And don't use alkalines anymore. NiMH is not only more performant and more cost-effective in the long-run, it won't leak in your light. If you must use alkalines temporarily in an emergency, take them out when the light is not in use.
Another option may be to remove the head and the tailcap and use a dowel to drive the batteries out. A bit of looking suggests there may be threadlocker holding the head on, so a bit of heat and a strap wrench or some such may be required to get it off, but it does unscrew from the battery tube. Vinegar may help in the cleanup.