Ripken The Bat Dog had sadly passed away at eight years old after a brilliant five-year career as the official bat dog for the Durham Bulls Minor League Baseball in North Carolina. Besides delighting his home team’s fans and visitors, Ripken spread joy way past his home field – With athletes from other teams and sports, to people across the globe calling themselves Ripken fans. He even had his own official Topps trading cards!
Ripken enjoys a lovely Christmas with his family and was even just nominated for Cedric the Entertainer’s CEDY Awards.
Then yesterday his humans Melissa and MIichael O’Donnel shared the shocking news that Ripken had passed away unexpectedly on January 1st from a serious but undiagnosed medical condition. The gallery below goes into the details as well as Ripken’s story and many fond memories.
Fans and friends poured out support for Ripken in the comments, including other North Carolina teams such as the Carolina Panthers and Hurricanes. The post ends with how they’re still trying to figure out what exactly happened to the beloved pup. They also mention how just 10 days before he passed, Ripken was given the opportunity to retrieve a kicking tee for the Carolina Panthers’ final home game.
Photojournalist Robert Karp had documented Ripken’s entire career and shared a touching tribute to him.
Journalist Greg Funderburg also interviewed Ripken’s humans for a tribute on their local news.
For more on his illustrious canine career in sports, see our original article: Move over bat boys, Ripken the Bat Dog fetches baseball bats professionally.