This Saturday’s Washington Nationals game just got furrier. The team has called up Bruce the Bat Dog to make his Major League debut against the Miami Marlins.
The golden retriever, who’s 1 year and 9 months old, will get special recognition before the Nationals take on the Marlins on Saturday, June 14, at 1:05 p.m. This will be Bruce’s fifth start of the season as bat dog. Bruce made his first professional appearance with the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings on September 5, 2024.
“Nobody makes people smile more than Bruce, and I’m sure he’ll do a WOOFtastic job for the Nats! He has proven himself to be ready for the show in a very short time and has earned the phenom status that has been bestowed upon him,” Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason said. “He’ll put on a doggone great show for Nats fans on June 14.”
The team is going all out for Bruce’s first MLB game – hosting a pregame press conference with his owner, Josh Snyder, a special pregame on-field recognition, and an honorary bat retrieval to kick off the game.
Fans can also meet Bruce during the game. During the first two innings, the bat dog will be at the Greenies tent near the Right Field Gate to take pictures and enjoy all of your belly scratches and praise. The golden retriever will get a special Topps trading card to commemorate his Major League debut.
This Saturday’s game is also Pups in the Park day. Baseball fans who purchase a dog ticket for their four-legged friends will receive a pet bandana upon entry. All dog ticket proceeds will go toward the Humane Rescue Alliance. Wolf Trap Animal Rescue will be in attendance with some adorable pets up for adoption at the WTAR Puppy Lounge in section 143.
There are two more Pups in the Park events at Nationals Park — August 20 against the New York Mets and September 28 against the Chicago White Sox.
Feature image of Bruce the Bat Dog courtesy Washington Nationals
