Lansing Lugnuts
The Lansing Lugnuts are a professional baseball team based in Lansing, Michigan, competing in the Midwest League as the High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.[1] Founded in 1996 through the relocation of the Springfield Sultans franchise from Illinois, the team plays its home games at Jackson® Field, drawing strong community support with a history of record-breaking attendance.[2] The Lugnuts' franchise traces its roots to 1955 in Lafayette, Indiana, before moving to Waterloo, Iowa in 1957 and Springfield in 1994, adopting the Lugnuts name upon arrival in Lansing to evoke the city's industrial heritage tied to automotive manufacturing.[2] Over the years, the team has cycled through major league affiliations, partnering with the Kansas City Royals from 1996 to 1998, the Chicago Cubs from 1999 to 2004, the Toronto Blue Jays from 2005 to 2020, and the Oakland Athletics starting in 2021, reflecting the evolving landscape of minor league baseball.[2] In 2021, the Lugnuts advanced to High-A classification as part of Minor League Baseball's reorganization, maintaining their position in the Midwest League.[2] Key achievements include capturing Midwest League championships in 1997 and 2003, establishing the team as a competitive force early in its Lansing era.[2] The 1996 inaugural season set a Minor League attendance record with 538,326 fans, underscoring the rapid popularity of baseball in the region.[2] The Lugnuts have hosted four Midwest League All-Star Games (in 1997, 1999, 2002, and 2018) and celebrated milestones such as their 1,000th win in 2010 and welcoming their 10 millionth fan in 2024.[2] Notable alumni include José Santiago, the first Lugnut to reach Major League Baseball in 1997, alongside 209 players who have advanced to the majors as of 2025, contributing to the team's reputation for developing talent.[2][3]History
Franchise origins and early years
The franchise originating the Lansing Lugnuts was established in 1955 in Lafayette, Indiana, as a member of the Mississippi–Ohio Valley League, initially playing as the Lafayette Chiefs before affiliating with the Boston Red Sox and adopting the name Lafayette Red Sox upon joining the Midwest League in 1956. The team competed in Lafayette for two seasons under this affiliation, posting records of 69-56 in 1956 and 58-68 in 1957, but attendance challenges and league dynamics prompted a relocation after the 1957 season.[4][5] In 1958, the franchise moved to Waterloo, Iowa, and became the Waterloo Hawks, maintaining its Boston Red Sox affiliation through 1968. During this era, the Hawks achieved significant success, winning Midwest League championships in 1958 (defeating the Michigan City White Caps 3-2 in the finals), 1959 (over the Clinton Pirates), and 1960 (against the Dubuque Packers). The Hawks remained affiliated with the Boston Red Sox through 1968, then affiliated with the Kansas City Royals in 1969, leading to a name change to the Waterloo Royals starting in 1970.[6] By 1969, the Waterloo franchise affiliated with the Kansas City Royals, leading to a name change to the Waterloo Royals from 1970 to 1976; under this partnership, the team captured consecutive league titles in 1975 (93-35 regular season, defeating the Quad Cities Angels 2-0 in the finals) and 1976 (78-52, again over the Quad Cities Angels 2-0). The franchise rebranded as the Waterloo Indians from 1977 to 1988 in affiliation with the Cleveland Indians, securing additional championships in 1980 (86-55, beating the Quad Cities Cubs 2-1) and 1986 (78-62, shutting out the Peoria Chiefs 3-0). From 1989 to 1993, operating as the Waterloo Diamonds, as a co-op team in 1989 and affiliated with the San Diego Padres from 1990 to 1993, the team experienced mixed results amid declining attendance and stadium lease disputes. In 1994, the franchise relocated to Springfield, Illinois, as the Springfield Sultans (San Diego Padres affiliate, 69-71 record), switching to the Kansas City Royals affiliation in 1995 while retaining the Sultans name (65-74 record).[7][8]Relocation to Lansing and modern era
In 1996, the Midwest League franchise relocated from Springfield, Illinois, where it had operated as the Springfield Sultans for two seasons, to Lansing, Michigan, becoming the Lansing Lugnuts and establishing professional baseball in the state capital for the first time since 1941.[2] The team began play at the newly constructed Oldsmobile Park (now Jackson Field) on April 5, 1996, with an initial affiliation to the Kansas City Royals that lasted through the 1998 season.[2] This move marked the franchise's latest relocation after previous stops in Lafayette, Indiana, and Waterloo, Iowa, where it had secured multiple league titles in the 1980s.[2] The "Lugnuts" moniker was selected to honor Lansing's deep-rooted automotive manufacturing history, particularly its role as the birthplace of the Oldsmobile division of General Motors, with the name evoking the lug nuts used on vehicle wheels.[2] Under original owners Tom Dickson and Sherrie Myers, who had acquired the franchise in 1995 and facilitated the move, the Lugnuts drew a record-setting 538,326 fans in their debut season, reflecting strong community support for the team's arrival.[2] Ownership remained with Dickson and Myers for nearly three decades until the franchise was sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings on April 1, 2023, the first change since the relocation.[2] The Lugnuts competed as a Class A team in the Midwest League from 1996 through 2020, before Minor League Baseball's reorganization elevated them to High-A status in the High-A Central for the 2021 season; they returned to the rebranded Midwest League at the High-A level starting in 2022.[2] Over 29 seasons in Lansing through 2025 (excluding the canceled 2020 campaign), the team has compiled an overall record of 1,973 wins and 2,017 losses, yielding a .495 winning percentage.[9] In 2025, the Lugnuts finished with a 62-70 record, placing fourth in the East Division.[10] Non-championship accomplishments include Eastern Division titles in 2008, 2012, and the first half of 2015, highlighting periods of competitive success amid consistent attendance and community engagement.[2]Affiliations
Kansas City Royals era
The Lansing Lugnuts began their affiliation with the Kansas City Royals in 1996 as a Class A Midwest League team, marking the franchise's relocation to Lansing, Michigan, and its inaugural season at Oldsmobile Park.[2] The team captured the first-half East Division title with a 42-28 record, leading the league in runs scored (699) and total bases, but finished the overall season at 68-71, third in the division.[2] In the playoffs, they advanced as the East Division representative but were eliminated in the first round by the West Michigan Whitecaps, 2 games to 1.[11] Under manager Brian Poldberg, the Lugnuts drew a franchise-record 538,326 fans, setting a Class A attendance mark for Minor League Baseball.[2][12] In 1997, the Lugnuts posted a 69-68 record, placing third in the East Division, yet earned a wild card berth for the postseason.[2] They defeated the Michigan Battle Cats 2-1 in the division series, then swept the Fort Wayne Wizards 2-0 in the division finals, before claiming the Midwest League championship with a 3-2 series victory over the Kane County Cougars in the league finals.[2][11] Managed by Bob Herold, the team hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game at Oldsmobile Park, drawing 10,060 spectators.[2] This title represented the franchise's first league championship and highlighted its early success in player development for the Royals organization.[13] The 1998 season saw the Lugnuts finish 71-69, tying for fourth in the East Division and missing the playoffs after a strong early performance.[2] Bob Herold returned as manager for his second year.[2] Attendance remained robust at 485,815 fans, reflecting sustained community interest despite the postseason absence.[2] This year concluded the Lugnuts' affiliation with the Royals, transitioning the team to a new major league partner in 1999.[9]Chicago Cubs era
The Lansing Lugnuts entered a new era in 1999 by switching their affiliation from the Kansas City Royals to the Chicago Cubs, becoming the team's Low-A affiliate in the Midwest League. This partnership marked a period of integration into the Cubs' farm system, where the Lugnuts focused on developing young prospects through extended spring training pipelines and instructional leagues, emphasizing player evaluation and skill refinement at the entry level of professional baseball. The transition coincided with the team hosting the Midwest League's second All-Star Game at Oldsmobile Park, drawing a crowd of 10,234 fans and showcasing emerging talents like outfielder Corey Patterson, who hit the franchise's first cycle that season.[2] During this affiliation, the Lugnuts achieved consistent postseason contention, making five playoff appearances in six years while operating out of Oldsmobile Park, which served as a key developmental hub for Cubs prospects. In 1999, they clinched the first-half Eastern Division title with a 73-67 overall record, sweeping the Michigan Battle Cats 2-0 in the division series before falling 0-2 to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in the league semifinals. The 2001 season saw another playoff berth (65-75 regular season), though they lost in the first round to the Dayton Dragons. In 2002, after hosting another All-Star Game (attendance 10,334), the team advanced to the league championship series but was defeated 1-3 by the Peoria Chiefs. The 2004 campaign featured a strong 77-63 finish and a first-round playoff loss, highlighted by first baseman Brian Dopirak's MVP performance (.307 batting average, 39 home runs) and pitcher Sean Marshall's 1.11 ERA.[2][14][11] The pinnacle of the Cubs era came in 2003, when the Lugnuts captured the Midwest League championship with a 69-66 regular-season mark, sweeping the South Bend Silver Hawks 2-0 in the division series, the Battle Creek Yankees 2-0 in the semifinals, and the Beloit Snappers 3-0 in the finals. Reliever Jason Wylie anchored the bullpen with a franchise-record 29 saves and 1.38 ERA, underscoring the success of the Cubs' developmental approach in fostering competitive depth. Although the stadium was renamed Cooley Law School Stadium in 2010 following the expiration of General Motors' sponsorship—long after the Cubs affiliation ended—the era's operations at Oldsmobile Park solidified the Lugnuts' role in nurturing talent for Chicago's major league roster.[2][11][15]Toronto Blue Jays era
The Lansing Lugnuts entered into a player development agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2005, becoming the organization's Low-A affiliate in the Midwest League and marking the beginning of a 16-year partnership focused on nurturing young talent through foundational skill development and competitive play.[16][2] This era emphasized player evaluation and growth at the entry level of professional baseball, with the Lugnuts serving as a key stop for recent draftees and international signees to adapt to full-season competition.[17] During this period, the Lugnuts experienced several competitive highlights, including a strong 2006 campaign where they captured the second-half Eastern Division title with a 72-65 overall record, advancing to the playoffs by sweeping the South Bend Silver Hawks before falling to the West Michigan Whitecaps in the division finals.[2] In 2011, they qualified for the postseason via a tiebreaker with an 77-60 mark, defeating the Dayton Dragons and Fort Wayne TinCaps in the division series but losing the Midwest League Championship Series to the Quad Cities River Bandits 3-0.[2] The 2015 season stood out as another peak, with a 73-66 record earning the Eastern Division title; the team swept the Great Lakes Loons in the division semifinals but was eliminated by the Whitecaps in the finals.[2][18] The Jays era also featured high-profile prospect promotions, particularly in 2017 when shortstop Bo Bichette and third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. electrified fans with their performances—Bichette batting .384 to earn Midwest League MVP honors—before both were selected as All-Stars and promoted to High-A Dunedin in June.[19] These players, along with others like Anthony Alford and Yan Gomes from earlier years, highlighted the Lugnuts' role in talent pipeline development.[2] The affiliation concluded abruptly in 2020 amid Major League Baseball's reorganization of the minor leagues and the COVID-19 pandemic, with the entire season canceled and no games played, preventing the planned celebration of the franchise's 25th anniversary.[20][21] In response, the Lugnuts hosted the independent Lemonade League at their ballpark to provide opportunities for college players.[22] Many alumni from this era, including Guerrero Jr. and Bichette, went on to achieve significant success in Major League Baseball with the Blue Jays.[23]Oakland Athletics era
In 2021, the Lansing Lugnuts transitioned to become the High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics as part of Major League Baseball's reorganization of Minor League Baseball, which restructured the Midwest League into the High-A Central division before reverting to its original name in 2022.[24][25] This shift elevated the team's competitive level from Low-A under its prior Toronto Blue Jays affiliation, emphasizing advanced player development in a condensed 120-game schedule.[26] The 2021 season was abbreviated and delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the Lugnuts playing a 120-game slate under manager Scott Steinmann and finishing with a 58-62 record, placing fourth in the East division.[11][27] In 2022, managed by Philip Pohl, the team struggled to a 54-77 mark, again finishing fourth in the East amid adaptation to the High-A structure and a young Athletics prospect roster.[11][28] The 2023 and 2024 seasons saw improved consistency under manager Craig Conklin, with records of 60-71 (sixth in the East) and 59-72 (fifth in the East), respectively, focusing on pitching development and integrating draft picks like shortstop Darell Hernaiz.[11][29] In 2025, Darryl Kennedy took over as manager, leading the Lugnuts to a 62-70 finish, fourth in the East division, as the team continued to nurture Athletics outfield prospects from the prior Blue Jays pipeline.[30][31]| Year | Manager | Record | Division Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Scott Steinmann | 58-62 | 4th (East) |
| 2022 | Philip Pohl | 54-77 | 4th (East) |
| 2023 | Craig Conklin | 60-71 | 6th (East) |
| 2024 | Craig Conklin | 59-72 | 5th (East) |
| 2025 | Darryl Kennedy | 62-70 | 4th (East) |
Ballpark and facilities
Jackson Field
Jackson Field, located at 505 East Michigan Avenue in downtown Lansing, Michigan, serves as the home ballpark for the Lansing Lugnuts.[36] The stadium was constructed at a cost of $12.8 million and opened on April 3, 1996, as Oldsmobile Park, marking the return of professional baseball to Lansing after a 55-year absence.[17] It features a seating capacity of more than 10,000, including fixed seats, suites, and lawn areas, making it one of the larger venues in the Midwest League.[37] The ballpark underwent several naming changes reflecting corporate sponsorships. In 2010, it was renamed Cooley Law School Stadium following a naming rights agreement with the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.[38] This name persisted until September 2020, when a seven-year deal with Jackson National Life Insurance Company renamed it Jackson Field, effective for the 2021 season.[39] Key features of Jackson Field include its playing field dimensions of 305 feet to left and right fields, 380 feet to left-center, 404 feet to center, and 412 feet to right-center, with 23-foot-high outfield walls that compensate for the short porches.[36] The stadium is equipped with professional-grade lighting for night games, a modern scoreboard and sound system, 20 luxury suites, multiple picnic areas, and fan-friendly amenities such as wide seats with ample legroom and accessible facilities.[40][41] Jackson Field has hosted significant events, including Midwest League All-Star Games in 1997 and 1999, which drew large crowds and highlighted the venue's suitability for major league-level gatherings.[2] These games underscored the ballpark's role in promoting baseball in the region.[42]Attendance records and renovations
The Lansing Lugnuts set their franchise attendance record of 538,326 fans during their inaugural 1996 season at Oldsmobile Park, marking the highest first-year total for any Class A team in Minor League Baseball history at the time.[43] This figure averaged 7,802 attendees per game across 69 home dates, reflecting strong initial community enthusiasm for the team's relocation and the new ballpark's appeal.[44] Attendance peaked in the late 1990s, with annual totals consistently exceeding 400,000 fans, such as 523,443 in 1997 (average 7,813 per game) and 485,815 in 1998 (average 7,041 per game), driven by on-field success including a 1997 Midwest League championship.[44] The 2010s saw a dip, with totals falling to around 300,000-360,000 annually; for example, 2011 drew 345,089 fans (average 5,392 per game), and 2019 recorded 311,028 (average 4,475 per game), amid broader Minor League trends of economic pressures and shifting fan preferences.[45][46] Post-2021 recovery followed the COVID-19 disruptions, with 2022 attendance at 288,840 (average 4,659 per game over 62 dates) and 2023 rising to 299,449 (average 4,679 per game), signaling a rebound as full schedules resumed and fan engagement initiatives took hold.[47][48] Several factors have influenced these trends, including promotional events like July 4th fireworks displays that consistently draw over 10,000 fans—such as 11,521 in 2023 and 10,527 in 2025—local economic conditions affecting disposable income in the Lansing area, and league-wide changes like the 2021 Minor League reorganization that shortened seasons and altered affiliations.[49][50][51] In terms of renovations, the ballpark—then known as Cooley Law School Stadium—received naming rights upgrades in 2010 through an 11-year, $1.5 million deal with Thomas M. Cooley Law School, enhancing visibility and funding for facility improvements.[52] A major overhaul occurred in the 2015 offseason, featuring a new 360-degree concourse, permanent stadium seating expansions for better sightlines and comfort, and field enhancements including improved drainage systems to reduce rainouts and maintain playable conditions.[2][53] In the 2024 offseason, Jackson Field underwent additional renovations in preparation for the 2025 season, including the installation of new artificial turf as required by Major League Baseball, replacement of the infield sod, and the completion of The View, a 2,000-square-foot year-round special events venue offering views of the field. Mixed-use developments adjacent to the stadium, featuring apartments, a bar, and other fan amenities, were also added to enhance the surrounding area.[54][55][56][57] For the 2025 season, the Lugnuts drew 275,713 total fans across 65 home games, averaging 4,242 per game and ranking fifth in the Midwest League.[58][59]Achievements
League championships
The Lansing Lugnuts franchise, tracing its roots to the 1955 Lafayette Red Sox and subsequent relocations to Waterloo, Iowa, in 1957, has captured nine Midwest League championships, tying the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers franchise for the most in league history. These victories span from the league's Class D era in the late 1950s to the modern Class A level, showcasing the organization's consistent competitiveness and ability to develop talent across affiliations with teams like the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, and Oakland Athletics. The championships often featured dominant regular-season performances followed by decisive playoff series, typically best-of-three or best-of-five formats after 1981, contributing to the franchise's reputation for postseason success in short-season and full-season minor league play.[60][2] The early championships came during the franchise's time as the Waterloo Hawks, when the league operated as a Class D circuit with shorter schedules and variable playoff structures. In 1958, the Hawks defeated the Michigan City White Caps 3-2 in a best-of-five series, marking their first title after a 79-44 regular-season record. The following year, in 1959, Waterloo clinched the championship without a playoff series by winning both halves of the split-season schedule, finishing 85-49 overall and edging the Clinton Pirates in the standings. The Hawks repeated in 1960, again securing the title by dominating both halves with an 82-51 record, bypassing playoffs against the second-place Dubuque Packers; this three-year run established the franchise as a dominant force in the league's formative years.[60][61][62]| Year | Franchise Name | Opponent | Series Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Waterloo Hawks | Michigan City White Caps | 3–2 |
| 1959 | Waterloo Hawks | None (won both halves) | N/A |
| 1960 | Waterloo Hawks | None (won both halves) | N/A |
| 1975 | Waterloo Royals | Quad Cities Angels | 2–0 |
| 1976 | Waterloo Royals | Quad Cities Angels | 2–0 |
| 1980 | Waterloo Indians | Quad Cities Cubs | 2–1 |
| 1986 | Waterloo Indians | Peoria Chiefs | 3–0 |
| 1997 | Lansing Lugnuts | Kane County Cougars | 3–2 |
| 2003 | Lansing Lugnuts | Beloit Snappers | 3–0 |
Playoff appearances
The Lansing Lugnuts have qualified for the postseason 14 times since their 1996 debut in the Midwest League, with 12 of those runs ending without a league title. These appearances highlight the team's competitive edge in a challenging league environment, often driven by strong divisional finishes in the split-season format prevalent until 2020. The Lugnuts secured four first-half division titles—in 1996, 1999, 2012, and 2015—along with one second-half title in 2006, each earning them a playoff spot alongside wild card or overall qualifiers in later years. The Lugnuts have not qualified for the playoffs since their 2018 appearance, as of the 2025 season.[2][67][18] The Midwest League's playoff structure evolved significantly during the Lugnuts' tenure. From 1996 to 2020, it featured a split-season schedule where the top team from each half in the East and West Divisions advanced to best-of-three divisional series, followed by best-of-three semifinals and finals. This format rewarded consistent half-season performance but often led to short series. In 2021, amid Minor League Baseball's reorganization to High-A Central (later reverting to Midwest League), the league shifted to a unified 120-game season with the top four overall teams competing in best-of-three division series and a best-of-three championship—though the Lugnuts have not returned to the playoffs since 2018. Early playoff efforts set a tone of promise mixed with heartbreak. In their inaugural 1996 season, the Lugnuts clinched the East Division first half with a 42-28 mark but fell in the opening round to the West Michigan Whitecaps 2 games to 1. Three years later, in 1999 under Chicago Cubs affiliation, they swept the first-round matchup against the Michigan Battle Cats 2-0 before a 2-0 second-round sweep by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers ended their run. The 2001 and 2004 appearances both concluded with first-round losses, the former a 2-0 defeat to the Dayton Dragons after a 65-75 regular season, and the latter against the South Bend Silver Hawks following a stronger 77-63 campaign.[9][11][14] Mid-decade runs under Toronto Blue Jays affiliation showed flashes of deeper contention. The 2002 Lugnuts, with a 74-65 record, advanced past the first round but lost the league finals 3 games to 1 to the Peoria Chiefs. In 2006, as second-half East winners with a 72-65 overall mark, they eliminated the South Bend Silver Hawks before dropping the division finals 2-1 to West Michigan. The following two years brought quick exits: a 2-0 first-round sweep by Dayton in 2008 after a 76-64 season, and a similar 2-0 loss to the Lansing-based rival Battle Creek Yankees in 2007 despite an 78-61 regular-season finish.[2][14] Later appearances underscored resilience amid roster turnover. The 2011 team posted a 77-60 record and dispatched the Dayton Dragons 2-1 and the Fort Wayne TinCaps 2-0 in succession before a 3-0 finals sweep by the Quad Cities River Bandits. In 2012, as East first-half champions with an impressive 82-55 overall tally, they were ousted 2-0 in the opener by Fort Wayne. The 2015 run mirrored early success, sweeping the Great Lakes Loons 2-0 as first-half winners (73-66 overall) before a 3-0 division finals loss to West Michigan. The most recent berth came in 2018, a 80-60 squad that fell 2-0 to the Bowling Green Hot Rods in the first round.[2][11] Across these 12 non-championship playoffs, the Lugnuts compiled a 20-27 record (.426 winning percentage), marked by frequent first-round sweeps (five instances) and only three series victories. Notable games include the 2002 finals' extra-inning thrillers against Peoria and the 2011 semifinal clincher against Fort Wayne, where Anthony Gose's contributions highlighted emerging talent. These efforts, while falling short of titles, provided crucial development for future major leaguers and maintained fan engagement through intense short series.[11][14]| Year | Regular Season Record | Playoff Qualification | Outcome | Opponent (Result) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 68-71 | East First-Half Winner | Lost Division Series | West Michigan Whitecaps (1-2) |
| 1999 | 73-67 | East First-Half Winner | Lost Semifinals | Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (0-2; after 2-0 win vs. Michigan Battle Cats) |
| 2001 | 65-75 | Wild Card | Lost Division Series | Dayton Dragons (0-2) |
| 2002 | 74-65 | East Second-Half Winner | Lost League Finals | Peoria Chiefs (1-3; after 2-0 win vs. Michigan Battle Cats) |
| 2004 | 77-63 | East Second-Half Winner | Lost Division Series | South Bend Silver Hawks (0-2) |
| 2006 | 72-65 | East Second-Half Winner | Lost Division Finals | West Michigan Whitecaps (1-2; after 2-0 win vs. South Bend Silver Hawks) |
| 2007 | 78-61 | Wild Card | Lost Division Series | Battle Creek Yankees (0-2) |
| 2008 | 76-64 | East Second-Half Winner | Lost Division Series | Dayton Dragons (0-2) |
| 2011 | 77-60 | East First-Half Winner | Lost League Finals | Quad Cities River Bandits (0-3; after 2-1 win vs. Dayton Dragons, 2-0 win vs. Fort Wayne TinCaps) |
| 2012 | 82-55 | East First-Half Winner | Lost Division Series | Fort Wayne TinCaps (0-2) |
| 2015 | 73-66 | East First-Half Winner | Lost Division Finals | West Michigan Whitecaps (0-3; after 2-0 win vs. Great Lakes Loons) |
| 2018 | 80-60 | Wild Card | Lost Division Series | Bowling Green Hot Rods (0-2) |
Rivalries and special events
Crosstown Showdown
The Crosstown Showdown is an annual exhibition baseball series between the Lansing Lugnuts and the Michigan State University Spartans, initiated in 2007 as a community event at Jackson Field to celebrate local baseball and foster ties between Lansing and East Lansing.[2] The event typically features a single seven-inning game held in April or May, often incorporating charitable elements such as food drives to support organizations like Southside Community Kitchen. Through 2023, the Lugnuts held a dominant series lead of 13-2, with notable victories including a 10-2 win in 2013 and a 12-3 triumph in 2023. As of 2025, the Lugnuts lead the all-time series 14-3.[44][68] The Spartans' wins came in 2009 (12-2) and 2011 (2-1), while the Lugnuts extended their streak with a 3-2 victory in the 2022 edition, marking the first game since 2019 after pauses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[69] The matchup enhances regional baseball enthusiasm by pitting professional prospects against collegiate talent, drawing average crowds exceeding 8,000 and totaling over 107,000 attendees across its history up to 2019.[44] As of 2025, the series persists, with the 17th annual game resulting in a 1-0 Spartans shutout—their first victory since 2011—while recent installments like the 2024 18-0 Lugnuts rout set scoring records.[70] This ongoing tradition underscores community involvement by supporting local causes through donations and events.[71]Rehab assignments and exhibitions
Jackson Field's location in central Michigan has positioned the Lansing Lugnuts as a convenient rehabilitation site for Major League Baseball players from nearby franchises, particularly the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs or White Sox, due to its proximity within a few hours' drive from both cities.[3] This accessibility has facilitated numerous rehab assignments since the team's inception in 1996, allowing injured MLB players to regain game readiness in a professional minor league environment without extensive travel.[72] During the Toronto Blue Jays affiliation era in the 2010s, notable rehab stints included pitcher Marcus Stroman, who made a strong debut outing on September 2, 2015, pitching 4⅔ scoreless innings with seven strikeouts against the Great Lakes Loons, allowing no hits and drawing significant local interest.[73] In 2013, third baseman Brett Lawrie completed a rehab assignment, going 3-for-5 over two games.[74] In the Oakland Athletics era starting in 2021, rehab activity has been more limited for MLB players, though the team has hosted minor league affiliates' recoveries, contributing to ongoing use as a recovery hub.[3] In the Cubs affiliation period, 2004 saw two prominent rehabbers: right-hander Ryan Dempster made five starts, posting a 1.96 ERA over 18⅓ innings with 21 strikeouts, helping the Lugnuts secure wins during his appearances, while teammate Mark Prior followed with his second rehab start on May 25, pitching 4 1/3 innings and allowing one run.[75][76] Earlier examples from the Royals era include pitcher Kevin Appier in 1998, whose assignment underscored the site's early role in MLB recoveries.[3] These stints often featured standout moments, such as Stroman's efficient pitching, which highlighted the Lugnuts' ability to integrate high-profile talent seamlessly. Beyond rehab, the Lugnuts have hosted several Midwest League All-Star Games, enhancing their profile as a venue for special exhibitions. The team hosted in 1997 (East Division win, 6-5), 1999 (second hosting under new Cubs affiliation), 2002 (East defeat West 6-3 before a record 10,334 fans), and 2018 (first since 2002, showcasing Eastern and Western Division stars).[77][78] These events, along with occasional charity games tied to community initiatives, have drawn larger crowds than typical regular-season matchups.[79] Rehab assignments and exhibitions have notably boosted attendance and fan engagement at Jackson Field, often exceeding average gates by attracting MLB enthusiasts and creating buzz that spills into surrounding regular-season games, similar to gains seen from local rivalries.[80] For instance, the 2002 All-Star Game set a league record for turnout, while rehab nights featuring stars like Stroman generated sold-out or near-capacity crowds, amplifying excitement for the Lugnuts' home schedule.[72]Players and personnel
Notable alumni
The Lansing Lugnuts have been a vital developmental hub for Major League Baseball talent since their inception in 1996, producing numerous players who have achieved stardom at the highest level. Among the most prominent alumni are those who earned All-Star selections, won awards, or contributed to championship teams, often showcasing early promise in Lansing through strong statistical performances in the Midwest League. These players span various affiliations, from the Royals and Cubs eras to the Oakland Athletics era, highlighting the team's role in nurturing future stars. Corey Patterson, an outfielder during the 1999 season under the Chicago Cubs affiliation, batted .320 with 35 doubles, a league-leading 17 triples, 20 home runs, and 79 RBIs over 112 games, earning Midwest League Prospect of the Year honors.[81] He debuted in MLB the following year with the Cubs, finishing as runner-up for National League Rookie of the Year in 2000 after hitting .253 with 11 home runs and 39 stolen bases, and went on to play 11 seasons across multiple teams, accumulating 1,049 hits and 148 stolen bases.[82] Carlos Beltrán, who played center field for the 1996 Lugnuts as a Kansas City Royals prospect, posted a .309 average with 27 doubles, 9 triples, 22 home runs, and 93 RBIs in 126 games, helping lead the team to the league title.[3] Beltrán enjoyed a 20-year MLB career, including nine All-Star appearances, a 2004 American League MVP award, and a World Series title with the 2017 Houston Astros, finishing with 2,725 hits, 312 home runs, and 199 stolen bases.[83] Pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a 1999 Cubs affiliate standout, logged a 2.67 ERA with 141 strikeouts in 124.1 innings across 23 starts for Lansing, anchoring the rotation as a teenager.[83] In MLB, he pitched 12 seasons primarily with the Chicago Cubs, earning three All-Star nods (2004–2006), three Silver Slugger awards as a pitcher, and compiling a 131-88 record with a 3.74 ERA and 1,777 strikeouts.[3] More recently, during the 2017 Blue Jays era, shortstop Bo Bichette hit .383 with 32 doubles, 10 home runs, and 51 RBIs in 70 games, capturing Midwest League MVP and Prospect of the Year accolades.[84] Bichette has since become a two-time All-Star (2021, 2023) with Toronto, amassing over 100 home runs and 400 RBIs by 2025 while maintaining a career .294 batting average.[85] Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a third baseman and first baseman for the 2017 Lugnuts, delivered a .316 average with 21 doubles, 7 home runs, and 45 RBIs in 71 games before promotion, posting a .926 OPS that foreshadowed his power potential.[86] Debuting with the Blue Jays in 2019, he has earned five All-Star selections by 2025, won the 2023 Home Run Derby, and signed a 15-year, $500 million extension, highlighted by a career .288 average, 183 home runs, and consistent 40+ RBI seasons.[85] Other notable alumni include pitchers Noah Syndergaard (2011–2012, 1.83 ERA in Lansing, 2016 NL All-Star with 928 career strikeouts) and Matthew Boyd (2013, 3.56 ERA, 2025 NL All-Star with 53 wins), as well as outfielder Kevin Pillar (2012, .338 average and MWL MVP, over 1,000 MLB hits).[85] In recognition of their legacy, the Lansing State Journal compiled an all-quarter century team for 2000–2024, selecting position players and pitchers based on MLB impact and Lugnuts performance as of mid-2025, with updates to end-of-2025 achievements where applicable:| Position | Player | Year(s) with Lugnuts | Key MLB Achievements (as of 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catcher | Alejandro Kirk | 2019 | 2022 All-Star, .311 BA in 2025 |
| First Base | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | 2017 | 5x All-Star, 2023 HR Derby winner, 183 HR |
| Second Base | Ryan Theriot | 2002–2003 | 2x World Series champion |
| Shortstop | Bo Bichette | 2017 | 2x All-Star, 111 HR |
| Third Base | Casey McGehee | 2003 | 2014 NL Comeback Player of Year |
| Outfield | Lawrence Butler | 2021–2022 | 47 HR career, 18 SB in 2024 |
| Outfield | Kevin Pillar | 2012 | 1,000+ hits, 100 HR |
| Outfield | Lane Thomas | 2015–2016 | 28 HR in 2023 |
| Starting Pitcher | Matthew Boyd | 2013 | 2025 NL All-Star, 53 wins |
| Starting Pitcher | Anthony DeSclafani | 2012 | 837 strikeouts |
| Starting Pitcher | Rich Hill | 2003 | 20 seasons, 1,428 K |
| Starting Pitcher | Noah Syndergaard | 2011–2012 | 2016 All-Star, 928 K |
| Relief Pitcher | Carlos Marmol | 2002 | 117 saves |
| Relief Pitcher | Mason Miller | 2022 | 2024 AL All-Star, 44 saves |
| Relief Pitcher | Roberto Osuna | 2013 | 2017 All-Star, 155 saves |
| Relief Pitcher | Jordan Romano | 2016 | 113 saves |
Current roster and coaching staff
The Lansing Lugnuts' coaching staff for the 2025 season was led by manager Darryl Kennedy in his first year with the team, overseeing a group that emphasized player development in the Oakland Athletics' High-A affiliate.[87] Pitching coach Dave Burba, a former MLB pitcher with over a decade of coaching experience, focused on refining mechanics and velocity for the young arms.[88] Assistant hitting coaches Ruben Escalera and Cooper Goldby supported offensive strategies, drawing from their backgrounds in minor league instruction to aid prospects' plate discipline.[88] The 2025 roster featured a mix of returning players and new additions from the Athletics' farm system, with 28 active players during the regular season that concluded with a 62-70 record in the Midwest League East division.[10] Notable injuries included left-handed pitcher Diego Barrera starting the year on the injured list with an elbow issue, limiting him to limited appearances later in the season.[89] Several call-ups occurred mid-season, such as right-hander Kyle Robinson's promotion to Double-A Midland after a strong first half, and infielder Tommy White's activation from the injured list following a hamstring strain.[90] Key prospects on the roster included right-handed pitcher Steven Echavarria, ranked as the No. 12 prospect preseason in the Athletics' system by MLB Pipeline (dropping to No. 15 midseason), who posted a 4.59 ERA over 104.0 innings as a starter.[91] No Lansing players appeared in MLB Pipeline's overall Top 100 prospects list as of November 2025, though the team housed several top-30 organizational talents like outfielder Rodney Green Jr. and third baseman Tommy White early in the year before their promotions.[92][93] The pitching staff was anchored by a rotation that included Echavarria, right-hander Jake Garland (4.19 ERA in 20 games, 12 starts), and left-hander Grant Judkins (returning from 2024 with a 3.78 ERA).[88] Relievers like right-hander Blaze Pontes (2.45 ERA, 65 strikeouts in 51.2 innings) and right-hander Hunter Breault provided late-inning stability.[88] The full pitching roster as of late season is detailed below:| No. | Player | Pos. | B/T | HT | WT | DOB | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Hunter Breault | RHP | R/R | 6'2" | 240 | 06/12/1999 | Active |
| -- | Luis Carrasco | RHP | R/R | 6'1" | 180 | 12/19/2001 | Active |
| 11 | Steven Echavarria | RHP | R/R | 6'1" | 195 | 08/06/2005 | Active |
| 45 | Jake Garland | RHP | R/R | 6'5" | 260 | 09/26/2000 | Active |
| 40 | Kenya Huggins | RHP | R/R | 6'3" | 215 | 12/12/2002 | Active |
| -- | Jared Johnson | RHP | R/R | 6'2" | 225 | 03/15/2001 | Active |
| 22 | Grant Judkins | LHP | L/R | 6'3" | 215 | 08/06/1997 | Active |
| 27 | Ryan Magdic | LHP | L/L | 6'5" | 240 | 06/04/2000 | Active |
| 20 | Jack Mahoney | LHP | L/L | 6'8" | 230 | 05/05/1999 | Active |
| 16 | Blaze Pontes | RHP | R/R | 6'0" | 195 | 01/06/2000 | Active |
| 33 | Tom Reisinger | RHP | R/R | 6'3" | 215 | 03/17/2001 | Active |
| 36 | Kyle Robinson | RHP | R/R | 6'6" | 225 | 07/17/2003 | Called up mid-season |
| 29 | Tzu-Chen Sha | RHP | R/R | 6'2" | 165 | 10/15/2003 | Active |
| No. | Player | Pos. | B/T | HT | WT | DOB | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Davis Diaz | C | R/R | 5'11" | 188 | 03/02/2003 | Active |
| 9 | Mario Gomez | C | L/R | 5'10" | 202 | 12/30/2002 | Active |
| 1 | Ali Camarillo | IF | R/R | 6'1" | 180 | 05/15/2003 | Active |
| 12 | Gunner Gouldsmith | IF | S/R | 5'8" | 170 | 09/12/2001 | Active |
| 10 | C.J. Pittaro | IF | L/R | 6'1" | 204 | 10/16/2001 | Active |
| 25 | Cesar Franco | OF | L/R | 6'2" | 210 | 04/06/2002 | Active |
| 3 | Cameron Leary | OF | L/L | 6'1" | 205 | 11/13/2001 | Active |
| 8 | Carlos Pacheco | OF | R/R | 5'10" | 150 | 11/01/2004 | Active |
| 7 | Pedro Pineda | OF | R/R | 6'1" | 170 | 09/06/2003 | Active |