Muskegon Has Its Own Field of Dreams Featuring Muskegon Clippers Baseball
MUSKEGON, Mich., May 1, 2019 – Muskegon’s summer collegiate baseball team, the Muskegon Clippers, will be returning for another exciting season of baseball at historic Marsh Field in Muskegon. Opening day will be Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 7:05 pm.
The Clippers are members of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League which is a developmental League for college athletes from all over the country. These student-athletes are looking to hone their skills, and possibly get spotted by baseball scouts as they hope for an opportunity at the next level.
Historic Marsh Field celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 and continues its storied history by playing host to the Muskegon Clippers and over 100 other baseball ball games throughout the year. Over the years Marsh Field has been the home of the Muskegon Lassies of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, the old Muskegon Clippers, a farm team of the New York Yankees and the Muskegon Reds a farm team of the Detroit Tigers.
This season is full of great happenings at the ballpark.
Opening Night
Opening night for the Muskegon Clippers is Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at historic Marsh Field on Laketon Avenue in Muskegon. The Clippers will play the Michigan Monarchs in game one of a three-game set scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Gates open at 6:00 pm; first pitch is at 7:05 pm, each night.
Opening night is also free magnet game schedule giveaway night! Each family through the gate will receive a FREE 2019 Clippers game schedule while supplies last.
A Successful 2018 Season
Despite narrowly missing the playoffs 2018 proved to be an extremely successful season, both on the field and off. 2018 saw several Clippers recognized by the league for their on- field accomplishments, by being honored with postseason awards. A couple of Western Michigan Broncos led the way offensively for the Clippers.
Shortstop Jimmy Roach was named First Team All-Great Lakes League, while Blake Dunn was named a Second Team outfielder. Aquinas University standout, Max Ludka was named First Team Great Lakes League pitcher and won the prestigious Pitcher of the Year Award.
A number of Clipper records were also shattered. Jimmy Roach set records for Batting Average, Hits, Home Runs and RBI’s. Max Ludka set records for ERA, Wins and Strike Outs.
Off the field, the Clippers set an all-time attendance record. Win or lose, Clippers fans went home happy as they enjoyed a wide variety of fan participation activities. Marsh Field continues to be a lively and exciting place on the warm Muskegon summer nights.
The Fan Experience – More Than Just Baseball
The Clippers have gotten rave reviews from baseball experts and casual fans alike. Not only is there great baseball played, but the fans love the historic ballpark and the fun and interactive atmosphere that is created during the games.
Part of the excitement includes
• Walk up music for the players
• Sing along for fans
• Dance along with fans
• Our famous Beer batter
• Contests and Games for fans between innings
• Guests performing the national anthem
• Kids participating on the field in the introduction of players.
• And finally, fans are allowed to run the bases after the games.
The League and Game Schedule
The Clippers begin their third season in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League (GLSCL), which is supported by Major League Baseball.
The Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League will have 12 teams in two divisions. The Clippers will compete in the Northern Division.
Other teams in the Northern Division of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League will be the St. Clair Green Giants from Ontario Canada, the Grand Lake Mariners from Ohio, the Michigan Monarchs from Southeast Michigan, the Galion Graders from Ohio, and the Lima Locos from Ohio.
“The league is extremely competitive and should provide our fans with some great baseball this season, said Muskegon Clipper Owner, Pete Gawkowski. “ “The Southern Ohio Copperheads won the GLSCL championship last year and we hope to challenge them for the title this year.”
The Clippers will play a 42 game schedule during the months of June and July. Although there will be lots of travel to the away games, the Clippers are fortunate to have several three – game, home stands as part of their 21 home games at Marsh Field.
Team Roster
The Clippers have completed their 30 – man roster and have signed players from Universities like Missouri, Michigan State, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green.
Several stand outs from last year’s squad will also be returning to the Clippers. They include, Nolan Bryant – Davenport University, Micah Allen – Ashland University, Bryce Davis – Rockford High School/University of Toledo, Jacob Gilhaus – Kalamazoo College, Sean Casey – Grand Haven High School/Muskegon Community College.
In addition, the Clippers’ roster is filled with college players who have earned quality playing time and distinguished themselves at their respective universities this spring.
The Clippers are coached by well-known local baseball coaches, Walt Gawkowski, Head Coach, Brian Wright, Bench Coach, Keith Williams, Hitting Coach and Steve Cutter, General Manager and Pitching Coach.
The Clippers are owned by Pete Gawkowski.
Host Families Needed
The Muskegon Clipper organization is looking for families willing to host one or two players for the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate Baseball season. The season runs from June 4th till July 23rd.
The host family program is an important aspect of each player’s time while playing for the Muskegon Clippers. The program has proven successful in the past summers and the bond between the host families and their player often extends beyond the summer and into lifelong friendships.
We ask that each host family provide a bedroom and access to refrigerator space, and a washer and dryer. An occasional family meal would be great. Transportation is not needed or expected in the hosting duties. Our summer schedule is very busy with 42 games in 52 days and players may be on the road for up to 5 days at a time.
Host families also are treated to a special night at our ballpark one night during the season. Where they will be thanked and asked to take part in pictures, food and drink along with other special activities.
Concessions
The Clippers have a great line up of ball park food including their ball park dog, brats, popcorn, candy and Dippin’ Dots ice cream.
In addition to a variety of soft drinks and ice cold Budweiser products, the Clippers will be adding craft beer nights and tap takeovers to their schedule.
And of course the Clippers will have team gear and merchandise available for purchase.
Special Recognition Nights and Events
Throughout the season the Clippers will be offering up special recognition nights for groups like veterans groups, little league teams, sports clubs and charitable groups.
Party Deck, VIP Seating and Corporate Outings
The expanded Party Deck offers great seating opportunities for large groups with wait service. The Clippers also can arrange for VIP seating, group ticket sales, company picnics, family reunions and other special events.
Ticket Information
Game tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for Senior Citizens, $3 for students; $2 for children 5-12. Children 5 and under are free. There is also special pricing for Season Tickets, a Half Season 10 game flex package or group sales.
For more information contact Pete Gawkowski at 231-638-7696 or visit our website at www.muskegonclippers.com or join our Facebook page by searching Muskegon Clippers.