A long standing phrase in baseball is that “You can’t tell the players without a scorecard.” Ruth Jacobson’s craft as the long-time West Michigan Whitecaps seamstress allowed Whitecaps fans to recognize the players even better with their name across the back of the jerseys. Truly a key “behind the scenes” member in the organization, Ruth not only enjoyed the annual ritual of sewing nameplates on the jerseys prior to Opening Day, but also doing the various other repairs on jerseys, pants, and mascot uniforms throughout the season—at times doing the work late at night or early morning due to new players coming to West Michigan. She was a dedicated and long-time Whitecaps fan who attended hundreds of Whitecaps games - giving her the opportunity to see her handiwork first-hand! Thanks to Ruth, the Whitecaps were one of the first Minor League Baseball teams to have nameplates sewn on the jerseys back in the late-1990’s.

After a neighbor introduced Ruth to chain stitch embroidery as a way to earn income while working from home, she turned it into business that became a successful 35-year career. Along with sewing for the Whitecaps, Ruth volunteered her skills at her local church, sewing costumes, mending and even sewing new items for the baby nursery. The Whitecaps loved Ruth for her incredible dedication, hard work and beautiful craftsmanship to ensure that the Whitecaps players and coaches always had the best looking uniforms in the league!

Ruth passed away at the age of 91 on September 4, 2020.