Email: [email protected]

Extension: 559-732-4433 x114

Biography: **Mike is a grouch who didn't want to write his own bio. Markus had to write it based on hearsay. The biography below cannot be verified.

Originally from New York, but with roots in Canada, Mike "Salt & Pepper" Candela began his baseball career in 2008 with the Visalia Oaks and was on staff through the ballpark renovation and Rawhide re-branding. In 2012, he left Visalia to join the Bakersfield Blaze as Assistant General Manager and was subsequently name General Manager. The Bakersfield Blaze were disbanded after the 2016 season, though Mike claims it was outside of his control (though his staff has doubts), and he moved to Davenport, Iowa to work with the Quad Cities River Bandits where the team suffered a catastrophic flood that wiped out home games for half the season. After the 2019 season, Mike returned to Visalia as Assistant General Manager right before a worldwide pandemic canceled the 2020 season. He assumed the Co-GM title in February of 2020. Who can say what fate may befall the Rawhide moving forward.

Mike is a proud cat dad who enjoys cheering on the laughable losers, the New York Mets, the always terrible Brooklyn Nets, and the "not-based-in-New York," Dallas Cowboys. He enjoys drinking 80% of his coffees before spilling the remaining 20% on his keyboard. Mike collects dolls, also known as "Bobbleheads," as well as limited edition gummy candies. Go Johnnies!

Email: [email protected]

Extension: 559-732-4433 x100

Alma Mater: University of Iowa

Biography: Markus joined the Rawhide following the 2018 season after spending the previous 7 years working in Stockton, CA (Stockton Ports), Hickory, NC (Hickory Crawdads), Portland, ME (Portland Sea Dogs), Davenport, IA (Quad Cities River Bandits), & Iowa City, IA (University of Iowa Athletics). In his role as AGM, he oversees team ticket & group operations but is also involved in marketing and promotional planning. On game days, you will see him doing laps around the ballpark to make sure he gets his steps in.

Being from the state of Iowa (one without pro sports), he had to pick favorite teams out of a hat and settled on the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Lions, & Oklahoma City Thunder, but those fandoms cannot compare to his love-hate relationship with Iowa Hawkeye basketball, football, & wrestling. In his free time, Markus likes to hang out at home with his dog, Kiva, play his guitars, frisbee golf, and visit the local national parks.

Name: Griffin Epstein

Email: [email protected]

Extension: 559-732-4433 x105

Alma Mater: Indiana University

Bio: Griffin joined the Rawhide in 2025 as the team's broadcaster and community and media relations manager. He grew up in Northern California and attended Indiana University. Previously, Griffin has worked in baseball for the Brisbane Bandits in the Australian Baseball League, the Palm Springs Power and California Winter League, Evansville Otters in the Frontier League, Wisconsin Rapids Rafters in the Northwoods League and the Healdsburg Prune Packers. In his free time Griffin enjoys spending time outside at the region's national parks.

Name: Kaden Sorensen

Email: [email protected]

Extension: 559-732-4433 x107

Alma Mater: Fresno State

Bio: Kaden Sorensen is a graduate of Fresno State University with a passion for baseball and a deep connection to the Central Valley. He was born in Bakersfield and raised in Visalia for most of his life. Prior to college, Kaden attended Redwood High School where he played water polo and baseball. Kaden joined the baseball operations department in 2024 and became the Director of Food & Beverage in 2025. In his free time, Kaden enjoys watching sports and being outdoors.

Email: [email protected]

Extension: 559-732-4433 x109

Alma Mater: Oregon State University

Name: Chris Jackson

Email: [email protected]

Extension: 559-732-4433 x108

Alma Mater: Oakdale High School

Biography: Kiva is a 7-year-old Collie mix with good energy and a bad ACL. She is always willing to help if you need your face licked - no matter how tall you are. She is most often found in the office on slow days to let Markus know someone is at the window!

Biography: Brooklyn "Vacuum Cleaner" Rifkind started with the Rawhide during the pandemic year of 2020. The 5-year-old labrador mix serves as President of the Rawhide Welcoming Committee, sprinting to greet office visitors, smelling them, and then returning to his office duties (sleeping, eating, scrounging for food). He rarely works games, but when he does, he usually serves as the usher of the Sentinel Dog Park - sponsored by California Service Dog Academy.

Biography: Bellinger is a six-year old rescue who brings a lot of energy to the Rawhide office. He enjoys playing fetch at the park and going on long distance walks. In his free time this doggo loves lounging around the house and using his puppy eyes to ask for food. You can catch him hanging out in the office on his very own curated schedule!