COMSTOCK PARK, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The next generation of leadership for the West Michigan Whitecaps has been put into place.
The Midwest League minor league baseball affiliate of the MLB Detroit Tigers announced on Thursday changes in their organizational structure. Lew Chamberlain and Denny Baxter, who purchased the Madison Muskies in 1993 and moved the club to the northern Grand Rapids suburb of Comstock Park prior to the 1994 season, will step away from day-to-day operational duties to newly-created roles of Chairman and Founder, with what team officials say will be a “focus on strategic oversight of the organization.” In addition, team President Scott Lane will retire at the end of 2018 after a 31-year career in professional sports.
In their place will be Chamberlin’s son Joe, who becomes the Whitecaps CEO, and Steve McCarthy, who takes over as team President. Joe Chamberlin has been with the club since 2013, most recently as Vice President of Finance and Administration, while McCarthy has been Director of Sales for the ‘Caps since 2005. Jim Jarecki will remain in his role as Vice President and General Manager, leading all operational functions, including being the key liaison for the club with Minor League Baseball and with the Tigers.
The Whitecaps are currently celebrating their 25th year in West Michigan.