COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (WZZM) -- The Detroit Tigers had their first game earlier this week in Minnesota, and Thursday the Whitecaps begin their season in West Michigan.  From the majors to the minors, you can expect to see more fast balls because pitchers are throwing harder than ever.

Tigers pitcher Al Albuquerque is one of an increasing group of pitchers who is consistently throwing fast balls more than 95 miles per hour.  Whitecaps pitching coach Mike Henneman says there's plenty of guys in his field, and younger, who are doing the same.

"You see high school kids coming up throwing 93, 94 mph," he said.

"We're starting to see more of them get into minor league baseball and progress into professional ball," said Whitecaps' athletic trainer T.J. Saunders. He says the trend has been on an upward climb for the last decade.

"They're stronger, they're more fit, they're more in shape, and that translates to ball speed," he said.

The West Michigan Whitecaps will start their season Thursday, but you can meet them before they take the plate.

The team will hold an open workout April 3 at Fifth Third Ballpark.  Gates open at 1 p.m., and batting practice will start a half hour later.  The team will field balls from 2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. before an autograph session with fans.

The Whitecaps’ season opener against Dayton is April 4 at 6:35 p.m. For ticket and roster information, visit the team website.

Spring is here, and the West Michigan Whitecaps are ready for opening day.

The Whitecaps will kick off their 20th season Thursday, April 4 at Fifth Third Ballpark.  They’re taking on the Dayton Dragos at 6:35 p.m.  According to the Whitecaps homepage, the first 1,500 fans that enter the stadium will receive a free 20th anniversary Whitecaps hat, courtesy Fifth Third Bank.

Opening day will also feature jugglers, stilt walkers and a live band at the ballpark’s main entrance. The gates open at 5 p.m. For purchase tickets, visit the Whitecaps’ website.