Scott Miles recently completed his first season as owner of the Battle Jacks. A lifelong baseball fan and seasoned executive, Scott brings over two decades of experience leading high-growth companies and building dynamic teams across tech, media, and youth sports. He now turns his focus to the Northwoods League, where he’s driven to build on a fan experience rooted in community, creativity, and connection.
Scott grew up playing baseball and going to games with his Dad and two brothers. His passion for the game continued as he built a career blending innovation with leadership; from boardrooms to ballfields. As president of his hometown Little League program outside Boston, Scott has helped expand participation, improve facilities, and use the game to teach life lessons to the next generation.
He resides in Dover, MA with his wife Catherine and two sons, Brooks and Hudson, who are often found playing catch, talking baseball, or scheming their next family adventure. Scott enjoys coaching youth baseball and traveling with his family to ski and fish.
Fun Fact: Scott majored in art history and was a specialist in English and Continental furniture at a fine art auction house in Washington, DC earlier in his career.
Hometown: Wyckoff, NJ
Education: Susquehanna University, BA in Art History; three year varsity football player.
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
David “Dave” Walsh Jr. has been named the Battle Jacks’ first-ever Head of Baseball Strategy focused on long-term player development, recruiting infrastructure, and baseball operations. He also serves on the team’s ownership board and is a partner of the Battle Jacks Academy. A former college and independent league player, Walsh has spent more than a decade coaching at the high school and collegiate levels, including 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 ties to top college programs across the Northeast.
Walsh lives in Holliston, MA with his wife Collin and their daughter, Jordan. He brings a proven track record of developing players and programs and will play a key role in shaping the Battle Jacks’ long-term competitive roadmap.
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, a Michigan native and former collegiate player, joins the Battle Creek Battle Jacks as General Manager. With more than a decade of front office experience in minor league baseball, including six seasons in the Northwoods League, Sam brings a proven track record of driving fan engagement and operational success. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales and Promotions and Assistant General Manager with the Traverse City Pit Spitters.
Throughout his career, Sam has also held roles with the Fort Wayne TinCaps, Peoria Chiefs, West Michigan Whitecaps, and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, gaining broad experience across multiple markets and levels of the game.
Away from the ballpark, Sam enjoys spending time with his wife Sarah and their two children, Fielder and Ivy. He’s passionate about exploring local restaurants and breweries and is a diehard fan of the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Sam is excited to connect with Battle Jacks fans and partners as he helps usher in a new era of fun and community pride in Cereal City.
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 Battle Creek for the 2026 season as the Battle Jacks’ Assistant General Manager, overseeing all Food & Beverage operations and Corporate Event Sales. A former Battle Jacks intern from 2022, Gregory brings a full-circle enthusiasm back to MCCU Field, paired with professional experience that elevates the ballpark experience in fresh, innovative ways.
Before rejoining the organization, Gregory served as the Events Director at the La Porte Civic Auditorium in Indiana, where he managed concerts, corporate events, and large-scale community gatherings. In that role, he led event logistics, budget oversight, hospitality operations, and the execution of premium experiences, building a reputation for delivering smooth, memorable events with exceptional attention to detail.
At the Battle Jacks, Gregory will help drive the team’s reimagined hospitality vision, including execution of the new “9 and Dine” food model, premium dining upgrades, and enhanced group event programming. His focus is on creating moments that last a lifetime, bringing fans together through great food, exceptional service, and a welcoming ballpark environment.
A strong believer in community-first baseball, Gregory is excited to help shape a summer filled with unforgettable experiences, both on and off the field, as the Battle Jacks continue to strengthen their presence in Battle Creek.
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
Riya Amin joins the Battle Creek Battle Jacks front office as the Marketing and Operations Coordinator for the 2026 season. An Illinois native, Riya brings energy, creativity, and a strong foundation in sports marketing and operations to the team, 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. During her time there, she she worked in multiple departments from marketing strategy, digital media, and community outreach; helping the organization strengthen its 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’s excited to make Battle Creek her home for the summer and 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
Natalie Armatage joins the Battle Creek Battle Jacks as the Brand Strategy and Marketing Coordinator, bringing a unique blend of athletic experience, creative storytelling, and strategic marketing expertise.
Originally from Canada, and a lifelong athlete whose first sport was softball, she went on to excel in rugby; competing in the Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) League with the Boston Banshees, representing Canada at the U23 level, and earning a silver medal at the FISU World University Championships.
Off the field, Natalie has built a strong reputation as a freelance marketer passionate about helping brands grow through authentic storytelling and meaningful community connection. Known for her leadership, creativity, and drive, she combines academic research and athletic experience to explore how sport can inspire confidence, connection, and opportunity.
Fun Fact: When she’s not training or studying, Natalie loves to cook!
Hometown: Ontario, Canada
Education: Currently pursuing her MSc in Management with a focus on Sport Management at the University of Guelph
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.
