Mitch Hooten Named Midwest League & High-A Groundskeeper of the Year
Whitecaps’ Mitch Hooten Named 2025 Midwest League and High-A Groundskeeper of the Year There is another piece of hardware coming to LMCU Ballpark this offseason! The West Michigan Whitecaps are proud to share that Head Groundskeeper Mitch Hooten has been named the 2025 Midwest League and High-A Groundskeeper of the
Whitecaps’ Mitch Hooten Named 2025 Midwest League and High-A Groundskeeper of the Year
There is another piece of hardware coming to LMCU Ballpark this offseason! The West Michigan Whitecaps are proud to share that Head Groundskeeper Mitch Hooten has been named the 2025 Midwest League and High-A Groundskeeper of the Year, an honor selected by Minor League Baseball.
Each year, MiLB recognizes the very best across the 120 teams for their commitment to excellence in field management. Nominations and feedback come from throughout the industry, including field managers, players and league executives, who evaluate the quality and playability of fields all season long.
“Given the amount of time and dedication that Mitch puts into the playing field at LMCU Ballpark, this award is well earned and deserved. The Whitecaps have the opportunity to compete every game on the best playing surface— and it doesn’t go unnoticed by the Detroit Tigers.” said Jim Jarecki, West Michigan Whitecaps Vice President and General Manager. “Now, on top of that, to have the other Midwest League managers and staff recognize and acknowledge the top quality, that goes a long way. It is great to see the passion and work ethic for perfection pay off for Mitch. In addition, securing the High-A overall winner adds to the successful season.”
Hooten joined the West Michigan Whitecaps as Head Groundskeeper prior to the 2017 season and has since become one of the most respected field professionals in Minor League Baseball. Prior to the 2025 season, Mitch oversaw the first full and complete renovation of the playing surface since the original installation back in the Fall of 1993. He was previously named Midwest League Groundskeeper of the Year in 2019, 2021, and 2022, and also earned the distinction of Single-A Groundskeeper of the Year in 2019.
Congratulations, Mitch, on another well-deserved honor and for continuing to make LMCU Ballpark a field the entire Whitecaps family can be proud of!