Even as snow blankets the West Michigan landscape there are
already early signs of the arrival of spring and one of America's
favorite pastimes --baseball.
Even as snow blankets the West Michigan landscape there are
already early signs of the arrival of spring and one of America's
favorite pastimes --baseball.
The Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan is coming to the DeVos Fieldhouse on the
campus of Hope College on Monday, January 14.
The mid-day event will be open to the public free of charge. This will
be a no autograph event.
The Tigers will be led by Tigers President, CEO and General Manager
David Dombrowski and coaches Andy Van Slyke and Rafael Belliard.
Players scheduled to be in the caravan include catcher Vance Wilson, pitcher
Jordan Tata, pitcher Rick Porcello and pitcher
Zach Miner.
The program will include a question-and-answer opportunity for members
of the audience. FSN Detroit announcer Mario Impemba will be
the MC. He will be joined by Holland Sentinel senior sports
correspondent Leo Martonosi.
In addition to providing an introduction of members of the 2008
Detroit Tigers and prospects for the upcoming season, this will be an
opportunity to showcase Hope College baseball and softball. Both Hope
teams will begin play in new on-campus stadiums next spring. Each program has
a strong tradition of excellence as members of the Michigan
Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
Hope's MIAA champion baseball team competed in an international
tournament in The Czech Republic last summer. Highlights from that
tournament, including segments from a nationally televised game, will
be presented by coach Stu Fritz.
Hope softball coach Karla Wolters will share her interest in the
history of sport with a presentation on the development of the game of
baseball with a special emphasis on its place in West Michigan.
The doors to DeVos Fieldhouse will open at 11 a.m. The program will
begin at 11:30 a.m. The fieldhouse concession stands will feature a
menu with a baseball fare. The event will conclude at 1:15 p.m.