Win Tickets To The West Michigan Whitecaps Negro League Game On August 8th
The Negro League has a powerful impact on the Grand Rapids community.
So every year, The West Michigan Whitecaps make sure to spotlight those who have paved the way.
The West Michigan Whitecaps' upcoming Negro League Appreciation Night at LMCU Ballpark is set to take place on Thursday, August 8th.
Ted Rasberry is an important figure in Grand Rapids history, specifically for the Negro League.
In 1935, Rasberry moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to play with Elster’s Colored Athletics, a local semi-professional baseball team, and by 1946, Rasberry purchased his first team, the Grand Rapids Black Sox.
When Rasberry tried to enter his team into the Negro American League, he was rejected due to Grand Rapids’ small black population. In 1953 Rasberry purchased an Indianapolis team and moved them to Detroit, renaming the team the Detroit Stars. He reapplied to the Negro American League in 1953 and this time was accepted. The team disbanded in 1958.
You can learn about Negro League owner and player, Ted Rasberry, on the Magic app.
Four local Black small businesses will be featured throughout the game as well.
- Della Soul Records
- Last Mile Café
- Over the Top Dance Academy
- Baxter Community Foundation
- Endless Opportunities
You can win a family 4-pack of tickets to the game below.