Michigan City White Caps

The Michigan City White Caps were a minor league baseball team based in Michigan City, Indiana from 1956 to 1959. The White Caps were a member of the Class C Midwest League (1956–1959). The team set the foundation for today's West Michigan White Caps of the Midwest League.

Michigan City White Caps
1956–1959
(1956–1959)
Michigan City, Indiana
Minor league affiliations
Previous classesClass C (1956–1959)
Previous leagues
Midwest League (1956–1959)
Major league affiliations
Previous teams
Minor league titles
Class titles None
Team data
Previous names
Michigan City White Caps (1956–1959)
Previous parks
Ames Field

Baseball Hall of Fame member Juan Marichal played for the 1958 Michigan City White Caps.

History

The franchise had played in Hannibal, Missouri as the Hannibal Stags, before moving to Michigan City in 1956. The Michigan City White Caps became a become a charter member of the newly named Midwest League in 1956.[1]

The White Caps were affiliated with the Giants, who played in New York from 1956–1957 and San Francisco from 1958–1959. The Michigan City franchise folded after the 1959 Midwest League season. The nickname name was restored to the region when today's West Michigan White Caps began play in the 1994 Midwest League.[2][1]

Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee Juan Marichal pitched for Michigan City in 1958. Marichal captured the Midwest League Pitcher of the Year award, after a 21–8 record, 1.87 ERA and 246 strikeouts.[1][3][4]

On August 12, 1957 Bobby Bolin threw a no-hitter against the Dubuque Packers, in an 11–0 victory.[5]

During the White Caps era, Michigan City was home to the Jaymar-Ruby Corporation (1922–2009), Jaymar-Rubs produced the then-popular Sansabelt dress pants, among other apparel. As a perk, White Caps players were given free dress pants by the company. Allegedly, Juan Marichal did not like the pants and gave them away.[6][7]

The ballpark

The White Caps played at Ames Field. The park was constructed in 1939 and demolished in 1995. Today, the Michigan City High School football field occupies the site.[1] The address is 2501 Franklin Street, Michigan City, Indiana.[8]

Notable alumni
Juan Marichal 2010

Hall of Fame Alumni

Notable Alumni

Year-by-year record
YearRecordFinishManager
195655–71[12]7thAllan Shinn
195768–57[9]4thRichard Klaus
195869–55[10]2ndBuddy Kerr
195951–74[11]8thBuddy Kerr
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References
  1. "Michigan City, Indiana, in the Midwest League | MWLguide.com". mwlguide.com.
  2. "West Michigan Whitecaps - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
  3. "Michigan City, Indiana Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference.com.
  4. "Michigan City White Caps - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
  5. "Midwest League No Hitters | MWLguide.com". mwlguide.com.
  6. correspondent, Stan Maddux Times. "Michigan City benefactor leaves legacy". nwitimes.com.
  7. Correspondent, STAN MADDUX-Times. "Jaymar-Ruby to close doors after nearly a century". nwitimes.com.
  8. "Ames Field 2501 Franklin St Michigan City, IN Stadiums Arenas & Athletic Fields - MapQuest". www.mapquest.com.
  9. "1957 Michigan City White Caps". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  10. "1958 Michigan City White Caps". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  11. "1959 Michigan City White Caps". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  12. "1956 Michigan City White Caps". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 8, 2012.

Baseball Reference


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