Beloved bat dog dies from cancer
The Trenton Thunder announced that Home Run Derby, the team’s secondgeneration bat dog, passed away Saturday following a bout with cancer.
“Derby was one of the biggest parts of our identity in the nine years of his life and it breaks my heart to share this news with our fans ahead of our 25th season,” Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley said in a statement. “His presence at our games and in the community was massive and every person and dog that interacted with him will miss him dearly.”
Derby, one of six offspring from Chase, the Thunder’s first bat dog, was born on Jan. 26, 2008. Derby began training and sharing bat dog duties with Chase in April of 2008 and officially retrieved his first bat on April 8, 2010.
Derby died 20 days shy of his 10th birthday.
“In Derby’s memory, we will celebrate Derby Day on Friday, January 26th and share a special tribute video and I encourage all of our fans to share their favorite memories, photos and videos with us via social media,” Hurley said in a statement.
In addition to retrieving bats and balls, Derby brought water bottles to umpires on hot summer days at Arm & Hammer Park and regularly made Meet & Greet appearances with fans at the stadium and at various community events.
Derby forged relationships with countless Thunder and future Yankees players during pre-game routines. He also spent time with various celebrities including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Katie Nolan and Brooklyn Decker.
According to a team release, Derby’s closest friend was Hall of Fame outfielder Reggie Jackson, who now serves as a special advisor to the Yankees and is a regular visitor at Arm & Hammer Park.
Derby gained national attention over the years as he was featured in major publications, television shows and websites throughout the world. In 2015, ESPN’s E-60 segment “The Family Business” featured the Thunder’s dog dynasty and was an Emmy nomination.
In lieu of flowers or material objects, the team urges fans wishing to offer their condolences to make a monetary donation in Derby’s name to Trenton Thunder Charities or to Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue.