Muskegon adds to management team

The Muskegon Lumberjacks have announced that experienced sports executive Patrick Day will join their front office as chief operating officer on July 9.

Day spent the last six seasons as general manager of the Lansing Lugnuts baseball team, part of the Midwest League and current Class A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays.

He joins the Lumberjacks’ management team, which features owner/CEO Josh Mervis and president Tim Taylor.

“I believe the addition of Pat, along with Tim Taylor, will help our franchise reach the level of excellence that we are committed to achieving,” Mervis said. “Pat’s experience and past successes have uniquely prepared him to help lead our program.”

Day oversaw the entire Lugnuts operation after his 2007 arrival in Michigan’s capital city. The Lugnuts frequently rank among the attendance leaders in minor-league baseball and have established themselves as a valued part of the Lansing community.

“I am excited to join the Lumberjacks,” Day said of his hiring. “I look forward to bringing my 13 years of professional sports experience to continue to grow the business. I want to ensure the Lumberjacks are the preeminent affordable family option in the Muskegon area for years to come.”

Day, 37, began his career with the Charleston (W.Va.) Alley Cats of the Class A South Atlantic League, overseeing ticket revenue streams as assistant GM. He then moved into a similar role with the Montgomery (Ala.) Biscuits of the Southern League, a franchise that twice claimed Baseball America’s Class AA franchise of the year award while he was there.

“The entire Lumberjacks staff did a wonderful job last season,” Day said. “The investment Josh Mervis has put into L.C. Walker Arena is incredible and I look forward to making sure the entire community, including families, youth teams, churches and schools, know what a great atmosphere it is for them to bond and create memories.”

Day grew up in western Massachusetts, then attended Concord University in West Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications with a focus on public relations and advertising.

He and his wife, Erica, have a 14-month-old daughter named Emerson.

“The hiring of Pat is just another sign of the long-term commitment that we have for our program here in Muskegon,” Mervis said. “We intend to make an impact on and off the ice, bringing value to our fans, corporate partners, and the community as a whole.”