BATTLE CREEK – The 2026 Battle Creek Battle Jacks season is finally here as the Northwoods League Summer Collegiate Baseball campaign has started.
And, the Jacks are ready to celebrate.
Battle Creek opened the regular season on the road on Monday at Royal Oak, but the franchise will debut in front of its home fans on Wednesday at MCCU Field at C.O. Brown Stadium. It will be the first-ever border battle against the new expansion franchise- Richmond (IN) Flying Mummies.
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“We are all excited for the opening of a new era of Battle Jacks baseball,” said Battle Creek general manager Sam Connell. “This is the first full season of new ownership, new management. There is a new emphasis on a new vision of what we are trying to build.
“There is a focus on the fan experience, focus on the community and even a focus on how how we want our players to play and what is expected of them.”
Opening Night
Opening night in Battle Creek will be a party, according to the second-year owner Scott Miles.
It will include:
The Hooligans, known nationally for their precision flying and crowd-thrilling air, bringing a major-event atmosphere to the start of the season and connect directly to the aviation roots celebrated through the new Thunder Hogs identity.
“This is exactly the type of energy we want fans to feel when they walk into the ballpark,” said Miles. “Opening Night is going to feel big. The flyover, the music, the rivalry atmosphere, we’re creating moments people will remember.”
Opening Weekend
The excitement continues on Saturday, May 30, when the Battle Jacks host the KalamazooGrowlers in the first I-94 Rivalry Cup matchup of the season.
The night will also feature the launch of the organization’s new Saturday Pre-game SummerConcert Series (starting at 5:30 pm), giving fans live music, upgraded food and beverage options, and a full-night entertainment experience before first pitch (7 p.m).
It will include the Battle Jacks celebrating last year’s I-94 Rivalry Cup championship as Battle Creek edged Kalamazoo in the season series.
“We’re taking the lid off the traditional baseball schedule,” Miles added. “This isn’t just about nine innings anymore. We’re building a summer destination where every game has its own energy and identity.”
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Battle Jacks are ready to put on a show to open the 2026 season
Reporting by Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
