Lugnuts sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings, team to remain in Lansing

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - As the Lansing Lugnuts prepare for the 2023 baseball season at Jackson Field, changes are underway both on and off the field. The team is set to have new owners for the first time in its 27-year history.

Diamond Baseball Holdings, which owns several minor league baseball teams across the country, has entered into an agreement to purchase the Lansing Lugnuts.

The Lugnuts will continue to be directed by the current front office staff, led by general manager Zac Clark, and the franchise will remain in Lansing as the High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.

“I feel good turning this over,” said current owner Tom Dickson. “I think it’s time for us to do it. I feel good about the group that’s stepping in to take our place.”

Dickson said part of the negotiations was that the new owners will keep the team in Lansing for the near future. He said he’s excited about the changes ahead.

“They are veterans in the business and they are very good people,” Dickson said. “Most importantly, they are committed to Lansing.”

Jesse Goldberg-Strassler, the radio voice of Lugnuts broadcasts, said he’s excited about the changes ahead.

“They have targeted the top brands, the top minor league baseball teams, and now the Lugnuts are going to join that family.” Goldberg-Strassler said.

For Dickson, the sale is bittersweet.

“It was 30 years ago when we bought this team and brought it to Lansing,” Dickson said. “There is a time to get into things and a time to get out of things, and I realize you can’t do it forever.”

The transaction will be completed subject to league and City of Lansing approvals.

The Lugnuts’ first game of the 2023 season will be the Crosstown Showdown against Michigan State on April 4.

Read next:

Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every morning.

Copyright 2023 WILX. All rights reserved.