World Famous Batdogs

If Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning are considered the first family of quarterbacks, then Chase, Derby, and Rookie would hold the same distinction as bat dogs. The Thunder's "World Famous" bat dogs have been featured on various local, regional, national, and international media, including an ESPN E:60 special titled, "The Family Business."

In addition to Derby with the Thunder, Chase had another son, Ollie, who followed in his father's paw steps with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Baseball Club until his retirement in 2016.

(photo) Former New York Yankee and 1993 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Reggie Jackson poses on the field at Trenton Thunder Ballpark with Thunder bat dogs Derby (left) and Rookie (right).

Dash (Bat Dog in Training)

Dash is the latest in the long line in the Thunder Bat Dog Tradition! Rookie & Dash are presented by ARM & HAMMER Pet Products, and Dash is currently training at Shelly’s School for Dogs at the Green Leaf Pet Resort and Hotel and can’t wait to make his debut in 2022!

Rookie (2013-present)

The legacy that Chase began in 2002 continued to a third generation when Derby's son, Rookie, was born on December 15, 2013. Rookie made his debut at Trenton Thunder Ballpark on Opening Day 2014 when then Thunder Manager Tony Franklin brought him out to home plate before the game for the lineup exchange. In seasons after, Rookie joined Derby as they entertained fans of all ages at the ballpark and throughout the community. He has now assumed bat dog duties and can be seen perfecting his craft in the first inning of most Thunder home games and helping train batdog-in-training Dash!

"Home Run" Derby (2008-2018)

Chase's son, "Home Run" Derby, was introduced to Thunder fans as a puppy in 2008. Starting in 2010, Derby shared the bat dog 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 "That Golden Thunder" (2000-2013)

Chase entertained fans at Trenton Thunder games from 2002 until his retirement in July 2013. Chase, the original team bat dog, was a favorite with 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 has 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.

Our World Famous Bat Dogs