The author really has some strong ties to the West Michigan Whitecaps. His father was one of the 22 winners who selected the nickname before the inaugural 1994 season. The family even made it out to the first game in franchise history, a soggy 5-2 victory if memory serves. At that time the 'Caps were affiliated with the Oakland A's and you could sit on the lawn for three bucks. During an on-field throwing session, the author almost hit former major leaguer Joe Boever in the head with an errant toss. To this day, the glare delivered by Boever is burned in his memory.But, as we all know, things change. The initial excitement of a semi-pro team coming to town wore off, the Detroit Tigers became the affiliate and the lawn seats are now $7. But with this amazing promotion, the Whitecaps have never been more popular in this galaxy and in those far, far away.
