SPORTS

West Michigan Whitecaps celebrate 25th anniversary

West Michigan Whitecaps shortstop Cole Peterson dives safely back to first on a pickoff attempt as the Whitecaps beat the Great Lakes Loons, 10-4, on April 10, 2018, at Fifth Third Ballpark near Grand Rapids. The Whitecaps are celebrating their 25th anniversary this season.
West Michigan Whitecaps shortstop Cole Peterson dives safely back to first on a pickoff attempt as the Whitecaps beat the Great Lakes Loons, 10-4, on April 10, 2018, at Fifth Third Ballpark near Grand Rapids. The Whitecaps are celebrating their 25th anniversary this season.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps catcher Brady Policelli makes faces after the umpire calls him out on strikes.
Whitecaps catcher Brady Policelli makes faces after the umpire calls him out on strikes.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps manager Lance Parrish argues about a foul ball on the first-base side as he did in the "old days" with the Tigers.
Whitecaps manager Lance Parrish argues about a foul ball on the first-base side as he did in the "old days" with the Tigers.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Teammates greet Whitecaps first baseman Jordan Pearce after Pearce's grand slam in the seventh inning put the game out of reach.
Teammates greet Whitecaps first baseman Jordan Pearce after Pearce's grand slam in the seventh inning put the game out of reach.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps starting pitcher Jesus Rodriguez throws from the mound and goes four innings.
Whitecaps starting pitcher Jesus Rodriguez throws from the mound and goes four innings.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps pitching coach Jorge Cordova talks strategy with starting pitcher Jesus Rodriguez and catcher Brady Policelli on the mound.
Whitecaps pitching coach Jorge Cordova talks strategy with starting pitcher Jesus Rodriguez and catcher Brady Policelli on the mound.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps catcher Brady Poliecelli pulls in a popup for an out in the sixth inning.
Whitecaps catcher Brady Poliecelli pulls in a popup for an out in the sixth inning.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps shortstop Cole Peterson throws over teammate Colby Borgles to make the out at first base.
Whitecaps shortstop Cole Peterson throws over teammate Colby Borgles to make the out at first base.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps second baseman Alexis Garcia watches the throw from catcher Brady Policelli bounce off the baserunner's shoe.
Whitecaps second baseman Alexis Garcia watches the throw from catcher Brady Policelli bounce off the baserunner's shoe.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps third baseman Colby Bortles throws to first. Bortles is the younger brother of Blake Bortles, NFL quarterback with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Whitecaps third baseman Colby Bortles throws to first. Bortles is the younger brother of Blake Bortles, NFL quarterback with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps outfielder Garrett McCain grabs a fourth-inning flyball in center field.
Whitecaps outfielder Garrett McCain grabs a fourth-inning flyball in center field.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Great Lakes Loons catcher Garrett Hope has no hope of getting the ball in time to tag sliding Whitecap Brady Policelli.
Great Lakes Loons catcher Garrett Hope has no hope of getting the ball in time to tag sliding Whitecap Brady Policelli.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps third baseman Colby Bortles watches his solo home run clear the fences in the sixth inning.
Whitecaps third baseman Colby Bortles watches his solo home run clear the fences in the sixth inning.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps outfielder Dylan Rosa scoops up a bouncer and holds the runner at first.
Whitecaps outfielder Dylan Rosa scoops up a bouncer and holds the runner at first.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps outfielder Alexis Garcia raps a base hit.
Whitecaps outfielder Alexis Garcia raps a base hit.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps manager Lance Parrish jokes with players in the dugout.
Whitecaps manager Lance Parrish jokes with players in the dugout.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps outfielder Ignacio Valdez bounces one foul.
Whitecaps outfielder Ignacio Valdez bounces one foul.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps middle reliever Brandyn Sittinger throws against the Great Lakes Loons.
Whitecaps middle reliever Brandyn Sittinger throws against the Great Lakes Loons.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps designated hitter Jose Quero chucks the bat and scrambles for first base.
Whitecaps designated hitter Jose Quero chucks the bat and scrambles for first base.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps closer Max Green slams the door on the Great Lakes Loons.
Whitecaps closer Max Green slams the door on the Great Lakes Loons.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Young Whitecaps players, particularly those from warmer climates, huddle in the weak April sunshine.
Young Whitecaps players, particularly those from warmer climates, huddle in the weak April sunshine.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps fans were sparse and shivering during a game earlier this month.
Whitecaps fans were sparse and shivering during a game earlier this month.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Whitecaps mascot "Crash The River Rascal" entertains a sparse crowd during a game against the Great Lakes Loons.
Whitecaps mascot "Crash The River Rascal" entertains a sparse crowd during a game against the Great Lakes Loons.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News