Star Wars Night-Episode II: Attack of the Kids
West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods: Fifth Third Ballpark-Comstock Park, MI
Our favorite game of the year is Star Wars night for sure. This time we brought Brian down for the fun, too. It was a beautifull night for baseball, but the real thrill for the kids was seeing all of their favorite movie characters. Me being a Star Wars freak since I was like, five, they’ve been exposed to the movies (original trilogy) for a number of years. We were able to get pics with most of the characters on hand, especially Darth Vader and Boba Fett, who is simply the greatest. There were some Jedi and X-Wing pilots hanging around, but the kids, especially Trevor, favor the Empire and thier legions of Stormtroopers, Snowtroopers, and pilots. Brian wanted no part of Darth Vader, either, as you’ll see he’s not in the picture with him. Darth Vader also threw out the first pitch, and had a little duel with Crash, the mascot. The night ended with a fireworks display with Star Wars theme music. The Whitecaps also wore special Star Wars jerseys. Of all the game I’ve been to so far, I think we’ve only seen the regular ‘Caps jersey’s once! There was a huge crowd again this year, season high 10,528, but we still got to see who we wanted and had time to play in the park there, too. I’m not sure what our next game will be, but it will be hard to beat this night.
Starting pitcher #20 Alex Burgos
In the game, the Whitecaps had a solid offensive effort, beating the Hot Rods 11-3. Top prospect Nick Constellanos had two home runs the game, and went 3-4. He was recently named the Detroit Tigers Minor Player of the Month for hitting .375 with 20 RBI’s in June. He now leads the Midwest League with 94 hits, leads the ‘Caps with 52 RBI’s, and is one of the MWL leaders in batting average with .306 and doubles with 23. Castellanos is a good bet for next seasons Furtures Game if he keeps this pace up. On the mound, Alex Burgos was solid in the win. He allowed three runs on five hits while striking out six, to up his record to 4-1. Three of the hits he gave up were infield singles.
Aren’t they a little short for Stormtroopers?
“If Trevor won’t turn to the Dark Side, then perhaps his sister will…”
The most feared Bounty Hunters in the Galaxy…
I need to win this…for the kids, that is
Lead off hitter #16 Luis Castillo
At 85 degrees, it was more like Tatooine than Hoth…
Photos property of M.I.B.
Minoring In Baseball 
Love love love the pics! A Hoth stormtrooper!?!? Wow. Dude is strong willed! I like the jawa pic too.
–Jeff
Boba Fett! Boba Fett! Where? I love Boba Fett too, and of course you’re only raising them on the original trilogy, just like I assume you mean the original, unadulterated, Han shot first trilogy. Is there any other trilogy? 🙂 Great pics Mike! Wow, Alex Burgos doesn’t look that much older than Trevor. And of course you need to win that playhouse…for the kids, clearly.
— Kristen
Great pics! That sounds like a really fun promo. Disclosure: I’ve never seen ANY Star Wars movie, ever.
Catherine
Never ever?! That makes me sad. Sweetie, there is help out there for you. It’s called Netflix. 😉 Totally kidding, but they (the original three) are fun, classic movies I would consider essentials.
— Kristen
Ahhh. that is so cute! I love minor league games. I went to my first game at Lake Elsinore to watch the Storms against the Visalia Rawhides. Love the Star Wars theme and that this is an annual event. Dodgers had it one year and that was it. But they got bigger problems than brining back Star Wars night.
Jeff-thanks, those guys must get super hot in those costumes. We appreciate them doing it, though, and they probably get a thrill out of it.
Kristen-the original Trilogy is the only way to go, and Boba Fett is the man. No way he died in Ep.VI. I told you the ‘Caps were a young team…
Catherine-what the ‘h’ to they teach in schools these days? Three manditory classes should be: Baseball History, Rock History, and Star Wars: Effects On Our Culture. If you watch the originals you’ll love them.
Emma-I’m glad your enjoying some Minor League ball. Those are some historic teams, too. I’m hoping the Dodgers can get things worked out, too.
Thanks for checking in…
–Mike