BY DAN GLICKMAN
In the past season and a half, several well-regarded prospects have earned the call-up from the Rochester Red Wings to their parent club, the Washington Nationals.
There was James Wood. Then there was Dylan Crews. Earlier this season, Robert Hassell III received the call.
Now, though, perhaps the most beloved- and definitely the furriest- Red Wing of all is set to make his MLB debut: Bruce the Bat Dog.
Noting how the golden retriever has a “1.000 retrieving average” in his three appearances with the Red Wings this season, as well as how he is the organization leader in “head pats, belly rubs, and ‘good boys'”, the Nationals announced Bruce’s call-up on Tuesday, with the pup set to travel to Washington after the Friday, June 13 Red Wings game before making his Major League debut on Saturday, June 14.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM JOE TERRITO.
Bruce will appear pre-game before performing an honorary bat retrieval and meeting with fans at a special tent set up by the event’s sponsor, GREENIES. Bruce will also receive a special Topps baseball card through their Topps NOW program, which will be available for purchase online in a made-to-order format for 24 hours after the event.
The team also shared a video of Bruce receiving the news from Red Wings manager Matt LeCroy:
14/10 mlb call-up pic.twitter.com/DsUZMzVOtM
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 10, 2025
Bruce made his debut for the Red Wings on September 5, 2024, becoming the team’s second official bat dog while following in the footsteps of the late “Milo the Bat Dog.” He’s successfully retrieved 43 bats in the 2025 season thus far, all while raising money for Honor Flight Rochester and the Veterans Outreach Center.
“We always knew Bruce was destined for the Big Leagues—he’s got the paws, the personality, and the hustle,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason in a press release from the Red Wings. “But what makes us even prouder is the difference he’s made off the field. From bringing smiles to fans at the ballpark to supporting our veterans through his community campaign, Bruce has truly earned this call-up. He’s going to do a doggone great job for the Nationals and their fans!”
“Bruce has been training hard for this moment, and we’re thrilled to see him in action at Nationals Park,” said Josh Snyder, Bruce’s owner and trainer, in the press release. “The support from the Red Wings and Flower City Group means a lot, and we’re eager to see Bruce make a difference on the National(s) level.”
Despite Bruce’s upcoming call-up, he will be back in Rochester after his Washington appearance on Saturday, with further stints at Innovative Field already scheduled, including “Meet & Pet” sessions on July 6 and August 19.
The Red Wings play all this week, hosting the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp through Sunday.
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