What could be better than a day at the ballpark? Try adding an adorable golden retriever to the big game and see what happens!
Bruce is the official bat dog for the Rochester Red Wings. He made his debut last September at Innovative Field. When a player drops their bat after hitting the ball and running toward first base, Bruce springs into action. He retrieves bats for the home team and brings fun and friendship to the field. This pawsitive position was originated by golden retriever Milo in 2019 with help from his human, Josh Snyder. Milo was a local celebrity for four baseball seasons as he retrieved bats and raised money for local nonprofits.
Everyone agrees that Bruce is the perfect choice to continue Milo’s important legacy, and they even share the same birthday. Snyder made sure to take time to acclimate his new pup to the field, preparing him for noises like the loudspeaker, fireworks, and cheering fans. Bruce was ruff around the edges at first and needed lots of practice. He started small by fetching mini-bats, exploring the park, and meeting the staff and players. He worked hard, and prepared for game day distractions like an umpire throwing a ball or a player dropping a glove.
Kids are Bruce’s favorite thing in the whole world, and he was super excited when a new baby arrived and joined his human family. Riley is six months old now and she and Bruce are inseparable. Snyder even wears Riley in a front carrier while he practices fetching with Bruce.
Now ready for his second baseball season, Bruce will attend one or two games each month. The Flower City Group—a local company that supports the Red Wings and Bruce’s charity work—that has pledged to donate money every time Bruce fetches a bat. That money goes to nonprofit organizations in our community like the Honor Flight of Rochester and Veterans Outreach Center of Rochester. Snyder says, “I want to make a difference. That’s my ultimate goal, to give back to these organizations that give so much to our community.”
Another way to support those local nonprofits is by purchasing Bruce’s merchandise online or in person at the team store that opens an hour before every game. He already has his own t-shirts and plushies, but this season he’ll get his own bobblehead fi gurine!
Fans will have two opportunities to attend a “Meet and Pet” session with Bruce on July 6 and August 19. July 6 is also Bruce the Bobblehead day which includes a bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans. Bruce loves to meet kids after the game. Bruce’s fans can talk to him, pet him, and even give him treats. “Whatever is going to put a smile on the kids’ faces is what’s going to make Bruce happy,” says Snyder.
“We are so thankful to Bruce and Josh for all the joy and smiles they bring to our fans, players, coaches, and employees,” says Red Wings general manager Dan Mason. “Everybody has a better day for having seen and met Bruce. The energy and kindness he brings is a game changer for all he encounters.”
Snyder says the best thing about being part of this community is the people. “Every time we go in it feels like a huge family, especially with the fans. I have built such a strong relationship over the years with them. But everyone at the Red Wings, from Naomi Silver all the way down; it’s one big family.”
Next time you find yourself at a Red Wings game, raise the woof and give Bruce a big round of a-paws when he takes the field!
This season’s home opener is scheduled for April 1 at Innovative Field. There is an extensive promotional schedule full of jersey and bobblehead giveaways, fireworks nights, times for kids to run the bases, and so much more. For a list of all the dates Bruce will be on the field or to learn more about the Bruce Bettering the Community Campaign, visit redwingsbaseball.com.
Fun facts about Bruce:
He loves mud and snow.
His favorite food is whatever his humans are eating.
There is a new baby at Bruce’s house!
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of (585) Kids.
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