponed due to rain, what happens to my ticket?
A: Your ticket may be exchanged for any other game that same season. Seating is based on availability and must be done in person at the Whitecaps West Michigan Glass Block Ticket Office.
Q: I have a charitable event coming up. How can I get a donation?
A: Donation requests can be found here.
Q; How can I get chosen to be a part of the on-field promotions?
A: If you’re interested in participating in of our promotions please visit The Parker Brake Auto Centers Customer Service Booth when you arrive at the ballpark.
Q: How can I become a bat boy?
A: Bat Boys must be 16 years old. If you’re interested please call the front office at 616.784.4131.
Q: Is there a hotel nearby?
A: There are several hotels in the area. The Whitecaps use the Holiday Inn Express in Walker – hiexpress.com.
Q: Are there any convenience fees associated with ordering tickets?
A: Yes, there is a $3.00 fee for all phone orders and a $2.00 per ticket charge for ordering online.
Q: Is there any where else I can buy tickets?
A: Tickets can be purchased at the Whitecaps West Michigan Glass Block Ticket Office, on the website or over the phone – 616.784.4131.
Q: How can I get a job working for the Whitecaps?
A: If you’re interested in becoming a game day employee please contact Staffing Inc. If you’re interested in working in the front office please visit our jobs page.
Q: I want to have a wedding/meeting/graduation party at the ballpark. Can I do that?
A: We host several different events at the ballpark. Please visit our events page or call our offices at 616.784.4131 x 1018 to get further information.
Q: Can I get a pocket schedule or a fan pack?
A: Unfortunately we do not have fan packs available. This includes any autographed items, previous give away items, or baseball cards. We can send out a schedule with a self addressed stamped envelope (send to Whitecaps, P.O. Box 428, Comstock Park, MI 49321). If you would like to shop for merchandise in our online store please click here. If you are interested in player autographs, our recommendation is that you attend a Sunday home game and come early for the autograph session with the players on the field. If this is not possible, you may send a SASE to the Whitecaps, care of your selected player, and include the item you would like to have autographed. We will make sure the player receives your mail but we cannot guarantee your item will be returned.
Q: How can I try out for the team?
A: The Whitecaps are a professional baseball team affiliated with the Detroit Tigers, which means the Tigers make all player personnel decisions regarding the Whitecaps. The vast majority of Whitecaps players have been drafted in the June amateur draft out of high school or college; occasionally the Tigers will sign a player they have been scouting who was not drafted.
Although there are no tryouts or "walk-ons" specifically for the Whitecaps, the Tigers do hold several tryout camps around the Midwest each summer. For the past several years they have included Fifth Third Ballpark as one of their locations for tryout camps. These one-day tryouts are generally open to players from 17 to 24 years of age. Don't expect to be signed directly out of these camps, though - If you are one of the few who do catch the eye of the scouts, what they will do is add you to their list of players to scout at high school or college games for the next couple of years to determine whether they should draft or sign you.
If you are signed or even drafted by the Tigers, the Whitecaps are not the first stop on the road to the majors. You would first be assigned to the rookie club in Lakeland. Your next stop would most likely be the Oneonta (NY) Tigers, then the Whitecaps or the other Class A club, also in Lakeland.
The Tigers' 2009 tryout camp at Fifth Third Ballpark will be held on Monday, June 22. Time frame for the tryout camp is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.; bring your own glove and shoes). The tryout camp is for players age 16-25. For questions or more information on tryout camp dates and locations, call the Tigers' Baseball Operations Department at (313) 471-2096.
You can also try calling other major league teams or any independent league teams (such as the Northern League, Frontier League and Texas-Louisiana League) about tryouts. You can find phone numbers to major league teams at www.majorleaguebaseball.com; for independent league teams, try searching the Internet for "independent league baseball."
Q: Where are the players from? Where do they live during the season?
A: Whitecaps players are from all over the country as well as the Dominican Republic and other foreign countries. Past players have been from Canada, Australia, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and more. There are no advantages to living in the state of Michigan (in fact, only a few players have been from Michigan). The Tigers have an extensive scouting system in place to find the best talent possible around the world.
While in Grand Rapids, most players stay with host families in the "Keep-A-Cap" program. Similar to a foreign exchange program, the host families provide comfortable housing for players, usually offering home-cooked meals and sometimes even transportation. About 95% of all Whitecaps players have stayed with host families.
Q: How do I join the Keep-A-Cap program?
A: Interested families should submit a letter detailing why they want to be in the program, what relationship they envision with the players and what amenities and living arrangements they can offer, to the Whitecaps Community Relations Department, P.O. Box 428, Comstock Park, MI 49321. Selected families will be added to the waiting list in case an opening is to occur.
