Hill City Howlers

Lore & Background

The franchise, known as the Lynchburg Hillcats since 1995, planned to rebrand after the 2016 season. However, when put to a fan vote for a new moniker with 'Derechos', 'Doves', 'Lamb Chops', 'Love Apples', and 'River Runners' as options, a majority of fans voted to retain the Hillcats name. The team opted instead for new logos and a different color scheme, consisting of seven hills green, Blue Ridge blue, and midnight blue, for the 2017 season. In conjunction with Major League Baseball's restructuring of Minor League Baseball in 2021, the Hillcats were organized into the Low-A East at the Low-A classification. In 2022, the Low-A East became known as the Carolina League and was reclassified as a Single-A circuit.

Reader's Guide

The Hill City Howlers represent the latest chapter in a Lynchburg baseball franchise with a long history in the Carolina League. The team has won multiple league championships, including titles in 1997, 2002, 2009, 2012, 2017 (declared co-champions with Down East due to Hurricane Irma), and 2025. The franchise has served as a farm team for several Major League organizations: the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1995 to 2009, the Cincinnati Reds in 2010, the Atlanta Braves from 2011 to 2014, and the Cleveland Guardians since 2015. Notable alumni include Andrelton Simmons, a four-time Gold Glove winner, and several players from the 2016 Hillcats roster who reached the majors, such as Tommy La Stella, Willi Castro, Anthony Santander, Bobby Bradley, Yu Chang, Francisco Mejia, and Greg Allen. The team's ownership changed hands from Lynchburg Baseball Corp. to Elmore Sports Group in 2015, and then to Dylan Narang in 2024. The rebranding to the Hill City Howlers in 2026 introduced a set of monster-themed mascots.

Did You Know?

• The team rebranded as the Hill City Howlers on February 13, 2026.
• The franchise was previously known as the Lynchburg Hillcats from 1995 to 2025.
• The team's home stadium, City Stadium, was refurbished in 2004 and seats 4,291 people.
• The Hill City Howlers are the Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians.