Dogs in Sports: Our interview with Rookie the Batdog
Eric, what is Rookie’s personality like?
Eric – “Rookie’s a combination of his dad and granddad. He loves to be around people, especially kids. He’s a very happy pup who always is running around the office or at home with one of his favorite toys in his mouth.
“He loves to be with other dogs, especially other Golden Retrievers, although his best friend is a German Shepherd named Sawyer who is in the office building next to the stadium. They play together every day at lunchtime.”
If you could meet one famous celebrity, human or dog, who would it be and why?
Rookie – “I’ve met [actress and Sports Illustrated swimsuit model] Brooklyn Decker and [NASCAR driver] Dale Earnhardt Jr here at the stadium.
“I’ve love to meet Captain America. Chris Evans, he’s always tweeting about his dog Dodger. And Emma Stone! Her dog looks like he could be my brother.”
The Thunder are an especially dog-friendly organization, even by the generous standards of Minor League Baseball. (Other teams with puppers that we know of include the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Frisco RoughRiders, and Jake the Diamond Dog is a frequent guest presence.)
Trenton, in partnership with local animal hospital Northstar Vets, has an adoptable “Dog of the Day” (hey, we like that title!) featured from local animal rescues for each and every home game. They also work closely with the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR) when there’s dog days during Bark in the Park (similar to Paws and Pucks in hockey).
For the 2019 season, Bark in the Park will be on Sunday, August 11 against the Nationals affiliate Harrisburg.Senators. Fans’ dogs are also welcome to come to the stadium on Tuesday, May 21 against the Red Sox affiliate Portland Sea Dogs, when the Thunder are giving away a Rookie bobblehead, and on June 24 against the Phillies affiliate Reading Fightin’ Phils, when the Thunder are giving away a Rookie travel pillow.
The Trenton Thunder begin the year at the Tigers affiliate Erie SeaWolves on Friday, April 5, and their first home game is Friday, April 12 when they host the Sea Dogs.
Next. Jake the Diamond Dog's 2019 schedule. dark
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