Baseball in Grand Rapids

Fifth Third Ballpark

originally Old Kent Park

Fifth Third Ballpark has hosted the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Midwest League since the team joined the MWL in 1994. The facility was originally named the Old Kent Park; the name was changed after the 2001 season.

Old Kent Park hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game in 1995. Fifth Third Ballpark hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game in 2003.

Photograph by Joel Dinda, 1997.

Source of Name: Both names reflect the same paid sponsorship. Old Kent was a local bank (named after Kent County, where Grand Rapids is located); after Old Kent was purchased by Fifth Third Bank, 5/3 negotiated a name change with the Whitecaps.

Directions

• US 131 North of Grand Rapids at Exit 91 (West River Drive)

Or follow these directions from the Whitecaps Website.

Ballpark Characteristics

  Left Center Right Seating
  327  402    328   10,700  (1997)
  327  402    328   11,000  (1999)
  317  402    327   10,051  (2007)

Park Effects

The Stats 1998 Minor League Handbook indicates that Fifth Third Ballpark is the league's best host to pitchers. Long hits die in this ballpark. (4 years' data.)

Attendance Record

  Year Attendance
  1994    475,212
  1995    507,989
  1996    547,401*
  1997    536,029
  1998    500,083
  1999    457,350
  2000    436,751
  2001    422,892
  2002    400,166
  2003    361,545
  2004    390,033
  2005    370,153
  2006    356,155
  2007    377,412
  2008    367,532
  2009    356,642