BATTLE CREEK – It was a new era for the Battle Creek Battle Jacks.
And, according to officials, it has been determined that it was a successful start to that new era as the 2025 Northwoods League regular season is at an end.
Weeks before the 2025 season began, it was announced that the Battle Creek summer collegiate baseball franchise was under new ownership, as it was purchased by Scott Miles.
MORE: Battle Jacks have a new owner who is passionate about baseball and being in Battle Creek
“It was a great first year that really went by in a blur,” Miles said this week as his first season as owner was coming to an end. “What stands out is the welcome we received from our fans, sponsors, host families and the city — and all the hard work by the staff every game to provide a great experience.
“Sitting in the stands for home games, watching our team, was such a dream come true. Learned a lot of lessons, which I am excited to apply to next season. We’re ready to get to work on our offseason planning and already working on some new ideas. So stay tuned.”
On the field, the Battle Jacks brought a fun style of baseball and won enough to keep things interesting throughout. Battle Creek was in the hunt for a playoff spot until the final day of the first half, missing out on the postseason by just one game. In the second half, Battle Creek didn’t win as many games, but was still in the playoff hunt going into the final week. The Battle Jacks finished the second half 13-24 with a win on the final day of the season on Saturday and was 33-39 overall for the summer.
Battle Creek manager Ben Harley was happy with the progress.
“It was a fun summer, getting the new ownership in and getting everyone on the same page,” Harley said. “We took a step forward on the field. We saw more consistency on the field as a franchise. Getting a consistent level of talent is important and we had that, so that was nice. Should have a bunch of guys who want to come back, so that will help also.”
Not coming back, however, is Harley. After his second full season leading the team, Harley will leave the Battle Jacks as he is in talks to take a fulltime coaching position at St. Martins University, which is near his home in Washington.
“Excited to see who they bring in and I will be available to help in the transition in anyway they need,” he said. “Want to help continue this going in the right direction and don’t want to see the team take a step back.”
Battle Jacks first-year general manager Brody Conaty is excited for the future, as well, as he says the team is already thinking about opening day in 2026 after the new owner and the City of Battle Creek agreed to a lease extension prior to the start of the 2025 season.
“It was a fun time being able to provide what we did for the community,” Conaty said. “It was great having Scott in the mix with some fresh ideas. We were able to dive into what makes baseball special in Battle Creek.
“We have been on the upswing the last couple of years and we want to keep adding to that momentum. We are absolutely excited to be back for next season and excited to bring Battle Jacks baseball back for another season in 2026.”
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: As season comes to an end, first year under new ownership a success for Battle Jacks
Reporting by Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
