Get ready for a major shake-up in Springfield! The Springfield Cardinals are gearing up for a transformative 2026 season with a wave of exciting Front Office changes. But here's where it gets interesting: these aren't just any changes—they're strategic moves designed to elevate the fan experience and deepen community engagement. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about new titles; it's about recognizing decades of dedication and fostering seamless collaboration across departments.
Dan Reiter, General Manager of the Springfield Cardinals, Double-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, couldn’t be more enthusiastic. “We’re thrilled to advance our 2026 season planning with an exceptional Front Office team,” Reiter shared. “These promotions aren’t just about individual achievements—they’re about driving measurable success for our fans and our community. We’re particularly proud to see Angela Deke and Zack Pemberton step into Vice President roles after years of tireless dedication to the organization.”
Angela Deke steps into the role of Vice President of Ticket & Business Operations, a well-deserved promotion after being with the organization since its inception in 2005. In this expanded role, Angela will continue to oversee ticket operations while taking on new responsibilities as a senior advisor to the General Manager. She’ll also lead human resources, manage finances, and act as a fiduciary between the Front Office and food and beverage provider Delaware North. But here’s the controversial part: Can one person effectively juggle so many critical responsibilities without compromising efficiency? We’ll have to wait and see.
Zack Pemberton, entering his 17th season with Springfield, takes on the role of Vice President of Ticket Sales & Marketing. Beyond leading the Ticket Sales Department, Zack will now oversee the Marketing Department, ensuring strategic alignment and seamless collaboration. He’ll also continue his work with non-profit organizations, premium ticket accounts, and corporate partnerships. But here’s a thought: With marketing and sales under one leader, will this lead to unprecedented synergy or potential conflicts of interest?
Regina Hess, who started as a part-timer in 2016 and went full-time in 2017, is now Director of Marketing. Regina will oversee marketing initiatives while collaborating closely with ticketing and corporate sales. She’ll also maintain her gameday responsibilities, ensuring fans have an unforgettable experience. But here’s the question: Can she balance creative marketing strategies with the operational demands of gameday logistics?
Levi Smith, entering his fifth full-time season, becomes Senior Manager of Ticket Sales. Levi will oversee the full-time sales staff, lead RED Access Membership and group ticket initiatives, and continue driving innovation in theme tickets, deals, and packages. But here’s the challenge: With group sales becoming increasingly competitive, can Levi’s team maintain its edge?
Tysen Hathcock, full-time since 2022, takes on the role of Senior Manager of Video Operations & Production. Tysen will oversee gameday entertainment at Hammons Field, including promotions staff, scoreboard operations, and the production team. His primary goal? Elevating the fan experience. But here’s the debate: With so many moving parts, can Tysen ensure every game feels fresh and exciting?
Caleb Lasher, with the organization since 2022, expands his role as Senior Account Executive. Alongside RED Access Membership and group sales, Caleb will now manage corporate sponsorships and lead youth baseball clinics and high school games at Hammons Field. But here’s the twist: Can Caleb effectively balance sales, sponsorships, and community outreach without spreading himself too thin?
Dalton Baker, previously in sales, transitions to Operations Manager. Since joining in 2024, Dalton will now lead clubhouse operations, team travel, housing, and stadium operations. But here’s the question: Will this shift from sales to operations be a smooth transition, or will there be growing pains?
Sheri Hart, hired in January 2025, moves from Office Coordinator to Business Manager. Beyond payroll and office management, Sheri will now serve as the financial liaison between the club and Diamond Baseball Holdings’ regional office. But here’s the concern: With added financial responsibilities, will Sheri’s role become too complex to manage effectively?
Aubree Enos, a Missouri State alumna, joins the full-time staff as Account Executive after part-time roles since 2022. With experience in the box office, gameday operations, and sales, Aubree is well-positioned to contribute across departments. But here’s the challenge: Can she leverage her diverse experience to make a meaningful impact in sales?
As the defending Texas League Champions prepare for the 2026 season, kicking off at home on April 7 against the Tulsa Drillers, the excitement is palpable. Before that, don’t miss the exhibition game “Cards vs. Cards, presented by Mercy” on March 23 at Hammons Field. Here’s the deal: Become a RED Access Member to secure your tickets and unlock exclusive perks. Visit SpringfieldCardinals.com to learn more.
Now, we want to hear from you: What do you think about these Front Office changes? Are they a recipe for success, or do you see potential challenges ahead? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s spark a conversation!
