In an innovative move, the Washington Nationals are calling up Bruce the Bat Dog from their Triple-A affiliate, the Rochester Red Wings, to serve as their bat dog on June 14 when the Nationals host the Miami Marlins.
Bruce is one year and nine month old Golden Retriever. He has served in three games for the Red Wings so far this season and has delighted fans of all ages. Bruce took over for the Red Wings previous bat dog, Milo.
no rules that say a dog can't play baseball pic.twitter.com/r9QmQM5o1F
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 10, 2025
Bruce’s is part of the Pups in the Park presented by PEDIGREE Foundation series. Pups in the Park allows fans to bring their own dogs to a Nationals game. All proceeds from the dog’s tickets will be donated to the Humane Rescue Alliance.
Bruce and his owner, Josh Snyder, will host a press conference before the game on Saturday. During the game, Bruce will perform an honorary bat retrieval before heading to the GREENIES™ tent where he will meet with fans.
Topps will also produce a limited edition baseball card for Bruce’s debut. It will be a part of the Topps NOW trading card series.
Bat Dogs have been popular in minor league baseball for about 20 years, and their popularity continues to increase. Now, they are reaching Major League baseball. With the success of Bruce, along with the Pups at the Park program, the Nationals very well could have a trailblazer on their hands in Bruce.
Graphic: Bruce the Bat Dog (Via @Nationals on X)
