The Trenton Thunder, a member of the collegiate summer level MLB Draft League, will pay tribute to their tradition of bat dogs with the team’s first alternate identity in six years. The Thunder will play two games as the Trenton Goldens, an homage to the family of golden retrievers who have served the team for well more than a decade.
The team’s first bat dog, Chase, gained international fame after being featured on multiple television networks in the US and Japan. His 2013 retirement party won Minor League Baseball’s promo of the year award. The family tradition continued when Chase handed bat dog duties off to his son Derby, who then handed it Derby’s son Rookie and Rookie’s cousin Dash.
“We’re incredibly proud of our unique batdog tradition,” said Trenton Thunder General Manager Jon Bodnar. “The Trenton Goldens are a chance to celebrate these beloved pups and the joy they bring to our ballpark.”
The logo features a golden retriever—a south paw, based on the rendering—taking a bat to a dog’s mortal enemy, a fire hydrant. A golden script is underscored with a telltale swash, and the G of Goldens is used as a cap logo.
The Goldens will take to the field with a Bat Dog Celebration on June 26 and a Bark in the Park Day on August 18.
