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Published On: May 18th, 2026

Pit Spitters Announce Coaching Staff; Welcome back Reid
Northwoods League Manager of the Year Returns for His 8th Season

Traverse City, MI, May 18th, 2026 – The Traverse City Pit Spitters are excited to announce their 2026 coaching staff, led by Field Manager Todd Reid returning for his 8th season. Along with the additions of assistant coaches Ryan Gillings, and former Pit Spitters players, Mason Hill and Aaron Forrest the Pit Spitters are looking forward to kicking off May 27th, 2026, for their home opener.

Known as “Coach T” to his players, Reid has been a key figure in the Pit Spitters organization since its inaugural 2019 season, helping guide the team to Northwoods League championships in 2019 and 2021. Reid was named Northwoods League Manager of the year in 2025, after the conclusion of last season. Reid’s coaching career spans more than 25 years, with over 500 career victories at the NCAA Division III and NAIA levels, and he capped off last year taking home the title of Manager of the Year in the Northwoods League. A two-time Conference Coach of the Year and accomplished educator with a doctorate in Global Sport Leadership, Reid brings a proven track record of success, leadership, and a deep commitment to player development as he leads the Pit Spitters into a new era.

Returning to Traverse City, the Pit Spitters welcome back former Pit Spitters players, pitching coach, Mason Hill and assistant coach, Aaron Forrest season as members of the coaching staff, bringing both Northwoods League experience and professional playing backgrounds to the dugout. Hill returns for his second coaching season and third with the organization after joining the club late in 2025 following the departure of Caleb Berry to the Boston Red Sox organization. The Grandville, Michigan native played collegiately at Aquinas College and Davenport University, where he helped lead the Panthers to a GLIAC Championship while posting a perfect 6-0 record in 2025. He later pitched professionally in the USPBL and independent baseball before transitioning into coaching. Forrest, a former Northwoods League All Star and starting pitcher for the Pit Spitters in 2022, 2023 and 2024, starred at Doane University and made an immediate impact in Traverse City with a 4-1 record, 2.57 ERA, and 73 strikeouts during his Northwoods League career. Together, the pair bring leadership, familiarity with the organization, and a player-first approach as they help guide the next generation of Pit Spitters talent.
Rounding out the staff and returning to the club for his 2nd season is assistant coach Ryan Gillings, a Muskegon, MI native and standout collegiate catcher at Aquinas College. Gillings, an All-State honoree and member of Muskegon Catholic Central’s Athletics Hall of Fame, currently serves as Catching Coach and Director of Operations at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff while pursuing his MBA. His leadership, defensive expertise, and energy lead the team to the best overall record in the Northwoods League in 2025 and will add confidence and expertise to the Pit Spitters dugout.
“Our staff brings an incredible mix of experience, passion, and commitment to player growth,” said Reid. “I’m thrilled to work alongside Ryan, Mason and Aaron as we build a championship culture and deliver an exciting season for Pit Spitters fans.”

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The Pit Spitters begin their 8th season Wednesday, May 27th, at home against the Rockford Rivets. Group tickets, season ticket packages, and individual tickets are already on sale. You can find our schedule here and for more information about group outings and season ticket packages, please visit the Pit Spitters website, www.PitSpitters.com or call (231) 943-0100.

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/ or by email at JacquelineH@pitspitters.com.

The Pit Spitters Are Cashless: Beginning in 2025, Turtle Creek Stadium transitioned to a fully cashless operation to enhance fan safety, streamline transactions, and improve efficiency. All purchases, including tickets, concessions, and merchandise, will require contactless payments. Fans needing to convert cash can do so at designated locations. This move ensures a smoother, more convenient game-day experience for all.

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 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 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, 340 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). Northwoods League games are viewable live on FloSports.