The Trenton Thunder have a long history of bat dogs. They began the tradition in 2000 while still a part of the Boston Red Sox organization. It’s become one of the best-known traditions in the entire MiLB since the New York Yankees named the Thunder one of their affiliates in 2003.
The team always tries to have two bat dogs on the team. The first one, Chase, was active from 2000-2013. He received his partner, Derby, in 2008. Rookie then began his tenure when Chase passed away in 2013.
Derby passed away in 2018, leaving Rookie lonely on the field for the last two years.