Battle Jacks Add Rick Antinori to Coaching Staff

The Battle Creek Battle Jacks continue to build a championship-caliber coaching staff for 2026 with the addition of Rick Antinori as the team’s hitting coach and strength & conditioning coordinator.

Antinori brings more than 15 years of collegiate and professional coaching experience to Battle Creek, along with a proven track record of player development and program growth. Most recently, he served as Head Coach at Clark State Community College, where he guided the program to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2022 to 2024 and the school’s first 30-win season. In his debut year, Clark State captured the OCCAC Region XII Conference Championship, earning Antinori Coach of the Year honors.

Known as a dynamic teacher of the game, Antinori placed dozens of players into Division I and Division II programs during his tenure, including the 2022 OCCAC Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year. His leadership extended beyond the field as Clark State achieved All-American Academic Status for the first time in program history under his guidance.

“Rick understands how to build hitters and how to build habits,” said Field Manager Chris Fletcher. “He’s been in leadership roles, he’s developed players who’ve gone on to higher levels, and he brings structure and accountability to everything he does. That’s exactly the type of voice we want in our dugout.”

Currently serving as Associate Coach at Edison State Community College, Antinori also brings recruiting expertise and strong industry connections to the Battle Jacks. He holds a Master of Sports Science in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy and serves as an Adjunct Professor at Franklin University, teaching Sports Management and Exercise Science.

As part of the 2026 staff, Antinori will oversee offensive development and strength programming while also working closely with the team’s catchers and contributing to overall defensive fundamentals.

“Rick fits perfectly into the development system we’re building,” said Head of Baseball Strategy Dave Walsh. “He understands that player growth is about preparation, repetition, and accountability. His experience as a head coach and his academic background make him a tremendous asset for our players both on and off the field.”

With Antinori joining Fletcher, the Battle Jacks coaching staff continues to take shape around a clear vision: prepare players to compete, develop complete athletes, and build a culture rooted in discipline and growth.

The 2026 season continues to move forward with intention, as the Battle Jacks work hard, keep their heads down, and build something special for Battle Creek.