Lew Chamberlin holds the positions of Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer for Whitecaps Baseball. Lew was instrumental in bringing the Whitecaps to West Michigan; he began the process of bringing a minor league franchise to the area in 1987 and didn't rest until the team's inception in 1994. The Whitecaps have set the all-time Class A attendance record three times and have drawn over 7.5 million fans to Fifth Third

Ballpark over the last eighteen years. The Whitecaps also received the Bob Freitas Award for Class A Minor League Franchise of the Decade from Baseball America in 1999.

A native of Grand Rapids, Lew remains an active participant in the West Michigan community and has served on the boards of numerous community organizations. He currently serves on the board of the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention and Visitor Bureau and also serves as one of the seven members of the Convention/Arena Authority, the quasi-public board that owns and operates the VanAndel Arena and DeVos Place. More recently, Lew has been serving as a member of the First Steps Commission whose goal is to help build a comprehensive system of support for Kent County's youngest children ages zero to five. In support of his early childhood work Lew was appointed by Governor Granholm to serve on the Executive Board of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation and also sits on the Children's Leadership Council of Michigan, a statewide group of business leaders advocating for early childhood investment.

Chamberlin was presented the Warren Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. He was also Michigan's Entrepreneur of the Year in 1996.

Dennis Baxter's lifetime love of baseball and the desire for a place to take his children to see a professional baseball game inspired him to look into bringing a team to West Michigan. Without realizing it, Lew Chamberlin and Denny were attempting to do the same thing independently. They joined forces in 1986 and successfully brought the Whitecaps to West Michigan in time for the 1994 baseball season. Prior to becoming the Whitecaps Chief Financial Officer, Denny held the position of President of West Michigan Baseball Development. As CFO, Denny's responsibilities include managing the accounting department before, during, and after Whitecaps games.

Denny graduated with high honors from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and began his career as a practicing CPA. Prior to working full-time with the Whitecaps, Denny held numerous financial and managerial positions in West Michigan.

A native of Muskegon, Michigan, Denny live there with his wife Rhonda and children Rachel and Eric. His daughter Tara is a teacher, living and working in Grand Rapids.

Denny is also the founder and president of Blue Cap Entertainment, which promotes sports and entertainment activities throughout the country. Denny also founded Rock the Rapids, a non-profit musical festival located in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Walk-Up Song: "Running on Empty" by Jackson Browne

Joe Chamberlin was introduced to the business of Minor League Baseball working as an Operations Intern for the West Michigan Whitecaps in 2005. After a hiatus away from professional sports Joe rejoined the team for their 2013 season as the team's Director of Finance. While away from baseball Joe served in a wide range of HR and Finance related roles with Ally Financial, a Fortune 500 financial services company headquartered in Detroit MI. In his current position with the Whitecaps Joe leads all Finance and Accounting activity for the team and their charitable partner the Whitecaps Community Foundation.

Joe earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Economics from The College of Wooster where he was a four year varsity letter winner in tennis and holds a Masters degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University. Active in the community Joe currently serves as a board member for both the Whitecaps Community Foundation and the Lake Michigan Academy. Joe is native to Grand Rapids and currently resides in Cascade with his wife Dana and their sons Crawford and Becker.

Steve McCarthy got his start in the sports industry working as an Operations Intern for the West Michigan Whitecaps in 1995, followed by internships at Van Andel Arena and The Palace of Auburn Hills. From 1997 through 2001, he worked for the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills as a ticket sales account representative and eventually the Director of Group Sales for the team. Steve returned to the Whitecaps in December 2001 as the Director of Ticket Sales and was promoted to Vice President of Sales in October 2005. He currently oversees the sales and marketing efforts for the Whitecaps, and is involved in planning the non-baseball events at LMCU Ballpark.

As an alumnus of the University of Michigan, Steve is a life-long Wolverine fan. He also enjoys baseball, running and music. Steve is native to Grand Rapids and currently resides in Ada with his wife Kelli, daughter Liza and son Sawyer.

Walk-Up Song: "The Music Never Stopped" by Grateful Dead

Email: [email protected]

With 29 years of experience in professional baseball, Jim Jarecki has helped make the vision of the West Michigan Whitecaps a reality starting with the team's inaugural year (1994). As Vice President and General Manager of the Whitecaps, Jim is responsible for creating and upholding the "LMCU Ballpark Experience," which includes fun and exciting family entertainment-for each and every fan that enters through the gates. He has facilitated numerous events at LMCU Ballpark, including the 1995, 2003 and 2014 Midwest League All-Star Games, six Midwest League championship series, the Detroit Tigers exhibition game, Fantasy Camps and facility events.

Prior to the 2006 season, Jim oversaw the $1.4 million dollar renovations at LMCU Ballpark of the suite level and outfield bleachers. At the conclusion of the 2006 season, Jim received the Midwest League Executive of the Year award, which was voted on by league owners and General Managers. During the 2008-'09 off-season, Jim oversaw the $1.5 million renovation to the ballpark which included playing field, new box seats, ballpark roof, backstop netting, structural repairs to concrete and asphalt, and suite renovations. After LMCU Ballpark experienced a devastating fire in January 3, 2014 which destroyed half of the ballpark, Jim was part of the management group that oversaw the re-build and got to Opening Day--an incredible 95 days--without missing a game.

The Whitecaps received the Bob Freitas Award for Best Franchise of the Decade from Baseball America in 1999. In 1998 and 2000, Jim and the Whitecaps were recognized with the Midwest League Stadium Operations Award. After the 2007 season, the Whitecaps were awarded the Midwest League's Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy for best promotion of baseball and entertainment. Following up the Midwest League award, the Whitecaps took it one more step in December and accepted the Promotional Trophy for the entire Minor Leagues at the Winter Meetings in Nashville. In addition, the Whitecaps were named MiLB's Team of the Year following the 2007 MWL Championship.

Jim's experience in professional baseball and includes operations, marketing, ticket and sponsorship sales, promotions and media relations. He started with the Chicago White Sox in telemarketing and his minor league experience has included working with the Oklahoma City 89er as an intern and the Beloit Brewers as Assistant GM. Jim is a 1989 graduate of Northern Illinois University and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications. In 2003, and again in 2005, he was named to the Grand Rapids Business Journal's "Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders" and is currently on the Comstock Park DDA board, West Michigan Sports Commision board, Midwest League Schedule Committee, Midwest League Logo Committee, Davenport University Sports Management Advisory Committee and MiLB's Licensing Committee.

A native of Woodridge, Illinois, Jim remains a Chicago sports fan to the end and has lived to see the Cubs with the World Series. He continues to play basketball in the off-season and attempts the great game of golf when time permits during the season. Jim resides in Ada, MI with his wife Christine and kids Addison, Alex, and Carson.

Walk-Up Song: "Dirt" by Florida Georgia Line

Email: [email protected]

Dan grew up in Grand Rapids and started his professional career with the West Michigan Whitecaps. Hired as the team's first intern during their inaugural season in 1994, he worked in various capacities including ticketing, operations and sponsorship sales. Leaving the Whitecaps in 2000 to help oversee the sales and marketing efforts for a family owned business in Tampa, Florida, Dan returned to the Whitecaps for the 2019 season to assume the Vice President of Sales role.

A graduate of Indiana University, Dan is a die-hard Hoosiers basketball fan. His free time is spent with family which includes his wife Kim, son Nathan and daughter Lucie. He also enjoys golfing, basketball and of course baseball.

Walk-Up Song: "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars

Email: [email protected]

Ben joined the Whitecaps in 2019 after spending 6 seasons with the State College Spikes. Originally from Grand Rapids, Ben is a graduate of Central Michigan University and in his free time enjoys being outside and almost anything sports related.

Walk-Up Song: "The Show goes on" - Lupe

Email: [email protected]

Leah has been with the organization since 2013, starting as the Box Office Assistant for two years, and then moving up to the Partnership Coordinator position. Leah has graduated from Grand Valley State University, with a degree in Sports Management. She is an avid fitness enthusiast and loves spending time with her husband and two kids.

Walk-Up Song: "Legends are Made" By Sam Tinnesz

Email: [email protected]

JD graduated from Calvin University in 2009 and went on to receive his master's degree in sports management from Western Michigan University. He started with the Whitecaps as a box office intern in 2011 and was hired full time at the completion of that season. He has been part of the sponsorship team since 2016. JD lives in Grand Rapids with his wife, Jess, and their two sons, Eli and Zeke. In his spare time, JD enjoys camping, traveling, playing with his kids, and most things sports related.

Walk-Up Song: "Africa" by Toto

Email: [email protected]

Ernie was part of the Whitecaps seasonal staff as a Suite Runner, seven of the first eight seasons. Becoming part of the front office staff in September of 2006. Working with various clients and building long term relationships with them is the highlight of his job, it rarely feels like work.

Ernie grew up in the Wyoming area, graduating from Godwin Heights High School (1996). Attended Michigan State University - graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Kinesiology (2001). He currently resides in Byron Center with his beautiful children (Xavier, Zoe, Knox & Nash).

Walk-Up Song: "Flower" – Moby

Email: [email protected]

Brittney received her Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Davenport University and has worked in the sports industry for over 15 years. She attended Whitecaps games frequently growing up and still resides in the West Michigan community with her husband, Andrew, and their three Australian Shepherds – Roger, Toby & Bandit. In her spare time, she loves camping, cooking, reading, and spending time exploring the beautiful state of Michigan.

Walk-Up Song: "Your Love" - The Outfield

Email: [email protected]

Shaun started as an intern with the Whitecaps in January 2009 and joined the staff full time in October 2009 after graduating from Central Michigan University. He’s held every position in the Ticket Department during his time with the team and now leads it. Shaun was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He currently lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Meghan, son Grady and daughter Mya.

Walk-Up Song: "The Baseball Song" by Corey Smith

Email: [email protected]

Mike returns to the Whitecaps after a brief hiatus. Previously, he served as the Ticket Operations Coordinator and Box Office Manager. A 2014 graduate of Davenport University, Mike has ample experience in professional sports. Prior to his time in West Michigan, he interned at TD Garden in Boston, with the Grand Rapids Griffins and Lansing Lugnuts, and did direct sales for the St. Louis Cardinals.

When not at LMCU Ballpark, Mike can be found hanging out with his silver lab, Onyx, and cheering on his Boston sports teams!

Walk-Up Song: "Loud and Heavy" by Cody Jinks

Email: [email protected]

Emily is a 2018 graduate of Grand Valley State University. Prior to joining the Whitecaps full time, she completed the 2018 Ticket Sales Internship and spent the 2019 season as an Administrative Assistant. She grew up in Kalamazoo and spent many Sundays in the car going to and from Minor League Baseball games.

When not at LMCU Ballpark, Emily can be found exploring other stadiums, attending country music concerts, or doing something creative. Some of her favorite things include Crocs, the great state of Texas, and a nice room temperature beverage.

Walk-Up Song: "Earnhardt Fast" by Dawson Edwards

Email: [email protected]

After graduating from Central Michigan University (Fire Up!), Kaitlyn started her ticket journey with the National Cherry Festival, Muskegon Lumberjacks, and Lansing Lugnuts before finding her way to the Whitecaps in 2021. As the most nonathletic person you’ll ever meet, you wouldn’t expect her to end up working for a sports organization, but she has truly made the box office her home. During the season, you can find her updating a good spreadsheet and eating cheese quesadillas six days a week. Outside of the box office, she enjoys anything Disney and collecting an obscene number of coffee mugs. Born and raised in Muskegon, Kaitlyn currently lives in Grand Rapids with her husband, Will, and their three cats (yes, she’s a cat lady).

Walk-Up Song: "The Greatest Show" from The Greatest Showman

Email: [email protected]

Riley is joining the team with experience from the Great Lakes Loons, Central Michigan University Athletics, and the Iowa Cubs. He is a 2017 Sport Management graduate from Central Michigan University (Fire Up!) and is originally from Port Huron, MI.

Outside of work you will find him at the bowling alley, scootering around downtown GR, or keeping up with the Lions and the rest of the Detroit sports teams.

Walk-Up Song: "Sicko Mode" by Travis Scott.

Email: [email protected]

Nick is joining the team with experience from the OKC Energy SC and FC Dallas. He is a 2017 Sport Marketing & Media graduate from Full Sail University and is originally from Port Huron, MI.

Outside of work you will find him at the dog park with Mayday his Australian Shepherd, Making homemade pizzas or keeping up with the Red Wings and the rest of the Detroit sports teams.

Walk up Song: "Sweetness" by Jimmy Eat World

Email: [email protected]

April is thrilled to be a part of the Whitecaps, joining the team in 2021. She brings a vast knowledge of the events and entertainment industry and loves blending the two to create unique experiences for the community. She has a degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from GVSU and has spent time working in food service, event management, and movie exhibition before joining the Caps.

In her free time, you can find April hanging out with her husband and two boys (probably cheering on the Whitecaps on the first base line) or catching up on her true crime podcasts. She also enjoys rock painting, eating local food, and anything Paul Rudd does.

Walk-Up Song: "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship

Email: [email protected]

Travis started working at the ballpark in 2007, working the popcorn stand and became the vending supervisor in 2012. He worked in vending for 10 years before becoming the Food and Beverage coordinator.

Graduated from Comstock Park in 2011 and then from Grand Rapids Community College in 2017 with a Computer Science degree.

When not working, hobbies include playing video games, watching the lions, and playing softball.

Walk-Up Song: "Wonderwall" by Oasis

Email: [email protected]

Kipp joined the team in 2018 with over 15 years of experience in construction, remodeling along with owning a residential and commercial painting and retail fixture installations business. In Kipps' spare time he enjoys fishing and spending time with his family. He currently resides in Coopersville with his wife Patty and their 3 children.

Walk-Up Song:

Email: [email protected]

Brendan was born and raised in Grand Rapids, and grew up going to Whitecaps games. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2019 with a B.B.A. in Accounting, and completed his M.S.A in 2020. He is returning to the Whitecaps after a stint from 2016-18, where he entertained fans as Franky the Swimming Pig and a member of the Promotions team. This experience enabled him to land the role of Buster Bronco from 2018-2020 during his time at Western.

In his free time, you can find Brendan swimming and running, obsessing over everything Disney-related, or performing with the Grand Rapids Opera company.

Walk-Up Song: “Kickstart My Heart” by Motley Crue

Email: [email protected]

Scott became a full-time staff member in April of 2001 after starting the season as the Group Sale Intern. He had been a Staffing, Inc. employee at Fifth Third Ballpark since 1994. He, his wife Angie and their two daughters live in Comstock Park.

Walk-Up Song:

Email: [email protected]