BATTLE CREEK – Welcome to the newest team in town. The Southwest Michigan Thunder Hogs.
The Battle Creek Battle Jacks on Monday officially unveiled their new alternate identity for the 2026 season: the Southwest Michigan Thunder Hogs, as the organization prepares for the opening homestand.
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 throughout the military as the “Warthog,” the A-10 became a symbol of toughness, grit, resilience, and protecting those on the ground, values deeply connected to both Battle Creek and Southwest Michigan.”
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Battle Creek Battle Jacks start the 2026 Northwoods League season on the road on Monday, May 25. The home opener for the Battle Jacks is Wednesday, May 27 at MCCU Field at C.O. Brown Stadium.
This isn’t borrowed history. This is 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 toughness, grit, resilience, and protect-your-own mentality represented by that aircraft became deeply connected to this community itself. The Thunder Hogs identity was built to honorBattle Creek first and extend that pride across Southwest Michigan.”
The branding features a bold purple, black, steel, and gold color palette inspired by military heritage, aircraft metal, strength, resilience, and the Purple Heart. The 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: Battle Jacks alternate identity in 2026 will be Southwest Michigan Thunder Hogs