New Trenton Thunder bat dog training hard
The Trenton Thunder have a new bat dog, and he's training hard.
As MLB.com explains, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees has had a bat dog since 2002. Chase started the Thunder's storied bat dog history before his son, "Home Run Derby," took over. Now Derby's son, Rookie, is the next bat dog, and he's getting a head start on spring training.
Rookie was named last January by Thunder fans, according to the Times of Trenton. He has trained since May for his new job, and will join Derby at the Thunder's home opener on April 16 against the Portland Sea Dogs.
"You can see how much he loves that bat. It's his little pacifier now," [dog trainer Shelly] Leibowitz said, watching as Rookie circled the training room with his tail wagging. "This is the day in the life of Rookie, and he's real happy doing it. He's such a sweet dog."
- Mike Fiammetta
