The Muskegon Clippers Had Opening Day at Historic Marsh Field
MUSKEGON, Mich. – Muskegon’s summer collegiate baseball team, the Muskegon Clippers, returned for another exciting season of baseball at historic Marsh Field in Muskegon. Opening day was Tuesday, June 4, 2019.
The Clippers are members of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League which is a developmental League for college athletes from all over the country. These student athletes are looking to hone their skills, and possibly get spotted by baseball scouts as they hope for an opportunity at the next level.
Historic Marsh Field celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 and continues its storied history by playing host to the Muskegon Clippers and over 100 other baseball ball games throughout the year. Over the years Marsh Field has been the home of the Muskegon Lassies of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, the old Muskegon Clippers, a farm team of the New York Yankees and the Muskegon Reds a farm team of the Detroit Tigers.
This season was full of great happenings at the ball park.
Opening Night
Opening night for the Muskegon Clippers was, Tuesday June 4, 2019 at historic Marsh Field on Laketon Avenue in Muskegon. The Clippers played the Michigan Monarchs in game one of a three game set scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Gates opened at 6:00 pm; first pitch was at 7:05pm, each night.
Opening night was also free magnet game schedule giveaway night! Each family through the gate received a FREE 2019 Clippers game schedule while supplies lasted.
A Successful 2018 Season
Despite narrowly missing the playoffs 2018 proved to be an extremely successful season, both on the field and off. 2018 saw several Clippers recognized by the league for their on- field accomplishments, by being honored with post season awards. A couple of Western Michigan Broncos led the way offensively for the Clippers.
Shortstop Jimmy Roach was named First Team All Great Lakes League, while Blake Dunn was named a Second Team outfielder. Aquinas University standout, Max Ludka was named First Team Great Lakes League pitcher and won the prestigious Pitcher of the Year Award.
A number of Clipper records were also shattered. Jimmy Roach set records for Batting Average, Hits, Home Runs and RBI’s. Max Ludka set records for ERA, Wins and Strike Outs.
Off the field the Clippers set an all-time attendance record. Win or lose, Clippers fans went home happy as they enjoyed a wide variety of fan participation activities. Marsh Field continues to be a lively and exciting place on the warm Muskegon summer nights.
The Fan Experience – More Than Just Baseball
The Clippers have gotten rave reviews from baseball experts and casual fans alike. Not only is there great baseball played, but the fans love the historic ballpark and the fun and interactive atmosphere that is created during the games.
Part of the excitement includes
• Walk up music for the players
• Sing along for fans
• Dance along with fans
• Our famous Beer batter
• Contests and Games for fans between innings
• Guests performing the national anthem
• Kids participating on the field in the introduction of players.
• And finally, fans are allowed to run the bases after the games.
The League and Game Schedule
The Clippers began their third season in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League (GLSCL), which is supported by Major League Baseball.
The Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League had 12 teams in two divisions. The Clippers competed in the Northern Division.
Other teams in the Northern Division of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League were the St. Clair Green Giants from Ontario Canada, the Grand Lake Mariners from Ohio, the Michigan Monarchs from Southeast Michigan, the Galion Graders from Ohio, and the Lima Locos from Ohio.
“The league is extremely competitive and should provide our fans with some great baseball this season,“ said Muskegon Clipper Owner, Pete Gawkowski, earlier this year. “The Southern Ohio Copperheads won the GLSCL championship last year and we hope to challenge them for the title this year.”
The Clippers played a 42 game schedule during the months of June and July. Although there was lots of travel to the away games, the Clippers were fortunate to have several three – game, home stands as part of their 21 home games at Marsh Field.
Team Roster
The Clippers have completed their 30 – man roster and have signed players from Universities like Missouri, Michigan State, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green.
Several stand outs from last year’s squad also returned to the Clippers. They included, Nolan Bryant – Davenport University, Micah Allen – Ashland University, Bryce Davis – Rockford High School/University of Toledo, Jacob Gilhaus – Kalamazoo College, Sean Casey – Grand Haven High School/Muskegon Community College.
In addition, the Clippers’ roster is filled with college players who earned quality playing time and distinguished themselves at their respective universities this spring.
The Clippers are coached by well-known local baseball coaches, Walt Gawkowski, Head Coach, Brian Wright, Bench Coach, Keith Williams, Hitting Coach and Steve Cutter, General Manager and Pitching Coach.
The Clippers are owned by Pete Gawkowski.
Ticket Information
Game tickets were $5 for adults; $3 for Senior Citizens, $3 for students; $2 for children 5-12. Children 5 and under were free. There was also special pricing for Season Tickets, a Half Season 10 game flex package or group sales.
For more information visit our website at www.muskegonclippers.com or join our Facebook page by searching Muskegon Clippers.