New Battle Jacks mascot Russell makes his official debut this weekend
When you are rebranding a team — starting fresh with a new name and team colors — there is a lot that goes into that as the season gets started.
The last step for the new-look Battle Creek Battle Jacks was getting the new team mascot on the field.
Welcome, Russell.
Russell was not seen in the early part of the season due to unforeseen delays. Now, the bigger-than-life Jack Russell Terrier will be greeting fans for the first time in an official capacity at Battle Jacks games this weekend at MCCU Field at C.O. Brown Stadium.
"How could people not love a smiling, tail-wagging, high-fiving, six-and-a-half foot dog?" said Battle Jacks General Manager Tyler Shore. "We think he is going to be an awesome addition to our entertainment at the ballpark and we can't wait for our fans to meet him."
Formerly the Battle Creek Bombers, with new ownership taking over the franchise, the Battle Jacks are the newest team in the Northwoods League. Part of the rebranding was a "Name The Team" contest, with a vote later presented to the community. The Battle Jacks moniker was chosen among four finalists, with more votes than Crunches, Blue Collars and Doughnuts.
Along with the name Battle Jacks came a mascot named Russell, who is described by the team as "a sometimes cute, but always fierce, Jack Russell Terrier." With a homestand that starts Friday and extends until next Wednesday, Battle Creek fans will get plenty of chances to meet him.
"We are so excited that Russell is finally here. A mascot is a huge part of a community baseball team like ours, and I think we hit it out of the park," Shore said.
Monster Night
In the biggest offensive performance of the season so far, the Battle Jacks' Jace Matkin had one of the top nights ever seen in the history of Northwoods League baseball in Battle Creek.
In Battle Creek's 15-9 win on the road over Rockford on Tuesday, Matkin had seven RBIs, including two home runs and five RBIs in just one inning. One of those home runs was a grand slam as the Battle Jacks climbed out of a 9-3 hole.
First-Place Jacks
Battle Creek went into Thursday's action still in first place in the Great Lakes East Division of the Northwoods League. The Battle Jacks are 10-6, winning six of their past 10 games, with a half-game lead on Kenosha. Battle Creek is chasing the title for the first half of the season, which ends July 4.
Homestand
Battle Creek comes back home Friday night and will host rival Kalamazoo for two games. The Growlers have struggled early and are 7-9. The Battle Jacks will continue their homestand with games at MCCU Field Sunday through Wednesday.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: New Battle Jacks mascot Russell makes official debut this weekend
