The state of Michigan is home to the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers are one of the American League's charter franchises and have been playing baseball since 1901. However, the state of Michigan does not ignore minor league baseball. It was the home to the Southern Michigan League and several Midwest League franchises.
Southern Michigan League
The Southern Michigan League began playing in 1906. It later changed its name to the Southern Michigan Association in 1910. The league lasted through the 1915 season. The league had teams in Adrian, Battle Creek, Bay City, Flint, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Mount Clemens, Saginaw and Tecumseh. It also had teams in South Bend, Indiana and Toledo, Ohio. Hall of Famer Jesse "Pop" Haines, started his professional career with the Saginaw Ducks and later went on to become a dominant pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals. Haines is credited with one of the best curveballs in baseball history.
Lansing Lugnuits
The Lansing Lugnuts play in the Class A Midwest League. Their home ballpark is Cooley Law School Stadium in Lansing. The Lugnuts are the minor league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The Lugnuts have been playing in Lansing since 1996. Before that they played in Waterloo, Iowa, and Springfield, Illinois. Some of the top players who have played for Lansing include Carlos Beltran, Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Dempster.
Great Lakes Loons
The Great Lakes Loons play in the Class A Midwest League and are the minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. They play their home games in Dow Diamond Stadium. They have been located in Midland, Michigan, since 1995. Before that, they played in Madison, Wisconsin. Johan Santana, Melky Cabrera and Roy Oswalt all pitched for this franchise.
West Michigan Whitecaps
The West Michigan Whitecaps are the Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They play in Fifth Third Ball Park in Comstock Park, Michigan. The Whitecaps have been playing the Grand Rapids metropolitan area since 1994. Among the top players who have played for the franchise include Magglio Ordonez, Cody Ross and Joel Zumaya
Member Comments