By Larry Arreguin |LPL News Wire| March 1, 2026

LLANSING, MI — Opening Day is fast approaching as the Lansing Lugnuts prepare to launch their historic 30th anniversary season in the Midwest League.

The Lugnuts open with a three-game homestand against the Dayton Dragons Thursday, April 2 through Saturday, April 4, at Jackson® Field™, beginning a milestone campaign that runs through early September.

This season also marks a new chapter under first-year manager Javier Godard, a 30-year-old native of Baruta, Venezuela, who becomes the 20th manager in franchise history.

Venezuelan Leader Returns

Godard (pronounced “go-DARD”) previously served as Lansing’s hitting coach in 2021 and 2022, helping develop future Major Leaguers Tyler Soderstrom, Lawrence Butler, Denzel Clarke, Brett Harris, and Max Muncy. He later coached at Double-A Midland and managed Single-A Stockton the past two seasons before returning to Lansing.

His Venezuelan roots highlight the international influence shaping minor league baseball and add another Latino connection for Mid-Michigan fans to embrace this season.

Coaching Staff

Godard’s staff includes:

• Pitching Coach: Levi Kelly

• Hitting Coaches: Luis Báez and Ron Witmeyer

• Athletic Trainers: Emily Matlock and Rakhoon “RK” Sung

• Sports Performance Coach: Jonny Christensen

Matlock and Sung form the club’s first athletic trainer tandem, while Christensen enters his third season overseeing performance development.

Affordable Family Baseball

The 66-game home schedule features rivalry matchups throughout the summer, including multiple series against West Michigan and Great Lakes.

Fans can secure season-long access with:

• $99 Ballpark Pass — Entry to every home game

• $199 Family Pass — Four tickets per game all season

517 Crew Season Membership renewals remain ongoing.

La Prensa Latina Coverage

La Prensa Latina News Wire will again provide season-long coverage, spotlighting the 30th anniversary celebration and on-field action at Jackson® Field™.

Follow La Prensa Latina on social media @LPL_NewsWire for chances to win tickets to Lansing Lugnuts home games throughout the 2026 season.

For further information, please visit milb.com/lansing or call (517) 485-4500.