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Published On: May 21st, 2026

Pit Spitters 2026 Roster Unveiled!

Returning Talent, Michigan Standouts, and National Prospects Highlight Traverse City’s 2026 Squad

Traverse City, MI, May 21th, 2026 – The Traverse City Pit Spitters have officially unveiled their 2026 roster, featuring a strong blend of returning contributors, rising Division I talent, and standout players from across the country ready to spend their summer at Turtle Creek Stadium.

The 2026 roster includes players representing powerhouse conferences and programs from around the nation, while continuing the organization’s tradition of developing future professional talent in Northern Michigan.

“We’re excited about the depth and versatility of this group,” said Pit Spitters Field Manager, Dr. J. Todd Reid. “This roster brings together experienced returners, highly competitive arms, athletic position players, and players from winning programs who understand what it takes to compete every day. We believe this team has the ability to play a really exciting brand of baseball for our fans this summer.”
The Pit Spitters continue to attract talent from the Big Ten, ACC, MAC, Southern Conference, and top NJCAA and NAIA programs. The roster also features several Michigan natives and returning players familiar with the culture and championship expectations in Traverse City. Last year’s Pit Spitters racked up a first and second half championship, a Great Lakes East championship, five players named as Northwoods League All-Stars and the best winning percentage at home in franchise history.

Returning Players:

  • Cade Collins – INF – Wofford College
  • Alfredo Velazquez – OF
  • Josh Klug – RHP – Michigan State University
  • Jack Griffiths – RHP – Butler University
  • Jake Brown – RHP – Central Michigan University
  • Max Hammond- LHP- Central Michigan University
  • Charlie Wolf- RHP- Princeton University
  • Ethan Guerra- SS- University of Arizona
  • David Heefner- RHP- Dallas Baptist University

Notable Programs Represented:

  • University of Arizona
  • Texas Tech University
  • Dallas Baptist University
  • University of Michigan
  • William and Mary University
  • Kent State University
  • Northwestern
  • Central Michigan University
  • Wofford College
  • Xavier University
  • Butler University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Michigan State University
  • Indiana State University
  • Princeton University

Players to Watch:

  • Aaron Grant – INF- Arkansas Pine Bluff
  • Ethan Guerra – INF- University of Arizona
  • Chase Ecker – OF – William and Mary University
  • Josh Stonehouse – 1B/OF – Xavier University
  • Bryce Suiter – RHP – Texas Tech University
  • Miles Morris – RHP
  • Colin Sander – INF – Indiana State University
  • Gannon Grundman – LHP- Michigan State Universit
A full look at the roster can be found here.
The Pit Spitters will once again showcase a roster loaded with pitching depth, featuring more than 20 pitchers, alongside athletic defenders and versatile position players capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.

“The Northwoods League continues to be one of the best development opportunities in the country, and we’re proud that players from across the nation want to spend their summers in Traverse City,” said General Manager, Jacqueline Holm. “This group brings a lot of energy, competitiveness, and personality to the clubhouse, and we can’t wait for fans to see them take the field at Turtle Creek Stadium.”

Since launching in 2019, the Pit Spitters have established themselves as one of the premier summer collegiate baseball organizations in the country, winning Northwoods League Championships in both 2019 and 2021 while continuing to produce professional talent and unforgettable fan experiences.

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.

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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/ 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.