With 29 years of experience in professional baseball, Jim Jarecki has helped make the vision of the West Michigan Whitecaps a reality starting with the team's inaugural year (1994). As Vice President and General Manager of the Whitecaps, Jim is responsible for creating and upholding the "LMCU Ballpark Experience," which includes fun and exciting family entertainment-for each and every fan that enters through the gates. He has facilitated numerous events at LMCU Ballpark, including the 1995, 2003 and 2014 Midwest League All-Star Games, six Midwest League championship series, the Detroit Tigers exhibition game, Fantasy Camps and facility events.
Prior to the 2006 season, Jim oversaw the $1.4 million dollar renovations at LMCU Ballpark of the suite level and outfield bleachers. At the conclusion of the 2006 season, Jim received the Midwest League Executive of the Year award, which was voted on by league owners and General Managers. During the 2008-'09 off-season, Jim oversaw the $1.5 million renovation to the ballpark which included playing field, new box seats, ballpark roof, backstop netting, structural repairs to concrete and asphalt, and suite renovations. After LMCU Ballpark experienced a devastating fire in January 3, 2014 which destroyed half of the ballpark, Jim was part of the management group that oversaw the re-build and got to Opening Day--an incredible 95 days--without missing a game.
The Whitecaps received the Bob Freitas Award for Best Franchise of the Decade from Baseball America in 1999. In 1998 and 2000, Jim and the Whitecaps were recognized with the Midwest League Stadium Operations Award. After the 2007 season, the Whitecaps were awarded the Midwest League's Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy for best promotion of baseball and entertainment. Following up the Midwest League award, the Whitecaps took it one more step in December and accepted the Promotional Trophy for the entire Minor Leagues at the Winter Meetings in Nashville. In addition, the Whitecaps were named MiLB's Team of the Year following the 2007 MWL Championship.
Jim's experience in professional baseball and includes operations, marketing, ticket and sponsorship sales, promotions and media relations. He started with the Chicago White Sox in telemarketing and his minor league experience has included working with the Oklahoma City 89er as an intern and the Beloit Brewers as Assistant GM. Jim is a 1989 graduate of Northern Illinois University and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications. In 2003, and again in 2005, he was named to the Grand Rapids Business Journal's "Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders" and is currently on the Comstock Park DDA board, West Michigan Sports Commision board, Midwest League Schedule Committee, Midwest League Logo Committee, Davenport University Sports Management Advisory Committee and MiLB's Licensing Committee.
A native of Woodridge, Illinois, Jim remains a Chicago sports fan to the end and has lived to see the Cubs with the World Series. He continues to play basketball in the off-season and attempts the great game of golf when time permits during the season. Jim resides in Ada, MI with his wife Christine and kids Addison, Alex, and Carson.
Hometown: Woodridge, IL
Walk-Up Song:"Dirt" by Florida Georgia Line
Email: [email protected]