CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Mike Nutter
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – TinCaps President Mike Nutter has been honored by The Journal Gazette as the area’s 2024 Citizen of the Year. “Nutter’s people-first focus on leadership and giving, his personal and professional commitment to community service and his expertise in customer service have made him a sought-after volunteer
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – TinCaps President Mike Nutter has been honored by The Journal Gazette as the area’s 2024 Citizen of the Year.
“Nutter’s people-first focus on leadership and giving, his personal and professional commitment to community service and his expertise in customer service have made him a sought-after volunteer and board member,” wrote The Journal Gazette Editorial Board. “Those qualities, along with his consistent encouragement for his employees to make Fort Wayne a better place to live, work, and raise a family, are why he’s The Journal Gazette’s 2024 Citizen of the Year.”
Click here to read the full story on journalgazette.net.
“Thank you to The Journal Gazette for this unbelievable recognition,” Nutter said. “This is really a testament to the entire TinCaps organization, where I’m blessed to work with so many talented and selfless people. I’m proud to represent the TinCaps and I’m proud to be a member of the Fort Wayne community. As we wrap up 2024 and the 15th anniversary of Parkview Field, I truly believe the best is yet to come downtown and throughout the region.”
The Journal Gazette has named a Citizen of the Year annually since 1988. Nutter is the first recipient from the sports industry.
The Northwest Ohio native moved to the Summit City in 1999 to work for the Fort Wayne Wizards (the Minor League Baseball team rebranded in 2009 when moving into Parkview Field). He’s been the team’s lead executive since 2001. Over the years since, Nutter has made Fort Wayne home with his wife (Beth) and their children (Carson and Katelynn).
Away from the ballpark, Nutter has been an active community member, serving as a volunteer for several non-profit organizations, including Erin’s House for Grieving Children, Visit Fort Wayne, Greater Fort Wayne Inc., and Baseball Chapel.
In 2024, the TinCaps won Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY Champion Award for outstanding commitment to charitable service. The ’Caps, High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, also earned this accolade in 2015, while the team received MiLB’s Organization of the Year Award in 2016 and Nutter was named MiLB’s Executive of the Year in 2022. Over the last decade, the TinCaps are the only MiLB team out of 120 clubs (from Single-A through Triple-A) to have garnered four of these national honors. No other club has received more than two.
Under Nutter’s leadership, even after a decade and a half, Parkview Field remains the top-rated ballpark experience for fans in all of MiLB by publications likes Stadium Journey. Despite more rain than usual, the TinCaps averaged 5,590 fans per opening over their 66-game home schedule in 2024, the team’s highest average attendance since 2018. Parkview Field’s 19 sellout crowds this past season was Fort Wayne’s highest number since 2017. For added context, the TinCaps outdrew 13 of 30 Triple-A clubs and 26 of 30 at the Double-A level. So out of MiLB’s 120 total teams, the ’Caps ranked 24th in average attendance, Fort Wayne’s highest showing since 2016.
April also saw Parkview Field welcome its 7 millionth guest overall, including not only TinCaps games but also special events. That number has already grown rapidly as the ballpark is closing in on 100,000 guests alone at the debut of Parkview Field’s Holiday Lights presented by Rohrman Automotive, Paul Davis, and the Lear Corporation. The family-friendly walk-thru experience is continuing through January 4.
Another major highlight of 2024 was Major League Baseball selecting Parkview Field as one of just four sites for the national Home Run Derby X tour. The sold-out event in August featured former MLB All-Stars like Jake Arrieta and Dexter Fowler, plus women’s baseball stars and local college baseball standouts.
“Through experience I’ve learned to be careful making promises about wins and losses on the field,” Nutter said. “But one thing I can guarantee for as long as I’m in the position I am is that our entire staff will work relentlessly to continue enhancing the experience for our guests at Parkview Field. We’re not going to rest on any laurels and are determined to make 2025 our best year yet.”
The TinCaps are scheduled to begin their 2025 Midwest League season at Parkview Field on Friday, April 4 against the Lansing Lugnuts. Tickets are already on sale at TinCaps.com/Tickets.
Honors for the TinCaps in 2024
- Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY Champion Award
- The Journal Gazette Citizen of the Year: Mike Nutter
- High-A Groundskeeper of the Year: Keith Winter
- Midwest League Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year: Sam Lewis
- Northeast Indiana Baseball Association Bob Parker Award: John Nolan
Honors for TinCaps President Mike Nutter
- The Journal Gazette Citizen of the Year (2024)
- Minor League Baseball Executive of the Year (2022)
- Northeast Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame induction (2019)
- Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana Individual of Integrity Award (2016)
- Midwest League Executive of the Year (2004, 2009, 2015)
2025 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE!
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps have announced their exciting 2025 promotional schedule, including fireworks, giveaways, theme games, and special appearances. With Opening Day at Parkview Field only 50 days away on Friday, April 4, tickets are on sale, starting at just $7. Fans can purchase their seats
RECAP: TinCaps Fight Back but Fall in Series Opener
Box Score DAYTON, Ohio – Despite putting the tying runner on base in the ninth, the TinCaps dropped their series opener, 6-4, against the Dayton Dragons (Reds affiliate) at Day Air Ballpark. Following their 14th comeback win on Sunday, the 'Caps came close to a five-run comeback on Tuesday. Fort
PSM TinCaps: Parkview Sports Medicine, TinCaps Launch Travel Baseball Program
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – In collaboration with the Fort Wayne TinCaps, Parkview Sports Medicine (PSM) is excited to announce and introduce the new premier Youth Travel Baseball Program in the region, beginning in the 2026 season, the PSM TinCaps. Tryouts for the 2026 season are scheduled for July 15 for
ONE LAST BITE: TinCaps to Play as Tenderloins for Final Time
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Parkview Field will host the final edition of the Hoosier State Tenderloins Series presented by Indiana Pork from Thursday, June 12, through Saturday, June 14, as the Fort Wayne TinCaps take on the South Bend Cubs (Chicago Cubs affiliate) in Minor League Baseball action. The TinCaps
HELP WANTED: Apply to Work for 2025 Season
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A new season of Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball at Parkview Field begins April 4, so as Opening Day approaches, the team is hiring hundreds of part-time, seasonal employees. CLICK HERE TO APPLY Available positions range from working concessions to ballpark sanitation, The Orchard Team Store, and
MWL PLAYER OF THE MONTH: Leo De Vries
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne TinCaps shortstop Leo De Vries has been named the Midwest League Player of the Month for April, Minor League Baseball announced Monday. Across 19 games, the No. 1 San Diego Padres prospect led the Midwest League in slugging percentage (.625) and on-base plus slugging
MWL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Leo De Vries, Again
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne TinCaps shortstop Leo De Vries has been named the Midwest League Player of the Week for a second consecutive week, Minor League Baseball announced Monday. The honor also comes on the heels of winning the Midwest League Player of the Month award for April.
260 TO THE SHOW: TinCaps Alums on Opening Day Rosters
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – As the 2025 Major League Baseball season commences, a total of 32 former TinCaps players appeared on MLB Opening Day rosters. Since Fort Wayne’s Minor League Baseball franchise was established in 1993, there have been 228 players who’ve ascended from playing in the Summit City to
RECAP: TinCaps Take Father's Day Series Finale
Box Score FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps celebrated Father's Day with a series-finale win over the South Bend Cubs, 5-4. In his High-A debut, left-handed starter Luis Gutierrez fit into the TinCaps' Sunday role like a glove. Across six innings, the southpaw gave up just one earned
ReCap: Sellout Crowd on Saturday Night
Box Score Box Score FORT WAYNE, Ind. – For the fifth time this season, Parkview Field hosted a sellout crowd of 7,499 fans in Saturday's doubleheader. The Fort Wayne TinCaps dropped both games to the South Bend Cubs, 3-1 and 4-0. Isaiah Lowe (No. 10 Padres prospect) tossed a season-long
RECAP: Over 7,000 Fans to Begin "One Last Bite"
Box Score FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Parkview Field stayed packed in its fourth sellout crowd of 7,374 fans, as the Fort Wayne TinCaps lost 10-1 to the South Bend Cubs. Cubs (20-40) starting pitcher Evan Aschenbeck did not allow a runner on base until the fifth inning, when Kai Roberts
RECAP: Fort Wayne Drops Game Two
Box Score FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps generated a few opportunities to take the second game against the South Bend Cubs. The lineup couldn't muster any production in the 5-0 loss after they scored in the first five innings on Tuesday. Fort Wayne (29-30) left a runner
RECAP: TinCaps Blast Two Home Runs in Loss
Box Score FORT WAYNE, IN. – Returning to Parkview Field after a 12-game road trip, the Fort Wayne TinCaps dropped a back-and-forth affair with the South Bend Cubs, 11-9. No. 1 Padres prospect Leo De Vries and first baseman Jack Costello led Fort Wayne (29-29) offensively once again. De Vries
RECAP: 'Caps Take Series on Road in Beloit
Box Score BELOIT, Wis. – Ending a 12-game road trip, the Fort Wayne TinCaps clinched their series over the Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins affiliate) Sunday, winning 5-1. Seven TinCaps (29-28) gathered hits, but first baseman Jack Costello starred on Sunday. Going 2-for-4, Costello put Fort Wayne on the board in
RECAP: De Vries Makes History Again, TinCaps Fall
Box Score BELOIT, Wis. – Against a record crowd on the road, the Fort Wayne TinCaps lost Saturday night to the Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins affiliate), 4-3. Fort Wayne (28-28) saw a pair of bright offensive performances from No. 1 Padres prospect Leo De Vries and first baseman Ethan Long.
WHERE TO WATCH: TinCaps Announce Broadcast Schedule
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne TinCaps fans will again get the opportunity to follow their team wherever they go during the 2025 season. For a third consecutive season, the TinCaps are partnering with 21Alive to showcase select games on MyNetworkTV in the Fort Wayne area, beginning on Friday, April
NUEVO ESTILO: New Manzanas Luchadoras Style for 2025
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps will have a new style for their Hispanic Heritage games in 2025. Playing as the Manzanas Luchadoras (“Fighting Apples” in Spanish), the new season brings a new style with fresh colors, a crisp newly designed jersey, and a vibrant new hat. As
NEW HOME JERSEY: Now on Sale
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – With Opening Day at Parkview Field less than a month away on Friday, April 4 (7:05 p.m.), the Fort Wayne TinCaps have unveiled a new home jersey for their 2025 season. The white jersey features a new block wordmark that’s dark green and outlined in bright
These Minor League promos are set to celebrate girls and women in sports in 2025
A great night at a Minor League Baseball game can instill a strong sense of community, and communities are at their best when they're able to welcome and empower people who have traditionally been sidelined. Baseball, like many sports, can still sometimes be so male-centric as to feel exclusionary, making
TinCaps shine a light on mental health issues
Back in 2022, the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps front office posted a sign on the clubhouse wall. It featured a simple, but unusual request: Would any players want to speak publicly about mental health? The front office was not obligating anyone to do anything, and couldn’t predict what kind of
Get to know Padres player development's Allison Luneborg
PEORIA, ARIZ – Prospects like Ethan Salas and Jackson Merrill are a large part of why the Padres have the No. 4 farm system in baseball. But there are many folks behind the scenes who also help make the organization shine. One of them is Allison Luneborg. The Ohio native
Salas, Snelling highlight Padres' Organization All-Stars
Each offseason, MiLB.com goes position by position across each organization and honors the players -- regardless of age or prospect status -- who had the best seasons in each farm system. Next up in our 2023 Organization All-Stars series are the San Diego Padres. 2023 organization summary: Triple-A El Paso:
The Road to The Show™: Padres’ Snelling
Each week, MiLB.com profiles an elite prospect by chronicling the steps he's taken toward achieving his Major League dream. Here's a look at Padres fourth-ranked prospect Robby Snelling. For more stories about players on The Road to The Show, click here. With multiple options in front of him coming out
Casual Friday: Kate Flannery's MiLB-filled weekend
In the fictional world of the hit NBC sitcom “The Office,” Meredith Palmer is prone to mishaps, can be snarky and is known to enjoy a beverage or two. But Kate Flannery, the actress who portrayed the Dunder Mifflin employee for nine seasons, is nothing like her character. Just ask