Dear Battle Jacks Nation, 

As we close the gates of MCCU Field for one last time and think back to what was the 2023 season, there is one word that comes to mind: community. I joined the Battle Jacks organization almost a year ago today and from day one, we had a lot to prove. The 2022 season was highlighted with a lot of change as we went through a rebrand with a new logo, new team name, new ownership, new staff, and a new identity. Last season was a proof of concept year to show the community that the Battle Jacks were here for the long term future. This year was a prove it year and boy did we prove it. This wasn’t because of anything we did special. This was all because of the community supporting us on a night in and night out basis and passionately wanting to see this team succeed. 

Although the Battle Jacks on the field had their struggles this year, the Battle Jacks in the stands had a 2023 season marked with: 

• Highest overall attendance in 6 years 
• 8 sold out games 
• The best entertainment and fan experience reviews in recent years
• Voted Fanbase with the Best Dance Moves in the Northwoods League (self awarded) 

We had a great year, but this is just the start of great things to come for this organization. Our mission is Fan’s Best Friend. Every decision we make is with the fan in mind because at the end of the day this is YOUR team and we wouldn’t be here without the community’s support. 

To our Host Families, thank you for graciously welcoming in these college athletes and for making them feel as if they are a part of your family. The host families are the backbone of our organization and we wouldn’t have a team without them. 

To our Kennel Club Members, thank you for showing up and bringing the energy each and every weekend to our best games. You guys are our best fans and constantly show unwavering support for our organization. We look forward to making the Kennel Club bigger and better each and every year. 

To our Community Partners, thank you for believing in us and supporting our team through all the changes the past few years. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to provide family friendly entertainment to the community. 

To our Players, thank you for giving up your summer to entertain our fans and helping us be present in the community. Not many teams ask their players to dance on the field in between innings, sign autographs for hundreds of kids after a tough loss, or spend their morning after a long night at a community appearance. You guys embraced everything with an open mind and I am forever grateful. 

To our coaching staff, thank you for all the tireless hours you spent recruiting our on-field team and dedicating your summer to developing our players for the next level. Because of the experience you gave these college athletes, Battle Creek is now a place where the top players will want to play during the summer. 

To our interns and gameday teammates, thank you for working tirelessly each and every day to help us provide a top notch experience for our fans. The hard work you put in behind the scenes did not go unnoticed. 

To our front office, I don’t know a better group of three individuals who I would rather work with on a daily basis. You helped make my first year so much easier and worked tirelessly to make this season a success. 

To the Battle Creek community and the surrounding areas, thank you for allowing us to call MCCU Field our home. Thank you for coming to games, attending our events, and making the grandstands of MCCU Field one of the loudest atmospheres in the Northwoods League. This is just the beginning of the new era of baseball in Battle Creek. We have a lot in store for the 2024 season and we look forward to continuing to have you a part of this journey. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

Cheers! 

Denny Smith
Battle Jacks General Manager

#FansBestFriend #BelieveInBattleCreek

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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. Having completed its’ 27th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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, over 250 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 World Series Champion Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and MLB Gold Glove finalist and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TOR). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.battlejacksbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set Battle Creek as your favorite team.