MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com -COMSTOCK PARK- After another successful season, the West Michigan Whitecaps are turning our attention to 2010.
 
The Whitecaps start the 2010 season on the road on Thursday, April 8 against a new Eastern Division foe, the Lake County Captains. After a three-game set with Lake County, the Whitecaps return to West Michigan for the home opener on Sunday, April 11 against the Fort Wayne TinCaps at 2:00 p.m.
 
Along with Lake County, a Cleveland Indians affiliate, the Bowling Green Hot Rods will join the Midwest League in 2010. The Hot Rods have been a Tampa Bay Rays affiliate since last season. The addition of the Captains and Hot Rods balances out the league’s divisional structure. Each division now contains eight teams.
 
“We’re looking forward to the added competition in our division,” said Whitecaps Vice President Jim Jarecki. “It’s exciting for our fans to get to see two new teams, especially with Lake County being an Indians affiliate. We’re also excited to add another chapter to our in-state rivalries with Great Lakes and Lansing.”
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West Michigan ends the home portion of their schedule with a six-game homestand August 25-31 against the Lansing Lugnuts and Great Lakes Loons.
 
Wendy’s Tiger Fridays will return next season with a new set of former Tigers and giveaways. Altogas Thrifty Thursday will also return for nine dates with $2 beers, $2 pretzels, $2 Pepsi products and two hot dogs for $2. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Family Day will return as well on Sunday home games. The first 1,000 kids, 12 and under, eat free and fans can play catch on the field and get autographs from the team before the game. Grand Rapids Allergy will sponsor the return of Peanut Free Days in 2010 on May 18 and 19.
 
The Whitecaps will help in the fight against Autism and Breast Cancer again next season. Autism Awareness Day is set for Saturday, April 17 and will feature a number of fundraising activities for the Autism Society of Kent County. Breast Cancer Awareness Day will be held on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, and will again feature fundraising activities benefiting the Grand Rapids affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
 
Several fan favorites will be back at the ballpark in 2010. The ZOOperstars! will come to town Friday, May 28 and Myron Nooldeman will make his much-anticipated return Wednesday, August 25. Look for more entertainment acts to be added to the Whitecaps’ promotional schedule as the season nears.
 
“We are very excited to have the ZOOperstars! and Myron returning to the ballpark,” said Whitecaps Promotions and Multi-Media Manager Brian Oropallo. “These entertainers bring great energy to the ballpark and the fans really enjoy them.”
  
There are 19 Farm Bureau Insurance Fireworks shows scheduled for the 2010 season. Fans can enjoy the post-game fireworks on Saturday night home games starting May 8 and Wednesday night home games starting June 16. Sunday, July 4 will feature a special fireworks show as will the final regular season home game on Tuesday, August 31.
 
General game times for 2010 are as follows: 6:35 p.m. Mon.-Fri. (April-May), 7:00 p.m. Mon.-Sat. (June-Sept.). All Sunday home games with the exception of Opening Day and July 4 will start at a new time, 1:00 p.m., next season. Saturday home games in April will start at 6:35 p.m.
 
Fans can purchase season tickets and mini-plans beginning Tuesday, October 27 by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131. Individual undated tickets will also be available for purchase at that time.

Commissioner Bud Selig shaved drug suspensions of players and broke the rules of MLB. Will Manny Ramirez and three others do a year? What will happen to dozens of minor league players whose records, teams, and leagues are affected? Read the whole story at SZ ( www.mlnsports.com).