Whitecaps vs Lugnuts 8-16-13 06

A West Michigan Whitecaps game at Fifth Third Ballpark.

(MLive file photo)

COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The West Michigan Whitecaps, already with a long-term player development contract with the Detroit Tigers, announced Tuesday the addition of two more years to the agreement.



The agreement keeps Tigers prospects playing at Fifth Third Ballpark through the 2020 season.

The Whitecaps have been the Tigers’ Class A Midwest League affiliate since 1997. They have won four Midwest League Championships with the Tigers (1998, 2004, 2006, 2007).

Dan Lunetta, the Tigers director of minor league operations, pointed to three reasons for the extension.

“This all takes place because of several factors,” he said. “First is our tremendous relationship with the Whitecaps ownership and front office. Second, their continued commitment to providing a first class operation and an excellent environment for our players to develop, and third, wonderful and strong support from the community.

“It is a natural tie for the Tigers and Whitecaps to maintain a long-term commitment to one another and we are proud to continue our affiliation with the Whitecaps.”

Whitecaps Vice President Jim Jarecki said that the Whitecaps relationship with the Tigers has been outstanding since its 1997 start.

“They’ve given us great players and teams over the years, four of which have won the Midwest League championship,” Jarecki said. “But, just as important, they have understood and have been supportive of our community efforts here in West Michigan.”

The two organizations last renewed in August 2011 with a four-year deal that kept the relationship through the end of the 2018 season.