Lynchburg Hillcats

The Lynchburg Hillcats officially unveiled their new identity as the Hill City Howlers ahead of the 2026 season. The single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians adopted the name to invigorate the local fan base and community engagement, introducing a new mascot, Indy the Werewolf, tied to local lore about a Babe Ruth home run landing in Spring Hill Cemetery. The first game under the Hill City Howlers banner is scheduled for April 2 on the road, with the home debut set for April 7 at City Stadium. The rebrand accompanies planned upgrades to the ballpark, positioning the team for a refreshed presence in Lynchburg.