As of this writing, the Colorado Rockies, the Major League baseball team based in Denver, has had the worst start to a season since 1899. After 70 games in the 2025 season, the Rockies’ record of 13-57 is the fewest wins through 70 games by any MLB team since the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who were 12-58 at that point. This makes the Rockies’ start among the worst in baseball history. Based as we are in Colorado, we’re so proud we could yak.
Maybe the Rockies need a team dog, if only to distract from their disastrous statistics. Many teams do have team dogs, most of whom retrieve bats. One of them is Bruce, a 21-month-old Golden Retriever who made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals during a pregame ceremony on June 14, 2025, as part of a Pups in the Park promotion.
Bruce succeeded the Red Wings’ longtime bat dog, Milo, also a Golden Retriever. Born in 2015, Milo had been picked up from a family breeder in Lititz, Pennsylvania, by his owner, Josh Snyder, who also trained Milo to retrieve bats during games, an idea conceived by Red Wings Promotions Director, Tim Doohan. Doohan wanted to give the games a fan-friendly experiences at the ballpark, and what better way than with a dog, and especially a Golden Retriever?
Milo got some of the biggest ovations at the games regardless of the score, and he soon became a beloved personality. He helped raise thousands of dollars for local charities through the “Milo Making a Difference” campaign – every bat Milo fetched, donations were made. Milo became an iconic figure for both the Rochester Red Wings and the greater Rochester community. He left big paws to fill.
Though Bruce’s debut was shaky (he ran to his owner at his first attempt), Bruce eventually mastered the routine through lots of positive training. Snyder used a flirt pole (a stick with a rope and tug toy) to first assess Bruce’s drive and attention as a puppy, and later, to prepare Bruce for actual bat retrieval. Bruce has filled in admirably, Over two seasons, he has a flawless 1.000 retrieving average, but it’s his goofy charm that has endeared him to fans.
INEFFICIENT ROUTE, BUT BRUCE THE BAT DOG GETS IT DONE
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 14, 2025
Bruce has over 7,000 Instagram followers and like his late predecessor, Milo, Bruce has helped raise funds for veterans’ organizations in Rochester, demonstrating that his good deeds go far beyond retrieving bats.
The Colorado Rockies host their own annual “Bark at the Park” event at Coors Field where fans are invited to bring their dogs to the game, and while it may create memorable experiences for the fans, we suspect a better season may go a bit further with fans this year.
Photo (not of Milo or Bruce) by Mat Hayward/Dreamtime