Grafton, WI – Although the 2020 season has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our front office is still hard at work with planning safe and unique event opportunities this summer plus beginning preparations for the 2021 season. Two of those individuals helping with the day to day operation are Miguel Betancourt and James Kocen. Both individuals joined the front office at the beginning of 2020.
“The additions of Miguel and James to the front office has been really beneficial to the organization. They both have a great work ethic and passion for the business of sports. Since joining us back in January, they have brought a lot to the organization. We look forward to them both taking a bigger role with the team for the 2021 season,” stated Chinooks Assistant GM Eric Snodgrass.
Miguel Betancourt is the team’s Marketing Manager. The 2020 season was to be his second with the organization as he served as a Concessions & Hospitality intern during 2019. Now as Marketing Manager, Miguel will oversee the team’s marketing and advertising, sponsorship fulfillment, game day production, community related programs including Gill’s Reading Challenge, mascot appearances, and donations. He will also assist with the team’s digital media, merchandise, and internship program. Last year, he graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with degrees in Finance and Sport & Entertainment Business and is currently working towards his MBA degree. Betancourt was born and raised in El Paso, Texas and currently resides in Thiensville.
James Kocen is the team’s Corporate Accounts Manager. The 2020 season was to be his first season with the team. James will oversee all corporate partnerships related to sponsorships and tickets. Before coming to the Chinooks, he worked for two local sports marketing agencies and before that, spent time with the Nashville Predators. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Sports Management and a minor degree in Business. Kocen was born and raised in West Allis and currently resides in Milwaukee.
The Lakeshore Chinooks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 26th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, over 230 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and MLB All-Stars Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (MIA). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit lakeshorechinooks.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Chinooks as your favorite team.
