Granderson to Headline 15th Annual Winter Banquet
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction of sports memorabilia and other items. The silent auction will be followed by dinner, a live auction and the featured program. The banquet presentation will also include the induction of the inaugural class of the West Michigan Whitecaps Hall of Fame. Three former players, coaches and/or outstanding contributors will be announced as inaugural inductees, based on fan and committee voting over the course of the 2008 season.
Granderson will meet with the media during a press conference at the J.W. Marriott from 5 to 5:30 pm. This will be the only opportunity for interviews. Credentials will be required and can be obtained by contacting the Whitecaps Media Relations Department at (616) 726-7067.
Granderson was drafted by the Tigers in the third round of the 2002 draft and bypassed the Whitecaps during his quick rise through the Tigers Minor League ranks. He made his Major League debut on September 13, 2004 then became the Tigers starting center fielder in the 2006 season. In 2007 Granderson became the second player ever in Major League history, behind Willie Mays in 1957, to record at least 30 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in a single season. He played in three rehab assignment games for the Whitecaps in April 2008 while recovering from a fractured finger before rejoining the Tigers and posting a second consecutive .300+ batting average season. Granderson has posted a Major League career-to-date .285 batting average with 100 doubles, 49 triples, 68 home runs and 45 stolen bases.
The 27 year old holds a degree in business administration and advertising from the University of Illinois-Chicago and has also worked for TBS as a color commentator during the 2007 and 2008 postseasons.
In addition to Granderson, other special guests will be on hand at the banquet. They will be announced at a later date.
Proceeds from the Winter Banquet go to the Whitecaps Inner-City Youth Baseball and Softball Program and the Detroit Tigers Foundation. Since the program's inception in 1995 more than $353,000 has been pledged, allowing more than 5,000 children the opportunity to participate in organized baseball. Since the establishment of the Detroit Tigers Foundation in 2005, the charity has donated more than $2.5 million in Tigers tickets, grants and scholarships in he greater Detroit community.
Two ticket options are available for fans interested in attending the event. Corporate tables include ten tickets to the Banquet, 40 raffle tickets and preferred seating, and are $850 each. Individual tickets are $75 per person. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Those unable to attend but willing to support the Inner-City Youth B aseball and Softball program may sponsor a volunteer for $100 or sponsor a child for $50.
Tickets and sponsorship donations are currently available by calling the Whitecaps at (616) 784-4131, sending a check or money order with names of persons attending to Whitecaps Winter Baseball Banquet, P.O. Box 428, Comstock Park, MI 49321 or faxing credit card orders to (616) 784-4911. The deadline to purchase Banquet tickets is Monday, January 12. Fans should note the Winter Banquet is not an autograph event. Although patrons are welcome to bring cameras and take pictures with Tigers guests, outside memorabilia is not allowed into the Banquet and autograph collecting will not be permitted.