Royal Oak Leprechauns Name DJ LeMahieu Manager for 2026 Season
The Royal Oak Leprechauns announced today that DJ LeMahieu — one of the most decorated players of his generation — will serve as field manager for the club during the 2026 Northwoods League season.
While continuing to pursue opportunities in professional baseball, LeMahieu is also stepping into the dugout in Royal Oak — giving back to the region where it all started.
LeMahieu attended Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills, where he played under coach Bob Riker. As a senior he hit .574 with a .459 career average, earned All-American honors, and was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Michigan before heading to LSU — where he hit .344 under coach Paul Mainieri, won the 2009 College World Series national championship, and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the second round of the 2009 draft.
He played for the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, and New York Yankees, earning three All-Star selections, four Gold Glove Awards, and two batting titles — one in each league, a combination achieved by only a handful of players in the modern era. He was defined not by flash, but by preparation and consistency — the same qualities the Leprechauns intend to build their culture around.
“DJ has been hands-on throughout the entire offseason, and that’s meant everything to our staff,” said General Manager Danny Weiss. “As he steps into the field manager role, that same commitment carries over to the players he leads. He cares deeply about building a culture players want to be part of — and that’s going to set the standard for everything we do in 2026 and beyond.”
LeMahieu’s investment in Metro Detroit baseball goes well beyond the dugout. He owns the Stevens Complex, a premier baseball and softball training facility that serves as the home field for Brother Rice. The complex has become a cornerstone of the region’s player development pipeline. Together, the Stevens Complex and the Leprechauns represent a connected vision for elite development built right here in Metro Detroit.
The Leprechauns compete in the Northwoods League, one of the premier summer collegiate leagues in the country and a proven pathway to professional baseball. Players who suit up in Royal Oak in 2026 will be learning the game from someone who played it at the highest level for over a decade — and who never left home behind.
The 2026 season opens May 25th at Memorial Park in Royal Oak.
About the Royal Oak Leprechauns The Royal Oak Leprechauns are a member of the Northwoods League, a leading summer collegiate baseball organization in North America. Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, the team is committed to player development, community engagement, and delivering a professional-level experience throughout the summer season.
About the Stevens Complex The Stevens Complex is a premier baseball and softball training facility in Metro Detroit, owned by DJ LeMahieu. The complex serves as the home field for Brother Rice High School and is focused on elite player development built on fundamentals, discipline, and a professional standard of training.
