Detroit Tigers Minor League Road Map: West Michigan Whitecaps

If you plan on traveling around the Detroit Tigers minor league system this summer, check out our road map for the West Michigan Whitecaps.

West Michigan Whitecaps fans were excited when the Detroit Tigers announced they would be the new High-A affiliate of the Tigers. This gave the opportunity to see the high end of Detroit’s prospect talent before anyone else would across the system.

In case you missed our first road map, we looked at the Erie SeaWolves if you are planning checking out the Detroit Tigers Double-A affiliate.

The state of Michigan is pretty unique because not only are there the Whitecaps to watch but over in Midland, you have the Great Lakes Loons. They are an affiliate of the Dodgers, who develop talent every season from their farm system.

Then there’s the Northwood League, which is college baseball development league, features three Michigan teams. The Kalamazoo Growlers, the Traverse City Pit Spitters, and the Battle Creek Battle Jacks, formerly the Battle Creek Bombers.

If you are playing on staying a few days in the Grand Rapids area, here are a few places to check out.

Dining/Breakfast

Last season, Spencer Torkelson discussed going to Anna’s House with the voice of the West Michigan Whitecaps Dan Hasty last season. Their breakfast came in highly recommended. One place we got the chance to check out for the first time is the Westsider Cafe for breakfast. The Omelette Shop at 545 Michigan St, NE is also a good way to start a morning.

Grand Rapids has a variety of places to check out to eat, including a few with breweries, since the west side is home to Founders Brewing, HopCat, New Holland Brewing, Grand Rapids Brewing Company, Brass Ring Brewing, The Mitten Brewing Company (great pizza and it is all baseball themed!) Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery, Harmony Brewing, Butcher’s Union, City Built Brewing Company. In other words, if you enjoy a brew, there is something and most serve some fantastic and unique food choices.

If you are in the mood for just food, the Electric Cheetah has 40 varieties of craft root beer on tap with salads, soups and sandwiches besides other Americana type of food like meatloaf, sirloin steaks, and mac & cheese. Westside Social, the Old Goat and Royals are also worth checking out and if you are down for pizza, check out Peppino’s.

Local Attractions

The Tulip Time festival down in Holland starts on May 7th and ends on May 15th. The Whitecaps are playing Beloit for that series, so something to check out if you are in town for a few days. The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is July 29th through August 7th, so if you are in town to see the Dayton Dragons, it’s a 38 minute drive down to Grand Haven from the ballpark. But even outside of the Coast Guard Festival, Grand Haven offers a great experience on the water.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158 acre botanical garden that features art and sculptures that also hosts summer concerts.

Ballpark food

The Whitecaps put out a vote for the 2022 Fan Food Vote and this was the winner, Greek Gyro Nachos.

They have the standard fare of hot dogs, ice cream, burgers, snacks at “Crash’s Cravings” which is named after one of the mascots for the Whitecaps. They also have the Craft Clubhouse on the third base side, which is all craft brews.

An impressive promotion coming up for “Made in Michigan” as the Whitecaps will bring some familiar Detroit sports icons.

There will be a lot of good talent at LMCU Ballpark this summer, so before, during, and after the game, check out the west side of Michigan.