While most fans visit the ballpark for the game, a group of Davenport University students recently stepped inside the gates of LMCU Ballpark with a different goal, to learn more about the inner workings of a minor league baseball team.

The West Michigan Whitecaps are a High-A minor league baseball team affiliated with the Detroit Tigers in the Midwest League. 

On a Friday afternoon, 11 Davenport Human Resource Management Group club students met with Abby Wright, people operations manager for the Whitecaps. Wright led the students on a tour of the ballpark, explained the Whitecaps recruitment process, described how they empower their workforce and shared what internships are available to college students. The students also learned how Wright and her staff prepare for a game. 

During the tour, students received short presentations from the Whitecaps chefs, sales office personnel, security staff and members of the marketing department. 

“I really liked how the employees were willing to share their experiences and how they got to their position,” said Olivia Harris, human resources major and president of the HRMG. “The culture seemed very family-like and positive, which is important for a business.”

Coryn Wiles, a human resources major and club treasurer, said she learned that HR isn’t exactly what she thought it was. 

“At the Whitecaps stadium, they frame HR as people operations, making it seem more friendly and making those who are part of it more approachable,” said Wiles. “I enjoyed this way of thinking because those in HR have such a negative reputation, and now, with this new way of thinking, people’s perception of human resources may change.”

Leadership also discussed internship opportunities with the Whitecaps at LMCU stadium and with other businesses they operate.

“I am looking for my internship for next summer, so now I know I need to start looking early,” said Ava Niedzielski, a sports management major. “I also learned you don’t need a specific major to be in a specific job title, you just need experience and willingness to learn.”  

The students who participated came from various majors within the Donald W. Maine College of Business, including human resource management, sports management, accounting, management and legal studies. 

Rob Spohr, Davenport professor of human resource management, who’s been advising the club since he joined Davenport full-time, said students from every major can benefit from joining the Human Resources Management Group.

“Human Resources is about the people who allow organizations to excel,” Spohr said. “The club focuses on visiting employers to learn about how HR operates in various organizations. This club is perfect for all students because they learn how organizations operate, what organizations are looking for in employees, and most importantly, develop connections for future internships and employment.” 

The club will be visiting numerous local companies next academic year, including a fall trip to Chicago. 

To end their Whitecaps experience, students were treated to a Whitecaps game where the Whitecaps beat the Lake County Captains 7-6.