What will the Battle Creek Battle Jacks alternate identity be in 2026?

BATTLE CREEK – Welcome to the new team in town. The Thunder Hogs of Southwest Michigan.

The Battle Creek Battle Jacks officially unveiled their new alternate identity for the 2026 season Monday: the Southwest Michigan Thunder Hogs, as the organization prepares for the home opener.

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According to the team, “The Thunder Hogs identity honors Battle Creek’s rich aviation and military heritage, inspired by the legendary A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft once operated by the Battle Creek-based 110th Wing. Known to the military as the “Warthog,” the A-10 has become a symbol of toughness, courage, resilience and protection of those on the ground, values ​​deeply connected to Battle Creek and southwest Michigan.

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The Battle Creek Battle Jacks begin the 2026 Northwoods League season on the road on Monday, May 25. The Battle Jacks’ home opener is Wednesday, May 27 at MCCU Field at CO Brown Stadium.

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This is not a borrowed story. It’s Battle Creek history,” said Battle Jacks owner Scott Miles. “The A-10 flew here. The pilots trained here. The 110th Wing built its legacy here. Over time, the tenacity, courage, resilience and protective mentality represented by this aircraft became deeply connected to this community itself. The Thunder Hogs identity was built to honor Battle Creek first and extend that pride across southwest Michigan.

The brand features a bold purple, black, steel and gold color palette inspired by military heritage, aviation metal, strength, resilience and the Purple Heart. Southwest Michigan Thunder Hogs jerseys will be worn during every Family Day Sunday home game throughout the 2026 season at Bailey Park.

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: The Battle Jacks’ alternate identity in 2026 will be the Thunder Hogs of Southwest Michigan.