Named after the legendary American baseball player Cal Ripken Jr.a labrador retriever of black fur whose job was to collect bats, jerseys and accessories in the stadiums of North Carolinawon the affection of players, coaches and fans alike, leaving a lasting mark on the sports community of the state.
Ripken came into the life of the former college baseball player and coach Michael O’Donnell and his wife, Melissa, when he was just eight weeks old. In interview with The Dodo For Animal Peoplea platform with an emotional focus on the care and defense of animals, the man recalled how that puppy changed the course of his life:
“I always dreamed of coming back in some way. Then he came along and got me back into baseball. It was like that natural instinct of, ‘This is what I’m supposed to do, right?'”
Since he was little, the canine demonstrated a mix of discipline and enthusiasm that would later make him stand out. According to Fox Newshis sporting career began in 2019 with the ‘Holly Springs Salamanders’ (Holly Springs Salamanders), a summer varsity team. There he surprised everyone with his precision and carefulbecause he recovered the bats without leaving a trace of saliva or bites.
Soon, the ‘Durham Bulls’ (Durham Bulls), one of the most emblematic minor league teams in the country, recruited him in 2020. At that point in his vocation, the animal not only collected bats, he also came to be considered a part of them, something O’Donnell described with pride: “The team has really integrated Ripken. It’s his therapy doghis bat boy. But, most importantly, he is your lucky charm and your best friend.”
In 2021the ‘lomito’ expanded his repertoire beyond baseball. According to a statement cited by Foxbegan working with the ‘North Carolina State Wolf Pack’ (NC State Wolfpack), where I collected t-shirts at the start of the season. To record his particular point of view, he carried a GoPro camera on the spine and, in fact, the videos he captured with his hairy head entering the frame, became viral on social networks.
His charisma even took him to national television when, in 2022was invited to The Kelly Clarkson Show (The Kelly Clarkson Show), where his story and tenderness conquered the American public. The following year, Ripken made the kickoff ceremony at a ‘Carolina Hurricanes’ hockey game (Carolina Hurricanes), demonstrating that his talent knew no limits or disciplines.
The friendly spirit turned the dog into a true ambassador of sport and joy, as he participated in community eventsparades and even helped with a proposal at Carter-Finley Stadium during his final season. According to his family, “he was happiest when he was around people, making friends (and maybe eating a couple of hot dogs).”
During four seasonsworked as a conductor for the Durham Bulls and the aforementioned football team, creating countless memories. Fox News He highlighted that, in one of his last games, the ‘Carolina Panthers’ running back (Carolina Panthers), Chuba Hubbardapproached him before the meeting, caressed him and spoke to him affectionately. The player ended up scoring the touchdown of victory in extra time.
“Ripken won all of his first games with the team,” O’Donnell said.
The black-furred Labrador died on the day of New Year 2025at the age of eight, due to complications from an undiagnosed illness, however, his departure left behind a story of love, companionship and hope. In a statement published on his website Facebook “Ripken the Bat Dog”his family expressed:
“Since beginning his racing career in 2019 at the age of three, Ripken has brought smiles to people not only in his home state of North Carolina, but around the world with his kind eyes, gentle nature and incredible ability to retrieve items.”
During the last weeks of his life, the animal had a calendar full of memorable activities; in fact, it was the Grand Marshal of your city’s Christmas parade. His last public appearance occurred on December 22, just ten days before his deathwhen he regained kicking support for the ‘Carolina Panthers’. With him on the field, the team defeated the ‘Arizona Cardinals’ (Arizona Cardinals), maintaining his perfect record of victories in the first matches.
“The love he received is something we will never forget. The photos, the gifts, the appearances, the videos… were something we never imagined when this adventure began. Ripken’s life was a true blessing, and all thanks to the love they had for our sweet boy,” the O’Donnell family concluded.
The ‘lomito’ was not just a bat picker dogAs his owner said when he said goodbye, “Ripken was more than a pet; he was a bright, furry light that radiated joy around the world. Heaven has gained a sweet and beautiful four-legged angel.”
