From the Hills to the Howling: Meet Lynchburg’s Newest Baseball Squad
New Name, Same Spirit: Hillcats Transform into Hill City Howlers
In a thrilling turn of events, Lynchburg’s beloved minor league baseball team, previously known as the Lynchburg Hillcats, has unleashed its new identity: the Hill City Howlers. The rebrand, announced on February 13, 2026, promises an exciting era for baseball enthusiasts in Lynchburg, Virginia.
This transformation comes after Elmore Sports Group sold the team to Dylan Narang in 2024, who then decided to give the Hillcats a fresh look and feel that reflects the city’s rich history and robust community spirit.
Why the Name Change?
When asked about the new name, Narang stated, “We wanted a name that truly embodies the unique character of Lynchburg and its passionate baseball community. The Howlers represents the city’s vibrant energy, resilience, and unity, while still paying tribute to our Minor League Baseball roots.”
The New Look
The Hill City Howlers will sport a striking new color scheme consisting of seven hills green, blue ridge blue, and midnight blue, with a modern logo that captures the essence of their new identity. The team will continue to play home games at the Bank of the James Stadium, which seats an impressive 4,291 fans.
Division and League Championships
The Hill City Howlers boast a rich history of division and league championships, with notable wins including the 1997, 2002, and 2017 seasons. They have also competed in various playoffs and championship series, demonstrating their consistent competitive spirit.
Notable Alumni
The Hillcats, now Howlers, have a proud tradition of nurturing young talent before they make it to the big leagues. Some notable alumni include:
- Eli Morgan
- Neil Walker
- Nyjer Morgan
- Rajai Davis
- Henry Owens
- Zach Duke
- Paul Maholm
- José Bautista
- Nate McLouth
- John Grabow
- Joe Beimel
- Bronson Arroyo
- Kris Benson
- Aramis Ramirez
- Jose Guillen
- Trot Nixon
- Aaron Sele
- Scott Hatteberg
- John Valentin
- Scott Cooper
- Kevin Elster
- Rick Aguilera
- Dave Magadan
- Randy Myers
- Lenny Dykstra
- Dwight Gooden
- Roger McDowell
- Kevin Mitchell
- Lloyd McClendon
- Darryl Strawberry
- Billy Beane
- Jody Davis
- Greg Harris
- Jeff Reardon
- Alex Trevino
- Dave Goltz
- Al Fitzmorris
- Carlos May
- Gail Hopkins
- Andy Etchebarren
- Don Buford
- Dave DeBusschere
- Joe Hoerner
- J.C. Martin
- John McNamara
- Stan Spence
- Ray Jablonski
- Wes Ferrell
- Al Orth
Did You Know?
- The Hill City Howlers were previously affiliated with the Atlanta Braves from 2011 to 2014.
- They became the Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians in 2015.
- The team plays in the Low-A East division of the Minor League Baseball.
- The new name, Hill City Howlers, was officially announced on February 13, 2026.
Join the Pack
With great seats, delicious food, and an electric atmosphere, there’s no better place to catch a baseball game than at the Bank of the James Stadium when the Hill City Howlers take the field. Get your tickets now and be part of the action!