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Trenton Thunder Unveils Unique Bobbleheads

The minor league baseball team honors its bat boy and bat dog.

Bobbleheads aren’t just for players anymore.

The Trenton Thunder, the New York Yankees’ Double-A affiliate, has unveiled a couple of unique editions as part of its eight bobblehead giveaways throughout the course of the 2019 season. On May 21, the first 1,500 fans (ages 14 and older) who entered the gates of ARM & HAMMER Park received a bobblehead of bat dog Rookie, the Golden Retriever who picks up the bats of Thunder players in the first inning of every home game.

In addition to bat fetching duties, Rookie goes on extended walks throughout the ballpark during games to meet fans. On the hottest days of summer, the pooch will even bring water to umpires with a basket in his mouth. The tradition of bat dogs at ARM & HAMMER Park started in 2003 with Chase, continuing with his son Derby and now his grandson Rookie.

On June 25, the team will honor bat boy Tommy Smith, who has become one of the most popular figures in Trenton over the last few seasons. The organization came in contact with Smith through the Miracle League of Mercer County, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in an organized baseball league. Originally scheduled to be the bat boy for only a few games, Smith was so beloved that he parlayed his appearances into a regular role with the team.

"As we made our plans for the 2019 season, we wanted to make a point to honor two individuals who have become significant members of our family,” Jon Mozes, director of broadcast & media relations at Trenton Thunder, told Counselor. "Fans in our area have always had a high interest in bobbleheads of former Thunder players who have gone on to significant major league careers like Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Brett Gardner. When the opportunity presents itself for us to remember those that have rehabbed with us like Roger Clemens, Bernie Williams, Hideki Matsui and Derek Jeter, our fans really take it to another level."