Tigers, 'Caps extend deal through 2018

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (WOOD) - The Detroit Tigers and West Michigan Whitecaps have agreed to a four-year extension of their player development contract.

The agreement, which was announced at a joint press conference at Fifth Third Ballpark on Aug. 11, will keep Tigers prospects playing at Fifth Third Ballpark through the 2018 season.

Tigers Director of Minor League Operations Dan Lunetta said that moving forward with the Whitecaps was an easy decision.

"This is another milestone event in the wonderful relationship that has existed between the Whitecaps and Tigers," Lunetta said in a news release. "Be that as it may, this was a decision that required no contemplation. We work incredibly well together and when a partnership has such strong mutual respect and a shared vision, the decision to extend beyond the current agreement is easy to make. Our sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to Lew Chamberlin, Scott Lane, Denny Baxter and Jim Jarecki and of course, the tremendous fan support for the Whitecaps and Tigers."

The Whitecaps have been the Tigers' Class A Midwest League affiliate since 1997.

The Whitecaps have won four Midwest League Championships with the Tigers -- 1998, 2004, 2006, 2007 -- and have seen dozens of prospects and current stars play in West Michigan.

"They've given us great teams over the years, four of which have won the Midwest League Championship,” Whitecaps CEO Lew Chamberlin said. "But, just as importantly, they have understood and have been supportive of our community service efforts here in West Michigan. Whether the Whitecaps Inner City Baseball/Softball program, our host family program or one of our many other community initiatives, the Tigers have always been supportive. We are very pleased to be able to continue our partnership for an additional four years."