Trenton Thunder bat dog, Chase, dies at 13 following cancer diagnosis

The Trenton Thunder batting dog, Chase, died Monday at age 13 after being diagnosed with cancer on February.

“Chase was such a tremendous part of the Trenton Thunder identity for more than 10 years,” Thunder general manager Will Smith said. “His presence at Arm & Hammer Park or in the community was the epitome of the wholesome family entertainment for which we strive. Our ballplayers, staff, season ticket holders and all the men, women and children who he entertained and interacted with over the past decade will miss him dearly.”

The famed Golden Retriever began entertaining fans in 2002 by running back and forth between the dugout and the field to retrieve bats.

On June 4 he became the first dog to ever be honored on the field at Yankee Stadium.

Chase's son Derby, who had been helping his dad retrieve bats since 2010, will take on his father role with the Thunder. Chase's other son, Ollie, is also in the family business as the bat-retriever for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.