Cracker Jill image courtesy Frito Lay

Get back, Jack – it’s Jill’s time to shine.

Just in time for Major League Baseball’s opening day, Frito-Lay North America is revamping its iconic Cracker Jack brand with a new name and new characters. The snack will now be packaged as Cracker Jill, and will feature updated mascot images.

The new character is being introduced “to celebrate the women who break down barriers in sports,” according to the company. Five representations of Cracker Jill will debut on special-edition bags available at ballparks across the nation as teams play ball for the first time in the 2022 season on April 7th.

Artist Monica Ahahonu created the new characters, modeling them after “the most represented ethnicities in the U.S., per data from the U.S. Census Bureau,” Frito-Lay said in a statement.

If you aren’t on your way to the ballpark, can get their Cracker Jill snacks by making a $5 donation the Women’s Sports Foundation, which is dedicated to gender equality on and off the field, at their link here.

Tina Mahal, VP of brand marketing at Frito-Lay North America, said that current mascot Sailor Jack isn’t goinig away, but noted that a change in culture and a growing interest in womens’ sports means it’s time for him to “share the spotlight with Cracker Jill, who will come to life in a number of different ways.”

Mahal noted the company plans to make Cracker Jill a permanent face of the brand moving forward. The company even commissioned a new rendition of the classic 7th-inning stretch anthem “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” which name-checks the sweet and salty snack.

“The Cracker Jack® brand partnered with award-winning artist Normani to reimagine this iconic song, updating the lyrics to include Cracker JillTM and celebrate the tenacity and grit of women and girls in sports,” the company stated. You can watch the new version below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-FMBZygdOc

“As a young girl, I remember being inspired by athletes and artists who looked like me,” said Normani. “They made me believe that I could also achieve greatness as I watched them break barriers for women. I’m proud to be part of a campaign entrenched in inclusivity and empowerment because it’s vital for young girls to see themselves represented and join in on the celebration of the achievements made by the women before them.”

“We are constantly inspired by the many women who are making history by breaking the mold, and we want to celebrate their achievements while supporting the progress,” said Mahal.