Former Notre Dame Baseball Star Shines After Minor League Promotion

Former Notre Dame infielder Jack Penney was perfect at the plate in his season debut with the West Michigan Whitecaps

Notre Dame s Jack Penney (11) hits for a two-run RBI in the first inning against Western Michigan Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Frank Eck Stadium. | MATT CASHORE / USA TODAY NETWORK

Friday night was the West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit Tigers, Hi-A Affiliate) season opener, and no one was perfect, at least other than former Notre Dame infielder Jack Penney.

Let's go, West Michigan! Our 2025 Break Camp Roster is here 🌊⚾

It features 3 of the Tigers Top 6 prospects, along with a mix of returning players and fresh faces!

Come check out these future Tigers on Opening Day, April 4th!

🎟 ➡ https://t.co/ViyOK9x2u7 pic.twitter.com/G6MprzrbVi

— West Michigan Whitecaps (@wmwhitecaps) April 2, 2025

Penney was indeed perfect at the plate, getting on-base in all four of his plate appearances. His only traditional "at bat" was an infield single in the third so he ended the night 1-for-1 with three walks is still considered a perfect day at the dish.

And to top it off, Penney's single in the third was the Whitecaps' first hit of the season. How about that for a season debut?

The 'Caps first hit of the season belongs to Jack Penney!

🎙️ @ThatDanHasty pic.twitter.com/gOlD4thEf6

— West Michigan Whitecaps (@wmwhitecaps) April 4, 2025

Penney also scored twice, and West Michigan won the game 7-0. Talk about one heck of a night. I guess the only thing that could have made it better is if Penney got the game ball too. But what's that old saying? Oh yeah, beggars can't be choosers. So, we're not going to beg, even if we think Penney deserves it.

The Tigers took Penney in the fifth round of last year's MLB Draft, and so far, things have gone well. Penney played in just 14 games for Detroit's Lo-A Affiliate, the Lakeland Flying Tigers, last year, and don't be surprised if he gets a whole lot more playing time this year, especially if he continues to be perfect at the plate.