There’s a Bat Dog whose skill and strength are earning him a devoted following across America. And sorry we don’t mean the Bat Dog seen here:
We’re talking about Ripken, a black Labrador and professional Bat Dog. And by Bat Dog, we mean the canine version of a Bat Boy or Girl, who helps a baseball team with their bats and other equipment.
@ripkenthebatdog My teammates are still learning the bats are mine! @espn @barstoolsports @gopro #memorialday #fyp #floppyearcam #baseball #summer #hotdog #mine ♬ original sound – Ripken The Bat Dog
After his 2019 rookie season as the official Bat Dog for the Holly Springs Salamanders, he moved on up to become the official Bat Dog for MiLB’s Durham Bulls in North Carolina. He’s also the Official Kicking Tee Retriever for the North Carolina State University Football team. And as a proud graduate of Sit Means Sit Dog Training, he’s also now their official Spokesdog!
@ripkenthebatdog Working on my straight lines before game day Saturday. @pack_football @ncstate_athletics @gopro #FloppyEarCam #espn #practicemakesperfect #talkinboutpractice ♬ Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
Ripken was born in Boise, Idaho in August 2016 and calls Raleigh, North Carolina his hometown. He was named after baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. Also Ripkin’s dad, Cowboy Kohl, was the former kicking tee retriever for the Boise State University Football team.
@ripkenthebatdog Are you Hype? I’m Hype too!! @pack_football @collegegameday @espn @GoPro @TODAY Show #win #hype #college #collegefootball #fyp #viral #getsome ♬ I Think I Like When It Rains – WILLIS
Ripkin’s celeb status now includes interviews, meet-and-greets, photoshoots, signing pawtographs, and just putting smiles on the faces of everyone he meets. Check him out on The Kelly Clarkson Show below:
Now at five years old, Ripken is leaving the dream of working in professional sports with both baseball and football. He’s even recently dabbled in hockey.
For professional fetching, follow @ripkenthebatdog on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
For another canine athlete, check out: Christian and Scooby the Chuhuhua prove you don’t have to be tall to ball.