Aug. 9 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is taking over the West Michigan Whitecaps’ ballpark on Aug. 16, sharing program and scholarship information, celebrating alumni, and helping with last-minute enrollments.
GRCC President Charles W. Lepper will start the Whitecaps’ game against the South Bend Cubs by throwing out the first pitch. Throughout the evening, fans can learn about GRCC’s life- changing programs, including those available to remove cost as a barrier.
“Family and work responsibilities don’t have to stand in the way of a GRCC degree or certificate,” Lepper said. “I think many Whitecaps fans will be surprised to learn how easy it can be to take that ‘next step’ – especially with help from GRCC scholarships, the Michigan Reconnect program, Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and the Grand Rapids Promise Zone.”
Staff on the concourse can provide information on all those programs, and for those who want to get started right away, they can help with enrollment for fall classes.
The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a bobblehead celebrating former Detroit Tigers first baseman Robert Fick. Fick, who was inducted into the Whitecaps Hall of Fame in 2009, is himself a community college alumnus, attending Ventura College in California before transferring to California State University at Northridge. He made his major league debut with the Tigers in 1998 and subsequently played for the Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals.
Fans can get Fick’s autograph before the game by going to section 109 for a number. Fireworks are scheduled at the end of the night.
The game starts at 6:35 p.m. at LMCU Stadium, 4500 West River Drive in Comstock Park. Tickets, which range from $10 to $19, can be purchased online. GRCC alumni have a special section and can buy tickets online for $10, which includes a hotdog and a pop.
