Muskegon Has Its Own Field of Dreams Featuring Muskegon Clippers Baseball
MUSKEGON, Mich., May 1, 2018 – Muskegon’s summer collegiate baseball team, the Muskegon Clippers, will be returning for its fifth season at historic Marsh Field in Muskegon. Opening day will be Friday evening, June 8, 2018 at 7:05pm.
Historic Marsh Field celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 and continues its storied history by playing host to the Muskegon Clippers and over 200 other baseball ball games throughout the year. This season is full of new things at the ball park.
Opening Night
Opening night for the Muskegon Clippers is Friday, June 8, 2018 at historic Marsh Field on Laketon Avenue in Muskegon. The Clippers will play the Saginaw Sugar Beets in game one of a three game weekend series. Gates open at 6:00 pm; first pitch is at 7:05pm, each night.
Opening night is also free magnet game schedule giveaway night! Each family through the gate will receive a FREE 2018 clippers game schedule while supplies last.
Opening night will also serve as an opportunity to celebrate the life of Muskegon baseball legend, Jim Grevel.
Jim Grevel Night
Opening Day will also be an opportunity to honor Jim Grevel for his many contributions to Muskegon area baseball. On December 14, 2017 Jim passed away unexpectedly, leaving a void, not only in the lives of his family and friends but in the entire Clippers’ organization as well. That void remains unfilled.
Jim was an integral part of saving Marsh Field through his efforts with the Lakeshore Baseball Club. Jim loved being at the old ballpark doing whatever needed to be done. Whether it was dragging the infield, raking the mound, or keeping the scoreboard, you could always find him at Marsh Field eager to talk about the game of baseball.
He helped to organize the men’s adult city league, coordinated the annual high school baseball all-star game, spearheaded numerous youth summer tournaments, and served as a conduit between local high school coaches and the Lakeshore Baseball Club.
In addition to his contributions to Marsh Field, Jim Grevel also left an indelible mark on the Muskegon Clippers. While he often flew under the radar, he was largely responsible for procuring many of the players who represented our organization over the last five years.
The ceremony will recognize Jim’s efforts with a brief ceremony and unveiling of a plaque to be displayed at Marsh Field. Also, the Clippers team will wear a patch with the letters JG on their uniforms this year.
Patrons will also have an opportunity that evening to make a donation to a memorial established by the Grevel family. At the request of Jim’s family, all proceeds to the Jim Grevel Memorial Fund will be donated to Jim’s beloved Marsh Field in an effort to continue its renovation and modernization.
The League: More Teams Visiting Muskegon – Same High Quality of Play
The Clippers begin their second season in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League (GLSCL), which is supported by Major League Baseball.
The Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League will have 14 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, Ontario, Green Giants, the Irish Hills Leprechauns from Adrian, Michigan, the Lake Erie Monarchs out of Flat Rock, Michigan, the Saginaw Sugar Beets, the Lima Locos and the Grand Lake Mariners from Celina, Ohio.
“The league is extremely competitive and should provide our fans with some great baseball this season, said Muskegon Clipper Owner, Pete Gawkowski. “ “The Lima Locos 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, weekend, home stands as part of their 21 home games at Marsh Field.
Team Roster
The Clippers have completed their 25 – man roster and have signed players from Universities like Connecticut, Harvard, Valparaiso, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, and Eastern Michigan.
Several stand outs from last year’s squad will also be returning to the Clippers. They include, Jimmy Roche, Western Michigan, Connor Henderson, Western Michigan, Nolan Bryant, Davenport, Ryan Blake Jones, Grand Valley State, Cameron Miller, Central Michigan, Adam Biss, Essex County Community College, and Brian Taggett, Emory University.
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 8th till July 29th. 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 room and board that includes 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 special night at our ball park 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, brat, popcorn, and 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.
The Clippers also can arrange for group ticket sales, company picnics, family reunions and other special events on their party deck.
The Fan Experience
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 each Clipper batter. Crowd participation with the action on the field and between innings is part of the uniqueness of Clipper baseball. And finally, kids are allowed to run the bases after the games.
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 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.
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Contact:
Pete Gawkowsi
(231) 638-7696
ptgawkowski@gmail.com