FORT WAYNE – America’s Pastime and Indiana’s “Summit City” have long been linked at the hip. From the Kekiongas, to the Daisies, to the Wizards right up the individual players that have made the city with three rivers a temporary home along the way to fulfilling their big league dreams, Fort Wayne has always been a baseball town.

In 2009 the beloved Wizards changed names and changed addresses as they moved downtown to Parkview Field and became the TinCaps, paying homage to another piece of city history in Johnny Appleseed. The move revitalized the downtown area and Parkview Field has been consistently ranked as one of the best parks in the minors.

Fans have come out in large numbers to cheer on the TinCaps since that inaugural season, once again setting franchise records for attendance this year.

In a press release earlier this month the team proudly boasted the great support it receives from its fan base, “In 67 openings this year, the TinCaps drew 400,036 games at Parkview Field. This marks the third consecutive season, and fourth time overall, in which the organization has exceeded 400,000 fans during the regular season.”

The TinCaps rewarded the city for its support that first season at Parkview Field by winning the Midwest League championship. Once again Fort Wayne finds itself in a position to bring home some hardware.

Parkview Field will be the site for tonight’s Midwest League playoff tilt with Western Michigan. The TinCaps won the division for the second half of the season while the Whitecaps took the wildcard spot.

The playoffs began Wednesday evening with the Whitecaps taking game one of the series in Comstock Park, MI. It’s a best of three series and the TinCaps have home field advantage for the next two games. Outside of giving fans great playoff baseball to experience, there is a lot more that Parkview Field offers for the whole family.

Fans have enjoyed making baseball night a family affair thanks to amenities such as the splash pad located beyond center field and the fun zone in the concourse above left field. The TinCaps also offer fans the opportunity to take a few cuts in the indoor batting cages located along the the first base side of the park.

If it’s just a guys or girls night out that you’re looking for, no problem. Tonight’s game will be no different than a regular season matchup as Thirsty Thursday drink prices will be offered.

The TinCaps boasted the best home record (46-25) during the Midwest League’s regular season for the minor’s best fan base.

Thursday’s first pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. Tickets are still available at the box office. Friday’s game (if necessary) will also be a 7:05 p.m.

The Fort Wayne TinCaps will host Western Michigan in the Midwest League playoffs Thursday evening. (Photo provided)