In a delightful pregame ceremony at Nationals Park, a golden retriever named Bruce made his Major League Baseball debut as a bat dog for the Washington Nationals during their Pups in the Park event. Bruce, who had previously retrieved bats for the Rochester Red Wings, showcased his skills in front of an enthusiastic crowd, fetching a dropped bat from reliever Zach Brzykcy. Owner Josh Snyder expressed pride in Bruce's promotion, highlighting the dog's charming personality and the joy he brings to fans.

Bruce's arrival was met with excitement on social media, enhancing the Nationals' outreach and community connection. He won’t participate during actual game play, returning to his Triple-A duties after the event. Snyder noted that Bruce's presence and the event's purpose resonate with their mission to foster community togetherness.