Joe Chamberlin was the driving force behind bringing Northwoods League baseball to Traverse City. As CEO and Managing Member of the team, Joe led the effort to acquire Turtle Creek Stadium and launch the Traverse City Pit Spitters in 2019. Alongside Whitecaps co-founders Lew Chamberlin and Denny Baxter, he built a group of community-minded investors who saw what the ballpark and the team could mean for Traverse City and the region.

The bet paid off early. The Pit Spitters won the Northwoods League championship in their first season, then won again in 2021, becoming the first back-to-back champions in league history. Off the field, Turtle Creek Stadium has grown into one of Northern Michigan’s premier outdoor entertainment venues, hosting concerts, community events, and summer nights that have become part of the region’s calendar.

Joe also serves as CEO and Managing Partner of the West Michigan Whitecaps, the High-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, a role he has held since 2019. His appointment marked the second generation of his family’s leadership of the franchise, which his father, Lew Chamberlin, founded in 1994. The Whitecaps play at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park, a privately held 8,500-seat venue just north of Grand Rapids. Under Joe’s leadership, the organization has expanded well beyond baseball. Its Midwest Dots division is now one of the largest Dippin’ Dots distributors in the country, and the Pit Spitters benefit from the full depth and experience of a front office that has been running one of Minor League Baseball’s premier franchises for three decades.

Before returning to Michigan, Joe held a range of Human Resources leadership roles with Ally Financial in Atlanta, Chicago, and Detroit. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from The College of Wooster and a master’s degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University.

A Grand Rapids native, Joe lives there with his wife, Dana, and their two boys, Crawford and Becker. The family spends time year-round at their cottage in downtown Traverse City. Joe is a member of YPO and serves on the boards of the Whitecaps Community Foundation, The Saint Mary’s Foundation, and the Grand Rapids Chamber Foundation. He is also a past participant in Leadership Grand Rapids and a member of the Grand Rapids Chamber’s CEO Council.

Email: JoeC@whitecapsbaseball.com

Jacqueline Holm joined the Pit Spitters as the Team’s General Manager, in October of 2022. The 2023 season was her first as the team’s GM, but not her first in baseball. Holm’s impressive track record in baseball began with the Sugar Land Skeeters, an independent Atlantic League team, where she helped gain notoriety through a variety of high-profile promotions and landmark events. At the conclusion of the 2015 season, she moved to Davenport, Iowa, to join the Quad Cities River Bandits, a Minor League Baseball team in the Midwest League, and the High-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. There she held several leadership positions, finishing as the team’s GM for the 2019 season. While with the River Bandits, Holm’s leadership saw the team transform their social media presence, substantially grow season ticket usage and retention, and win a Midwest League Championship — all of which garnered her a nomination for the Rawlings Midwest League Female Executive of the Year award in 2017. Outside of the ballpark, Holm also helped extend the team’s reach into the community through her board work with several nonprofits and community organizations, including serving as President of the Davenport Rotary. Following 2019, Holm has held leadership roles with the Scott County Family YMCA in Davenport, and led national event and tradeshow activities for a cutting-edge agriculture company based in Illinois. Jacqueline is a native of Sugar Land, Texas and don’t hold it against her, but also a Houston Astros fan!

Holm was named Northwoods League Executive of the Year in 2023, in her first season as GM. Under Holm’s leadership, the Pit Spitters set franchise records in overall attendance and nightly average attendance, also hosting the highest attended Great Lakes All-Star Game in Northwoods League history in July. On the field, the Pit Spitters made their fifth playoff appearance in five seasons advancing to the Great Lakes Championship series, touting the league’s highest game attendance through the playoff ascension. The team also experienced growth across the board in the ticketing, sponsorship and merchandise categories and continues to expand its offering of special events throughout the off season.

In her spare time, she performs in a 90’s alternative band, loves riding her bike, and recently discovered a passion for restoring vintage furniture. She has visited 42 of the 50 states and plans on seeing the other 16 MLB parks she hasn’t yet visited. Over the past year, she has been learning more and more about Traverse City, and has now gained the right to call it home!

Walk-Up Song: “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” by Ruby Friedman

Email: JacquelineH@pitspitters.com

Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit, Ian graduated from Central Michigan University, the Harvard of the Midwest, with a degree in Sport Management and Marketing. The Wyandotte, Michigan native loves Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain, not much into health food but is into champagne.

Spends most of his time with his fiancé Chloe and the office dog Lucy, listening to 60’s and 70’s music, watching his beloved Detroit and University of Michigan Sports teams, and enjoying the Northern Michigan outdoors. This is Ian’s 8th year with the Pit Spitters, and he can’t wait to create more fun and exciting experiences for the Northern Michigan community!

Walk-Up Song: “Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band

Email: IanW@pitspitters.com

Ed Tuttle is entering his 3rd season as Operations Manager for the Traverse City Pit Spitters and Turtle Creek Stadium, where he leads daily operations while promoting a strong commitment to community engagement and impact. He views sports as a powerful platform for bringing people together and creating meaningful connections that extend beyond the ballpark.

A native of Flint, Michigan, Ed brings a perspective shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for community-driven growth. His experiences have strengthened his commitment to creating opportunities for others and contributing meaningfully to the regions he serves.

When he is not working at the ballpark, assisting his community, or mentoring young professionals, Ed enjoys spending time with his family, learning new skills, and working on his home. Ed is a proud husband to his wife, Moira Tuttle, and uncle to his nephew and niece, Viviano Jr. & Emersyn Garcia

Walk-Up Song: “Here Comes the Boom” by P.O.D

Email: EdT@pitspitters.com

Megan joins the Traverse City Pit Spitters for her first season in TC in 2026, bringing a strong background in digital marketing, content creation, and creativity.

Originally from Ohio, Megan graduated from Miami University in 2024 where she majored in Sport Leadership and Management and Digital Marketing. While at school, Megan was involved in several organizations holding titles like "Director of Social Media", "Director of Event Planning", and "Director of Digital Marketing" which helped build a valuable foundation in creative thinking, leadership, and engaging an audience through digital platforms.

After graduating, she spent a summer in Rochester, MN working for the Rochester Honkers of the Northwoods League. That summer allowed her to gain hands on experience in social media, graphic design, and promotions, while getting to see the day to day operations of how a summer league team operates. Megan is looking forward to staying in the Northwoods League and bringing that knowledge to Traverse City.

When she is not working, Megan loves spending time with her friends, being outside, cooking, painting, and supporting Cleveland sports.

Email: MeganM@PitSpitters.com

Megan returns to the Traverse City Pit Spitters for the 2026 season, bringing experience in sports marketing and fan engagement, along with a lifelong connection to the Traverse City area. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, she spent her summers growing up at her family’s cottage in Traverse City, making the opportunity to work with the Pit Spitters especially meaningful.

A 2024 graduate of Michigan State University, Megan earned her degree in Advertising Management with a minor in Sports Business Management. During her time at MSU, she spent three years working with MSU Athletics as a Marketing and Fan Engagement Intern, building valuable experience in engaging fans and supporting athletic programs.

Megan first joined the Pit Spitters during the 2025 season, working at the front desk where she gained hands-on experience supporting the organization and interacting with fans. She is excited to return for the 2026 season and continue contributing to the team and the community. In her free time, Megan enjoys spending time at the beach, being out on the boat, and making memories with friends and family. She looks forward to spending more time in Traverse City and being part of such a great sports organization.

Email: MeganH@pitspitters.com

Ethan Coomes is a 2023 graduate from Central Michigan University with a Sports Management major and a minor in Business Marketing. Ethan joins us for his first season as a Pit Spitter after starting his career in Massachusetts with the Brockton Rox/New England Knockouts for 2 seasons.

Ethan grew up a hockey kid and has always been die hard Red Wings fan but, over the years moved around so much that he has lived in 8 different states total and is hopeful to hit 10 one day. His other favorite major league teams are the Chicago Bears, Milwaukee Brewers, and Detroit Pistons. In his free time he enjoys playing and collecting trading cards, trying to find new food spots, or playing video games.

Walk-Up Song: "Africa" by Toto

Email: EthanC@pitspitters.com

Cameron Gutierrez works in ticket sales and corporate partnerships for the Traverse City Pit Spitters, where he focuses on connecting fans and local businesses to the ballpark experience.

He brings a diverse sports background, with experience in the Michigan State Athletic Department and the Detroit Lions, along with coaching at Liverpool International Academy of Michigan. A former collegiate soccer player, Cameron applies his competitive mindset and leadership skills to building strong relationships and delivering value to partners.

Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through weightlifting and training, and takes pride in bringing positive energy, a sense of humor, and a team-first attitude to everything he does.

Email: CamG@pitspitters.com

Maria is a Traverse City native and no stranger to the Traverse City Pit Spitters organization, having spent the past three seasons as the Front Desk Coordinator. Maria is currently finishing her Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business at University of Michigan-Flint and holds an Associate of Science and Arts from Northwestern Michigan College. Maria is passionate about supporting her team while continuing to grow within the organization.

When Maria is not at the ballpark, you will find her spending time with her puppy Fernando, baking, lifting, or enjoying a local coffee shop with friends. She is excited for another baseball season in Traverse City and to help create a positive experience for everyone at the ballpark.

Walk-Up Song: “Está Cabrón Ser Yo” by Bad Bunny and Anuel AA

Email: MariaM@pitspitters.com