The game started out with the introduction of WMU president, that is until early August, John Dunn and his successor Dr. Edward B. Montgomery. The class of 1996 WMU graduate L.Z. Granderson threw out the first pitch. Granderson has become a successful journalist and commentator since his time at WMU, writing and commentating for ABC News and ESPN.
Following these WMU night pre-game events, the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals took the field with Daniel Norris on the mound. The game was scoreless through the first two innings, and it appeared that WMU students, alumni, and staff were going to get a good game during this WMU night.