Rebandt Returns; Pit Spitters ‘Skipper’ is back for a 5th season
Traverse City, MI- The Traverse City Pit Spitters announced the return of Josh Rebandt, as Field Manager of the Traverse City Pit Spitters for a 5th season. With Rebandt’s return he remains the only manager in franchise history.
“With Josh at the helm we’re hoping to bring another Northwoods League Championship back to Traverse City,” said General Manager, Jacqueline Holm. “Josh and his team have continued to elevate Pit Spitters Baseball to a high level, and we are excited about his return to continue the tradition of developing players, extending our reach into the community and entertaining our fans with great game play!”
Rebandt, also known as Coach Reebs, was hired in the fall of 2018 and under his management, the Pit Spitters won two Northwoods League Championships, one in 2019 and again in 2021. The Pit Spitters were the first team in league history to win back-to-back titles without an official 2020 season. Rebandt was named the 2019 Northwoods League Field Manager of the Year and led the Pit Spitters to multiple league records including an 18-game winning streak in 2019, and in 2022 saw the team win the Regular Season Great Lakes East Division with a 45-27 record before dropping out in the first round of the playoffs.
Since beginning his coaching career in 2011, thirty of Rebandt’s players have been selected in the Major League Baseball Draft along with five more who have signed as free agents after the draft. The Pit Spitters currently have ten players in Major League Baseball organizations.
“I’m obviously very excited to be back in Traverse City for our organization’s fifth season,” said Rebandt. We have shared many great memories with the community, and I am anticipating the same for the upcoming season with an exciting roster filled with plenty of next level talent. Summer nights under the lights are coming fast and I am looking forward to seeing everyone fill up Turtle Creek Stadium again soon!”
Also returning to join Rebandt are familiar faces, Bench Coach Todd Reid returns for his fifth year as well. Reid brings a wealth of experience with more than 500 career wins and is the all-time winningest coach at both Eastern Nazarene and Olivet Nazarene University. He was named Conference Coach of Year in 2004 and 2016 and has coached dozens of players that have gone on to play professionally.
Additionally, Traverse City Native Casey Wila will return as Hitting Coach for his 3rd season, his second with the Pit Spitters, after serving as the hitting coach for the Great Lakes Resorters in 2020. Last summer under Wila’s guidance, the Pit Spitters offense set franchise records in stolen bases and runs enroute to a 45-win season and post-season berth.
Newest to the coaching roster is this year’s pitching coach, Brian Martin. Martin joins the Pit Spitters from Michigan State University where he is a three-time Academic All- Big Ten honoree and two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Honoree. Martin also spent time as a Capital City Baseball Kingdom Pitching Instructor and was rated as the No. 4 pitcher in Michigan by Perfect Game.
The Pit Spitters begin their 5th season Monday, May 29th, at home against the Rockford Rivets. Season ticket packages are on sale now, and individual tickets and promotions will be released April 12th, 2023. A 2023 schedule is attached and for more information about group outings and season ticket packages, please visit the Pit Spitters web site, www.PitSpitters.com or call (231) 943-0100.
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About the Traverse City Pit Spitters: The Traverse City Pit Spitters have been members of the Northwoods League since their inaugural season in 2019. The Pit Spitters have won two Northwoods League Championships and delivered their unique brand of FUN to hundreds of thousands of fans. The Pit Spitters share Managing Partners and principal ownership with the West Michigan Whitecaps, the High A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, based in Comstock Park, Michigan. The team’s home games are played in Traverse City’s favorite multi-purpose outdoor entertainment venue, Turtle Creek Stadium. For more information visit https://northwoodsleague.com/traverse-city-pit-spitters/ or contact Jacqueline Holm at 231-943-0100 Ext. 214/ email JacquelineH@pitspitters.com.
About the Northwoods League: The Traverse City Pit Spitters 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. Now in its 29th 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, 300 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.pitspitters.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Pit Spitters as your favorite team.
