Russell is the heartbeat of Battle Jacks baseball; loud, lovable, and a little unpredictable. As the team’s Chief Mischief Officer, Russell leads the charge in keeping the energy high and the smiles wide, both at MCCU Field and across the Battle Creek community.

He’s a familiar face (and fur) around town, known for his big personality, fist pounding & high fives, bigger hugs, and an uncanny ability to get fans dancing between innings. From school visits and parades to wild on-field antics, Russell takes his job seriously; even if no one else around him can stop laughing.

Whether he’s leading a conga line through the concourse, posing for selfies, or sneaking snacks from the concession stand, Russell is proof that the Battle Jacks are more than a team; they’re family.

Fun Fact: Once ate 47 hot dogs in a single inning just to “test the product.

Hometown: Battle Creek, MI

Education: PhD from National K-9 Learning Center

Dave Walsh serves as the Battle Jacks’ Head of Baseball Strategy, focusing on long-term player development, recruiting infrastructure, and overall baseball operations. He is also a member of the team’s ownership group and a partner in the Battle Jacks Academy, helping shape the organization’s long-term vision for developing players and building competitive rosters.

A former college and independent league player, Walsh brings more than a decade of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels, including programs that reached multiple College World Series appearances in New England. He currently serves as Director of Player Development at Sluggers Academy in Massachusetts, where he works with elite athletes and maintains strong recruiting relationships with top college programs across the country.

Walsh lives in Holliston, Massachusetts with his wife, Collin, and their daughter, Jordan.

Fun Fact: Dave was an Emergency Veterinary Nurse until he got back into baseball.

Hometown: Boston, MA

Education: Masters in Leadership and Management at Western Governor’s University. BS in Sports Management at Husson University.

Sam Connell serves as General Manager of the Battle Creek Battle Jacks, bringing more than a decade of front office experience in professional baseball. A Michigan native and former collegiate player, Sam has spent six seasons in the Northwoods League and has built a reputation for driving fan engagement, creative promotions, and operational excellence.

Most recently, Sam served as Director of Sales and Promotions and Assistant General Manager with the Traverse City Pit Spitters. His career in baseball also includes roles with the Fort Wayne TinCaps, Peoria Chiefs, West Michigan Whitecaps, and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, giving him experience across multiple organizations and markets.

Sam lives in Southwest Michigan with his wife, Sarah, and their two children, Fielder and Ivy. Away from the ballpark, he enjoys exploring local restaurants and breweries and cheering on the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and Notre Dame.

Fun Fact: Sam was a two-time slam dunk contest champion at West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids.

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Education: Aquinas College, BA Business Administration and Sport Management, Varsity Baseball Team

Gregory Pietsch returns to the Battle Creek Battle Jacks in 2026 as Assistant General Manager, overseeing Food & Beverage operations and Corporate Event Sales. A former Battle Jacks intern in 2022, Gregory brings a full-circle connection to MCCU Field along with professional experience in hospitality, event management, and fan experience.

Before returning to Battle Creek, Gregory served as Events Director at the La Porte Civic Auditorium in Indiana, where he managed concerts, corporate events, and large-scale community gatherings while overseeing logistics, budgets, and hospitality operations.

With the Battle Jacks, Gregory will help lead the organization’s reimagined hospitality vision, including the new “9 and Dine” dining experience, premium food offerings, and expanded group event programming designed to elevate the ballpark experience.

Fun Fact: Gregory has a twin brother that played baseball at Bethel University. He played against him twice in college, and they split the series.

Hometown: Westfield, Indiana

Education: BSA from Indiana University South Bend in Marketing and Advertising

Natalie Armatage serves as Brand Strategy and Marketing Coordinator for the Battle Creek Battle Jacks, bringing a unique blend of athletic experience, creative storytelling, and strategic marketing insight to the organization.

Originally from Canada, Natalie was a standout rugby player who competed in the Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) League with the Boston Banshees. She also represented Canada at the U23 level and earned a silver medal at the FISU World University Championships.

Off the field, Natalie works as a freelance marketer focused on helping brands grow through authentic storytelling and meaningful community connection. With the Battle Jacks, she helps guide brand voice, marketing strategy, and digital storytelling across the organization.

Fun Fact: When she’s not training or studying, Natalie loves to cook!

Hometown: Waterloo, ON, Canada

Education: Currently pursuing her MSc in Management with a focus on Sport Management at the University of Guelph

Riya Amin joins the Battle Jacks as Marketing and Operations Coordinator for the 2026 season. An Illinois native, Riya brings energy, creativity, and a strong foundation in sports marketing and event operations, along with a genuine passion for connecting with fans and the community.

Before joining the Battle Jacks, Riya worked with the Rockford Rivets of the Northwoods League, where she supported marketing campaigns, digital media, and community outreach initiatives that helped strengthen the team’s connection with fans and local partners.

Outside the office, Riya enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring local thrift shops, and watching The Big Bang Theory. She looks forward to helping elevate the fan experience at MCCU Field.

Fun Fact: Riya could eat a Portillo’s Italian Beef dipped with hot peppers for the rest of her life if she could.

Hometown: Belvidere, IL

Education: Illinois State University, pursuing a BA in Integrated Marketing Communications with a Minor in Organizational Leadership, serves as a Student Representative on the University Appeals Board

Sophie Crossley returns to the Battle Creek in 2026 to lead the organization’s Community and Civic Engagement efforts. A former intern whose impact quickly stood out, Sophie became known for her enthusiasm, work ethic, and genuine connection to the culture and people of MCCU Field.

In her role, Sophie oversees key community initiatives including the Battle Buddies program and the Battle Jacks Reading Program, which connects the team with schools and youth organizations across Southwest Michigan. Her work focuses on building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for young fans to experience baseball in a positive and inclusive environment.

Sophie brings energy and a fan-first mindset to the organization, helping ensure the Battle Jacks remain a visible and impactful part of the Battle Creek community.

Fun Fact: Sophie was one of the few interns who ever took the time to play catch on the field, proof that her love for the game and the people around it is completely genuine.

Aaron began serving as the Head Athletic Trainer of the Battle Creek Battle Jacks in the spring of 2024. Aaron attended Grand Valley State University, where he received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Athletic Training. After graduating from Grand Valley, he attended American Public University, where he received his Master’s of Science degree in Sports Management.

Aaron is tasked with working the game days at the Battle Jacks, taking care of our players and treating their injuries.