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BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Baseball history takes center stage at MCCU Field at historic C.O.
Brown Stadium on Wednesday, August 5, as the Battle Creek Battle Jacks host the Royal
Oak Leprechauns in a 7:05 p.m. first pitch while celebrating one of Michigan’s greatest
baseball ambassadors.
Before the game, the Battle Jacks will honor Terry Collins during a special pre-game
ceremony as he returns to Battle Creek on the eve of his induction into the Michigan
Baseball Hall of Fame. Collins will also serve as the Honorary Battle Jacks Coach,
participate in a FREE pre-game autograph session, and spend the evening in the Battle
Jacks dugout.
The appearance comes just one day before Collins is inducted into the Michigan Baseball
Hall of Fame in Lansing, making Battle Creek his final public appearance before joining the
state’s greatest baseball legends. The event also marks the inaugural partnership between
the Battle Creek Battle Jacks and the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame, celebrating
Michigan’s rich baseball heritage while honoring one of its most distinguished
ambassadors.
“Historic MCCU Field at C.O. Brown Stadium has welcomed some of the biggest names in
baseball throughout its history, and we’re honored to welcome Terry Collins as we launch
this new partnership with the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame and our new in-stadium
Battle Creek Baseball Museum,” said Scott Miles, Owner of the Battle Creek Battle Jacks.
“As the Home of Southwest Michigan Baseball, there’s no better place to celebrate one of
Michigan’s greatest baseball ambassadors on the eve of his Hall of Fame induction.”
A native of Midland, Michigan, Collins’ baseball journey began at Midland High School,
where he graduated in 1967 before continuing his career at Eastern Michigan University. As
a four-year starting shortstop, Collins led the Eagles in stolen bases every season and
helped lead Eastern Michigan to the 1971 NAIA National Championship, earning
Outstanding Defensive Player of the Tournament honors. He was inducted into the Eastern
Michigan University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.
Following a 10-year professional playing career in the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles
Dodgers organizations, Collins embarked on a managerial career that spanned more than
three decades in Major League Baseball. He managed the Houston Astros, Anaheim
Angels, and New York Mets, leading the Mets to the 2015 National League Championship
and a World Series appearance. Collins became the longest-tenured manager in Mets
history and is widely respected throughout baseball for his leadership, passion, and
commitment to developing players.
Collins’ appearance also marks a return to the Northwoods League, where he previously
managed the Duluth Huskies during his coaching career. His return to one of the nation’s
premier summer collegiate baseball leagues provides a unique opportunity for today’s
Northwoods League players and fans to interact with a manager whose career has
spanned every level of baseball; from collegiate baseball and the minor leagues to Major
League Baseball and now the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame.
Collins also shares a unique connection to Battle Creek. As an amateur baseball player, he
visited Bailey Park and C.O. Brown Stadium, making this appearance a meaningful return
to one of Michigan’s most historic baseball venues before taking his place among the
state’s baseball immortals.
“Battle Creek and Michigan have a rich baseball tradition, and this event is about
celebrating that legacy,” Miles said. “Whether you’re a lifelong Mets fan, a baseball history
enthusiast, or simply looking for an unforgettable night at the ballpark, this is a rare
opportunity to meet a Hall of Fame baseball figure, celebrate the game in one of Michigan’s
most historic baseball stadiums, and experience the kind of community connection that
makes baseball so special.”
Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the FREE pre-game autograph session before first
pitch. Gates open at 6:05 p.m., with the pre-game Hall of Fame ceremony beginning
shortly thereafter and first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Tickets are available now at BattleJacksBaseball.com or by calling the Battle Jacks ticket
office at 269-962-0735.
About Terry Collins
• 2026 Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee
• Midland, Michigan native
• Eastern Michigan University Athletic Hall of Fame member
• 10-year professional playing career in the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles
Dodgers organizations
• Former manager of the New York Mets, Houston Astros, and Anaheim Angels
• Led the New York Mets to the 2015 National League Championship and World
Series
• Longest-tenured manager in New York Mets history
• Former manager of the Northwoods League’s Duluth Huskies
• Returning to historic C.O. Brown Stadium before his Hall of Fame induction
Media Opportunities
Media are invited to attend but must contact the Battle Jacks to submit league paperwork
for credentials. Media interested in covering the event must contact the Battle Creek Battle
Jacks in advance.
Media Contact
Riya Amin
riya@battlejacksbaseball.com
269-962-0735
# # #
The Battle Creek Battle Jacks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite
college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven
leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now entering its’ 33rd season,
the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 26 teams,
drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its
kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, nearly 2400
NWL alums have been drafted and over 415 Northwoods League players have advanced to
Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award
winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series
Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and
Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale
(ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete
Alonso (BAL) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time
Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (NYM).
League games are viewable live on FloSports.tv
