SeaWolves Name 2026 Coaches, Set Opening Night for April 3

Former Whitecaps Manager Tony Cappuccilli Takes the Helm in Erie

The Erie SeaWolves have rolled out the red carpet for their 2026 coaching staff, and there’s a fresh face at the helm. Tony Cappuccilli, who’s been steering the ship for the High-A West Michigan Whitecaps these past two seasons, now takes the wheel in Erie. This SeaWolves leadership shift comes at an exciting time for Detroit’s farm system, especially with prospects like Max Clark being promoted to Double-A Erie and continuing to make waves in the minors. If you’re keeping score at home, Cappuccilli’s Whitecaps wrapped up 2025 with a jaw-dropping 92–39 record and snagged the Midwest League Championship. Talk about a manager who knows how to turn up the heat when it counts!

On the mound, Nick Green will be calling the shots as pitching coach. After sharpening arms in Single-A Lakeland during 2023 and 2024, Green climbed the ladder to West Michigan in 2025. Under his watchful eye last season, the Whitecaps pitching staff put up a league-best 3.17 ERA—proof that Green’s got a knack for turning pitchers into aces faster than you can say “strike three!”

Stepping up to the plate as hitting coach for 2026 is Kyle MacKinnon. He’s bringing some serious batting wisdom from his time as assistant hitting coach in the Kansas City Royals organization. MacKinnon worked his magic with Single-A Columbia in 2024 and High-A Quad Cities in 2025, so Erie’s bats are in good hands—expect some fireworks at the plate this season.

Nick Franklin slides into the bench coach role. If his name rings a bell, it’s because Franklin was a first-round pick by the Seattle Mariners back in 2009 and played in the big leagues from 2013 to 2017. He’s seen the bright lights and big stages, and now he’s ready to share his hard-earned wisdom with the SeaWolves.

Bryce Hietpas will keep the team in tip-top shape as athletic trainer, while Marissa Nebel joins as assistant athletic trainer. Paul Synenkyj is on board as strength and conditioning coach, and Nazirber Maduro will make sure the squad’s nutrition is on point as dietitian for the 2026 season. It takes a village to raise a champion, and this crew is ready for the challenge.

For those dreaming of their own moment in the sun, applications are now open for the 2026 Chace Numata Scholarship. Across the broader baseball landscape, elite young players like Konnor Griffin topping MLB prospect rankings show just how bright the sport’s future can be for teams and fans alike. This annual initiative is the SeaWolves’ way of keeping the door open for local fans and aspiring players—because every big-league journey starts with a single step (or swing).

The SeaWolves have also dropped their 2026 home game times and fireworks dates—so mark your calendars and dust off your lucky jerseys. Opening Day at UPMC Park is set for April 3, when Erie will welcome the Richmond Flying Squirrels. This year’s schedule is packed with 138 games, sixty-nine of them right here at home. That’s a whole lot of peanuts and Cracker Jack!

With a brand-new staff and the season’s roadmap in hand, the SeaWolves are gearing up for 2026. And with veteran stars like Justin Verlander returning to the Detroit Tigers, the big club’s mix of experience and rising talent makes for an intriguing season ahead. Buckle up, Erie—baseball season is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be a wild ride.