Battle Creek Battle Jacks Announce Sweeping Leadership Changes for 2026 Season

Battle Creek, MI – The Battle Creek Battle Jacks are set to undergo significant transformations ahead of the 2026 season, as new owner Scott Miles initiates comprehensive changes in the team's leadership and operations.

 

Miles, who acquired the team in May 2025, is a lifelong baseball enthusiast and accomplished entrepreneur with over two decades of leadership experience in technology and sports. He has a proven track record of revitalizing community sports programs and driving long-term growth through strategic vision and hands-on management.

 

"I'm thrilled to join the Battle Jacks, the City of Battle Creek, and the Northwoods League," said Miles. "Baseball has been a lifelong passion of mine, and I see this as more than a team, it's an opportunity to continue to build something special with the community. We're ready to deliver a summer filled with energy, connection, and unforgettable moments at the ballpark."

 

Under Miles' leadership, the Battle Jacks are introducing a new General Manager, Field Manager, and the team's first-ever Head of Baseball Strategy.

 

Sam Connell, a Michigan native and former collegiate player, has been appointed as the new General Manager. Connell brings over a decade of front office experience in minor league baseball, including six seasons in the Northwoods League. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales and Promotions and Assistant General Manager with the Traverse City Pit Spitters.

 

Chris Fletcher will take over as the new Field Manager. Currently the head coach at Moberly Area Community College in Missouri, Fletcher brings 12 years of coaching experience, including five years as a collegiate head coach. He launched the Moberly baseball program in 2021 and has guided its steady growth. Prior to that, he was head coach at Williams Woods University.

 

David Walsh Jr. has been named the team's first-ever Head of Baseball Strategy, a front office advisory role focused on long-term player development, recruiting infrastructure, and baseball operations. A former college and independent league player, Walsh has spent over a decade coaching at the high school and collegiate levels, including multiple College World Series appearances in New England. He currently serves as Director of Player Development at Sluggers Academy in Massachusetts.

 

Connell expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Battle Jacks and contributing to the team's new direction.

 

"I have spent the last six years in the Northwoods League and I am very familiar with Battle Creek and the Battle Jacks. I am excited to join Scott in building something new here," Connell said. "It will be exciting to put our own fingerprints and put our own stamp on things and get a fresh start here. We already have a great manager, looking to build a great staff and bring in some good players. We are looking forward to having a lot of fun on and off the field and it's going to be a great 2026."

 

The focus of the new strategy is based on looking at improvements throughout the franchise.

 

There has already been an emphasis on team building as Fletcher and Walsh have signed eight players for the upcoming season.

 

Off the field, the Battle Jacks will look to upgrade the menu at the concession stands and give more attention to preparation and guest service. There is expected to be an upgraded experience for corporate and community groups with an improvement in hospitality service and ticket packages. The new front office also is looking to improve entertainment and music surrounding the fan experience.

 

"We are in the planning stages for everything right now," Connell said. "There's a lot of work to do between now and opening day. We are really focused on enhancing the fan experience with food, promotions and theme nights. We just want to make something here that people are excited about."

 

With these sweeping changes, the Battle Creek Battle Jacks are poised to embark on a new era, aiming to elevate the team's performance and deepen its connection with the community.