WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS

West Michigan won 92 games, more than any minor league team in 31 years, continuing to show the Tigers' drafting and developmental might

- by EMILY WALDON

When asked to describe the West Michigan Whitecaps' season, manager Tony Cappuccilli admitted he needed a moment. He grinned.

“It’s been incredible,” he said. “There isn’t really any other way to put it. I mean, we were 53 games over .500 before the (Midwest League) playoffs. It obviously exceeded our expectations.

“You can’t expect to have that kind of a season.”

After spending more than 20 years in a variety of roles with different organizations, Cappuccilli made his managerial debut with West Michigan in 2024, finishing 68-63 and in a tie for fifth place. That would set the table for a 2025 season to remember for the Tigers’ High-A affiliate.

“Coming out of spring training, the Whitecaps’ roster was the strongest I have ever seen,” West Michigan vice president and GM Jim Jarecki said. “The players came up to West Michigan, not with a chip on their shoulder, but with confidence that was as strong as it could be.

“The Detroit Tigers’ player development and drafting and training are as dominant as they have ever been, and the results continue to show.”

For the players, many of whom were returning to West Michigan, it was the camaraderie from multiple seasons spent together that set the tone.