Nationals’ bat-retrieving dog Bruce laps up pregame attention, makes MLB debut
Nationals’ bat-retrieving dog Bruce laps up pregame attention, makes MLB debut
The dog days of summer arrived at Nationals Park. Bruce, a 21-month-old golden retriever, fetched a bat during a ceremony before the Washington Nationals’ game against the Miami Marlins as part of a Pups in the Park promotion.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The dog days of summer arrived Saturday at Nationals Park.
Bruce, a 21-month-old golden retriever, fetched a bat during a ceremony Saturday before the Washington Nationals’ 4-3 loss to the Miami Marlins as part of a Pups in the Park promotion. He retrieved bats the last two seasons with the Rochester Red Wings, Washington’s Triple-A affiliate.
Bruce, wearing a bandana with an “MLB debut” patch he received when he arrived at the stadium, was presented a commemorative bat. He then took a circuitous route from the dugout toward first base after Nationals reliever Zach Brzykcy dropped the bat in foul territory before the bat dog collected his quarry to the delight of a crowd wowed by his work and enthusiasm.
Bruce is a good boy.
Look how he holds it at the center of mass instead of the lengthwise middle. You can't coach that, that's just talent. Best bat IQ on the field right there.