If you are a minor league baseball fan you are likely aware of the adorable 6-year-old black labrador retriever known as Ripken the Bat Dog. The precious pup has been using his retrieving skills for the MiLB team, the Durham Bulls, and makes sure that no bat is left on the field unattended. 

During a June 2022 interview with The Dodo, Ripken’s devoted dog mom, Melissa O’Donnell explained that the lab was picked to be the Durham Bulls bat dog in 2019. 

“During the 2019–2020 off-season, the Durham Bulls signed Ripken to the team as their official Bat Dog and even had a signing day. Shortly thereafter, the COVID pandemic hit, canceling the entire Minor League Baseball season,” shared Melissa. 

She noted that the dog also works as the “official kicking tee retriever for the North Carolina State football team.” 

“He is now a dual sport athlete!” exclaimed the dog owner. 

Melissa’s husband, Michael O’Donnell, noted that his furry friend has quite a busy schedule trying to balance being a kicking tee retriever and a bat dog. 

“Usually families plan their schedules around their kids' activities. For us, we plan our schedule around Ripken's baseball games, football games, interviews and photoshoots,” said Michael. 

While speaking to Spectrum News in June 2022, Michael clarified that his canine companion is more than just a fixture in the MiLB. 

“He’s a normal pet just like any pet would be. He loves my kids. My kids love him. They’re out in the backyard playing fetch, playing ball. They help me with the training aspects of him as well. They just have a special job that most pets don’t get to do,” stated the baseball fan. 

He also noted that his other dog, a 16-week-old puppy named River will eventually replace Ripken as the Durham Bulls bat dog. 

“Ripken loves what he does. So it’s really hard to take this away from him. Putting him in retirement would be a really difficult decision to be made. But I love him as a pet as well. And labs do tend to have hip injuries. And hip issues when they get older so I’m hoping to get a good 11, 12 years out of Ripken fetching bats and then let him live his retirement, swimming in the ocean, swimming in the lakes and laying by the fireplace,” said Michael.

Those interested in seeing Ripken at work can check out his official TikTok. The furry friend wears a GoPro during Durham Bulls games so fans can get his perspective on the field.