COMSTOCK PARK, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Former Detroit Tigers catcher Lance Parrish has been named the 13th manager in West Michigan Whitecaps history, in a move announced in conjunction with the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday.
Parrish arrives in West Michigan after spending the past four seasons with the Double-A Erie Seawolves, where he won more than 250 games during his tenure. Parrish replaces Mike Rabelo, who was assigned to Lakeland amid the Tigers minor-league managerial changes.
Jim Jarecki, Whitecaps Vice President and General Manager. says that heading into their 25th season, they are thrilled to have one of the most iconic Detroit Tigers represent the Whitecaps in Lance Parrish.
The catcher commonly referred to as the “Big Wheel” spent a total of six seasons with the Tigers major league staff; with three as the club’s bullpen and third base coach from 1999-2001, and returned as bullpen coach from 2003-2005. Parrish also spent two seasons in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, managing rookie-league Ogden before joining the Great Lakes Loons (Midwest League) for their inaugural season in 2007.
Parrish spent the first 10 seasons of his big-league career with the Tigers after being selected in the first-round of the 1974 MLB Draft. The backstop was a key piece of the Tigers 1984 championship team, with 33 home runs and 98 RBI. He was named an All-Star in six of his 10 years with the Tigers, while winning five Silver Sluggers and three Gold Glove awards.
The Whitecaps head to the offseason with the 2018 campaign and 25th season in their sights. Get information on 2018 season tickets by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
