Since 2002, the Trenton Thunder's Batdogs have delighted millions of fans and set the standard across baseball. It began with Chase "That Golden Thunder", the first full-time Batdog in Minor League Baseball, and has grown into one of baseball's most beloved traditions.
The Thunder's World Famous Bat Dogs have been featured on MLB Network, the Today Show, Good Morning America, Japanese television, and ESPN. They've also made appearances at Yankee Stadium, Citizens Bank Park, the AKC Museum of the Dog in NYC, and ballparks across the country. Derby and Rookie even starred in the E:60 feature, "The Family Business."
Dash is the newest member of the Trenton Thunder's legendary Bat Dog tradition. Born in 2020, Dash trained at Greenleaf Pet Resort before making his debut during the 2022 season. Today, he serves as the Thunder's official Bat Dog and can be seen retrieving bats during the first inning of most home games as he continues to build on the family's famous legacy.
Born in 2013, Rookie carried on the legacy as Derby's son and a beloved part of the Thunder Batdog family. After making his first appearance at Trenton Thunder Ballpark on Opening Day 2014, Rookie spent more than a decade entertaining millions of fans at the ballpark and throughout the community. He retired from official Bat Dog duties in June 2026 but can still be found at the ballpark helping Dash learn the ropes.
Chase’s son, “Home Run” Derby, was introduced to Thunder fans as a puppy in 2008. Starting in 2010, Derby shared the batdog duties with his dad. In 2013, he took over as the lone bat dog and brought water out to the umpires during the game. Derby continued to work out with the players in the bullpen and the outfield during pre-game warm-up and pose for pictures with the fans during & after games. In January of 2018, Derby passed away, and much like his father, the baseball world paid their respects to the legendary bat dog.
Chase entertained fans at Trenton Thunder games from 2002 until his retirement in July 2013. Chase, the original team batdog, was a favorite among the fans, players, umpires, and various celebrities who visited Trenton Thunder Ballpark during the 10 years that Chase was part of the Thunder experience. During his time with the Thunder, Chase was featured worldwide on CNN and Japanese Television, nationally on ESPN, FOX, and the YES Network, and regionally on FOX-29, KYW-3, UPN-9, News 12 NJ, and Today in New York on WNBC-4… plus, Chase had his picture in Sports Illustrated and newspapers all over the country. When Chase passed away in 2013, news of his death spread around the world via social media and local, national, and global news media.
