Nationals' bat-retrieving dog Bruce laps up pregame attention, makes MLB debut

It's Opening Day for the MLB 2025 season

It's Opening Day for the MLB 2025 season. Former MLB Pitcher, Jacob Turner, joins LiveNOW from FOX to discuss the excitement ahead of first pitch.

WASHINGTON - The Washington Nationals had a special four-legged guest on Saturday: Bruce, a 21-month-old golden retriever, made his major league debut retrieving a bat before the team's 4-3 loss to the Miami Marlins.

It was part of the team’s "Pups in the Park" promotion.

Golden retriever fetches bat during Washington Nationals game

Bruce, wearing a bandanna with an "MLB debut" patch he received when he arrived at the stadium, was presented with a commemorative bat. 

Bruce the Bat Dog fetches a bat before a game between the Washington Nationals and the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Credit: Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

He retrieved bats the last two seasons with the Rochester Red Wings, Washington’s Triple-A affiliate.

RELATED: Brady House, Washington Nationals No. 3 prospect, looks to ignite struggling offense

During the pregame ceremony, Bruce trotted out to retrieve a bat dropped by Nationals reliever Zach Brzykcy in foul territory, delighting the crowd with his energy and playful detour around first base before collecting the bat.

What they're saying:

"Look at this dog and try not to smile," Josh Snyder, Bruce's owner, told The Associated Press. "He’s great. He’s goofy. I think he’s the perfect candidate for Rochester, the Red Wings and now the Nationals."

He didn't work during the actual game, however, and will return to Triple-A duties afterward.

The backstory:

Bruce is Snyder’s second dog to work with the Red Wings, following the late Milo, and both participated in campaigns to raise money for Rochester’s Veterans Outreach Center and Honor Flight of Rochester.

Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins

Dig deeper:

Eric Wagaman had two RBIs, Dane Meyers hit a solo home run and the Miami Marlins beat the Washington Nationals 3-1 on Sunday to sweep a three-game series.

Nick Fortes had three hits, including a double, and scored a run for the Marlins.

Myers led off the second with a home run off starter MacKenzie Gore (3-6) that gave the Marlins a 2-1 lead and Wagaman added a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the seventh to make it 3-1.