Nationals’ Bat Dog Bruce Debuts at Nationals Park

Bruce, a 21-month-old golden retriever, made a charming pregame appearance at Nationals Park during a Pups in the Park promotion, marking his Major League Baseball debut with the Washington Nationals. Previously serving as a bat dog for the Rochester Red Wings, the Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate, Bruce was celebrated with a commemorative bat and delighted fans by retrieving a bat dropped in foul territory. Owner Josh Snyder, who traveled overnight with Bruce to Washington, highlighted Bruce's playful and goofy nature, making him a perfect representative for both Rochester and the Nationals. Bruce spent about 50 minutes on the field interacting with fans and players before the game but did not work during the actual game and is expected to return to his Triple-A duties. The promotion around Bruce has generated significant social media buzz, spotlighting the mission of bringing people together and supporting veterans through fundraising campaigns associated with Bruce and his predecessor Milo. Nationals catcher Riley Adams and other attendees warmly welcomed Bruce, underscoring the positive reception to his MLB debut.