After serving several seasons at the team’s bat dog, Ollie is retiring from his role with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League). Ollie will work his final games over Labor Day weekend.
Communicating through a dog whisperer, Ollie announced his retirement to team officials earlier this week. The tour is slated to end with Ollie’s final game on Labor Day, September 5. The golden retriever will also make an appearance at games on Saturday and Sunday as the Fisher Cats take on the Portland Sea Dogs (AA-Red Sox).
Born in 2008, the lovable golden retriever has been fetching bats for Fisher Cats hitters for more than six seasons. At 56 dog-years-young, he will now be afforded more time for walks, long naps, and basking in the warm summer sun.
“Ollie is as well known around the ballpark as some of our players,” said Fisher Cats President and General Manager Rick Brenner, who is also Ollie’s human “dad.” “His personality is laid-back, and he is calm to the hype–much like that of the other professionals on the field.”
Like most of baseball’s greats, Ollie has a routine on gamedays: getting rest, taking practice runs before appearing on the field, and receiving high-fives and pats on the back for a job well done. Fans can take part in the official retirement ceremony and recognition of Ollie’s service to the team at Monday’s season finale game.