MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Changes in Whitecaps, Berlin Front Office

October 22, 2004 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


The West Michigan Whitecaps and Berlin Raceway are announcing several changes to their front office staffs. Following successful baseball and racing seasons, Whitecaps Professional Baseball Corporation, which owns both venues, is reorganizing and promoting several long-time employees.

Formerly the Whitecaps Operations Manager, Matt Costello has accepted the Director of Operations and Outside Events position for both the Whitecaps and Berlin Raceway. Costello is now responsible for planning and executing events other than baseball games and races at Fifth Third Ballpark and Berlin Raceway. The Grand Rapids native graduated from Western Michigan University and began his career with the Whitecaps organization in 1994 as a member of the grounds crew. Costello worked in the operations department as an intern during the 1998 season and joined the staff full time in November of 1998 as the team's Gameday Promotions Manager.

Dan McCrath has been promoted from Corporate Sales Manager to the Director of Corporate Sales. In his new position, McCrath will oversee the corporate sales departments at both venues. McCrath joined the Whitecaps in September of 2000 after spending five years in radio sales. A native of Caledonia, McCrath attended Grand Rapids Community College.

Mickey Graham has been promoted from Gameday Promotions Manager for the West Michigan Whitecaps to Marketing Manager for the Whitecaps and Berlin Raceway. Graham will oversee promotions as well as develop and implement marketing plans for both venues. Graham joined the Whitecaps in December of 1999 as a Ticket Sales Assistant. He hails from Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Wittenberg University.

Taking over for Graham as Promotions Manager is Jason Lewandowski who has been with the Whitecaps since 2002. Lewandowski joined the organization as a ticket sales intern in January of 2002 and was hired on full time following the 2002 season. In his new position, Lewandowski will be responsible for the between-inning promotions, music, theme nights and other entertainment portions of each home game. A native of Macomb Township, Lewandowski graduated from Wayne State University.

In the Whitecaps Ticket Department, there have been several changes, including the addition of Ticket Sales Consultant Craig Yust. The Valparaiso, Indiana native was a ticket sales intern with the Whitecaps during the 2004 season and will continue his ticket selling duties as a full time member of the staff. Yust graduated from Ball State University.

Kerri Troyer has been promoted from Group Sales Operations Manager to Ticket Sales Manager. In her new position, Troyer will supervise the Ticket Sales Consultants and Interns at Fifth Third Ballpark. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Troyer joined the Whitecaps full time in October of 2001 after completing an internship with the team during the 2001 season. Troyer graduated from the University of Kansas.

Ticket Sales Consultant Scott Lutz will be shifting into the position of Ticket Operations and IT Coordinator. ?utz will focus on IT issues while coordinating the administrative aspects of the Ticket Sales Department. A native of Sparta, Lutz joined the Whitecaps as a full time staff member in April of 2001 after starting the season as a Group Sales Intern. The Grand Valley State graduate previously worked at Fifth Third Ballpark as a vendor starting in 1994.

At Berlin Raceway, Mike Strevel has been promoted from Race Operations Coordinator to Director of Race Operations. In his new role, Strevel will take on more supervisory responsibilities at Berlin including overseeing the day-to-day operations of the race track. Before joining the Berlin staff, the Jenison native was the General Manager of the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprint Series.

Dave Marshall has also joined the staff at Berlin as a corporate sales account executive. Marshall previously worked as K&M Northfield Dodge in the sales department and has more than 20 years experience in the transportation industry. A Grand Rapids native, Marshall graduated from Central High School.

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Midwest League Stories from October 22, 2004


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