STAR WARS NIGHT-Episode V: The Umpire Strikes Out
West Michigan Whitecaps vs Bowling Green Hot Rods (Midwest League)
Fifth Third Ballpark-Comstock Park, MI: Oh, it’s that time of the year, again, when my little Nerf-Herders and I head down to Fifth Third Ballpark for Star Wars Night. We got to meet old favorites like the Stormtroopers and Darth Vader, as well as a newbie like Sabine Wren from Star Wars Rebels. The one thing I was disappointed with was that there was no Boba Fett!! How could the most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy not make an appearance?
These aren’t the droids you’re looking for
After we mingled with members of the Galactic Empire and Rebellion, we were able to take a stroll around the warning track of Fifth Third Ballpark. Personally, I never turn down an opportunity to walk around on a professional baseball field. Jedi Franky welcomed us onto the field, and was able to get a few good pics of the boys.
Jedi Franky welcomes us onto the field
With everything going on, we almost forgot we had a ballgame to watch. This was a pitcher’s duel for certain. On the mound for the ‘Caps, A.J. Ladwig gave up an early solo home run, but settle in and pitched a nice game. He went 6.1 innings, only giving up two earned runs, and striking out two. Gage Smith would come in and earn the save.
Offensively, West Michigan was led by catcher Arvicent Perez, who went 3-3 on the night, including an RBI. Both Rashad Brown and Michael Gerber went 2-4, respectively, with Gerber earning an RBI. Garrett Mattlage scored on a wild pitch, and Zach Shepherd walked and scored on a throwing error. Final: Whitecaps 3, Hot Rods 2.
Brian with Jedi Crash
After the game we were treated to some fireworks, which capped off a fantastic night. Just one more game where I feel lucky and blessed to be able to spend time with my kids and dad. We’re not sure when our next game will be, but we’ll be sure to make it’s a good one.
And one more photo we bought from MI Unlimited Photography. For some reason all three of us look like we were just captured and are about to be brought before the Emperor. I guess we’re just tired from travel and fun.
A YouTube video:
Photos and video property of Minoring In Baseball
Minoring In Baseball 
This is why I love minor league baseball! Excellent article, and I love the title!!
Thanks for stopping by, the minors are the best!
Great article, really enjoyed the pictures.
Glad you liked them, thanks for stopping by!
Mike, it’s just amazing that your kids, and kinds their age, are into Star Wars, when the original movie came out way before they were born, I believe in 1977. I was only 8 years old!!!!
Are those Star Wars jerseys the Whitecaps are donning?
Do the Whitecaps have a young knuckleballer down there?
Yeah, I was about four or so when Star Wars first came out, but I believe it’s timeless! Especially now with the new cartoons and movies, the kids still know the characters. I still have all my old toys from the old movies, too.
The Whitecaps jerseys are awesome, and it would have been cool to win one in the raffle. The ‘Caps do have a pretty good pitching staff this season, they just have to learn to score some more runs!
-Mike
Reblogged this on Flashin' Leather and commented:
Star Wars Night down on the farm.
They must be getting pumped for the film!
Definitely, really hoping Episode VII is done right. It can’t be worse than the prequels, anyway. We saw a good trailer for it before Ant-Man.
-Mike