Chris Holman welcomes back Zac Clark, General Manager, Lansing Lugnuts, Lansing, MI.
Watch Zac and Chris preview the Lugnuts season, Crosstown Rivalry, A’s affiliation, economic impact, and community partnerships in Mid-Michigan #Lugnuts in the YouTube video shared below:
There were several questions Chris had for Zac in this conversation:
Athletics’ affiliation is at an interesting time. Tell us about Sacramento, and are they close to going to Las Vegas?
So Zac, your season is about to get underway, remind Michigan about the Crosstown Rivalry with MSU?
What sort of economic impact for Mid-Michigan should we expect from this season?
Can you speak to your ties with local companies like LAFCU, Jackson, and the associated philanthropy that comes out of this?
What are the other sneak previews you can give for 2026?
LANSING, Mich. – Exciting change is in the air for the 2026 Crosstown Showdown, presented by Delta Dental, which will have a new hitter-friendly format when the Michigan State Spartans play the Lansing Lugnuts at 6:05 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1 at Jackson® Field™.
“Lugnuts baseball is synonymous with outrageous fun. It’s our thing. We’re Nuts,” said general manager Zac Clark. “For our thirtieth season, why not get a little Nuts with the Crosstown Showdown and see how many runs we can score?”
The exhibition will be entirely machine-pitched and set for a two-hour time limit/nine-inning limit, whichever occurs first. No bunting or stealing bases is allowed; a team must swing the bat to score runs. There is no penalty for swinging and missing, with each batter receiving six pitches to put the ball in play. Lastly, each inning will see offenses receive a second-chance rally: After the three outs are recorded, the bases will be wiped clean and the outs reset.
The Showdown serves as the unofficial introduction to Lansing for the new Lugnuts, the Athletics’ High-A Midwest League affiliate, before a three-game homestand opens the season from April 2-April 4. For tickets and more information, call (517) 485-4500 or visit www.milb.com/lansing.
Lansing Lugnuts Baseball
Jackson® Field™ – 505 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912
Phone: 517.485.4500 | Fax: 517.485.4518
