The Cutest Player in Minor League Baseball

Ripken is not your average baseball player. This black Labrador Retriever has become a fan favorite with the Durham Bulls. Named after baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr., this talented dog has a very special job on the field.

A Star Player with an Important Role

During games, Ripken waits for his cue to run onto the field. His mission? To fetch the bats after players finish their at-bats and bring them back to the dugout. Fans get an extra treat when watching Ripken work. The team attaches a GoPro camera to his back, giving everyone an up-close view of his bat retrievals.

From Baseball Dreams to Dog Training

Behind every great dog is a great trainer. For Ripken, that's Michael O'Donnell, a former baseball player who found a way to combine his love for the game with his dog training business. O'Donnell taught Ripken how to retrieve bats, turning him into the sports star he is today.

More Than Just Baseball

Ripken's talents extend beyond the baseball diamond. During football season, he works as a tee retriever for NC State. His skills and charm have made him famous in the sports world and beyond.

A True Celebrity

Ripken's fame has spread far beyond the ballpark. He has appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show, showing off his skills to a national audience. He even has his own official baseball cards - something many human players dream of!

Fans who want to see more of Ripken's adventures can follow his social media accounts, where he continues to win hearts with every bat he retrieves.

A Day in the Life

On game days, Ripken arrives at the stadium ready to work. He waits patiently in the dugout, watching for his moment to shine. When a player finishes their at-bat, Ripken springs into action, racing onto the field to collect the bat. His tail wags with pride as he delivers each bat safely back to the team.

Ripken has become more than just a novelty act - he's a beloved member of the Durham Bulls organization. His presence adds joy to every game, making America's pastime even more fun for fans of all ages.