Minor League Baseball Team's Newest Recruit Has Fans Completely Obsessed

The sensory overload of a minor league stadium is intense, featuring the smell of hot dogs, loud music, and thousands of cheering fans.

Yet, for one black Labrador retriever named Champ, it is simply his office. He serves as the official bat dog for the Durham Bulls, a professional Minor League Baseball team in Durham, N.C., retrieving equipment right from the dirt.

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What started as a marketing idea for AllStar Dog training became a fan-favorite obsession. By the fourth inning, the crowd already knows what is coming, and kids start leaning forward in their seats. Phones come out, and somewhere in the stadium, people start yelling "Champ."

His parents, Michael and Melissa O'Donnell, recently shared Champ's story. Michael, a former Division I college baseball player, wanted to combine his athletic background with his 15-year career in dog training.

Champ Was Not the First Bat Dog

Michael and Melissa began the project with their previous dog, Ripken. He debuted with the Bulls in 2021 before passing away last year.

The idea was to promote their dog training business. As Melissa explained, "We thought it was going to be a fun thing, maybe with a local high school team."

Ripken was called up to the Durham Bulls in 2021, and what started as a fun local stint became something bigger. Fans loved it, and Champ is now continuing that legacy.

Champ Inherited More Than a Job

After Ripken passed away last year, Champ stepped into the role. According to his parents, he didn't just inherit the position. He inherited the emotional connection fans already had with the tradition itself.

And yes, people got emotional about it.

"We knew he was loved," Melissa said about Ripken. "But after he passed, we saw it. We felt it."

Now, a lot of kids probably remember the bat dog just as vividly as the final score.

Related: Funny Labrador's Epic Run From Animal Control Is So On-Brand

Champ Understands the Game

What makes Champ especially impressive is that this isn't random chaos dressed up as entertainment. The dog is genuinely trained to understand timing and field cues.

Michael explained that Champ watches the pitcher, tracks the ball all the way to home plate, then waits for specific sounds before moving.

"When he hears the crack of the bat, his ears perk," he said. "Then when he hears 'bat,' that's when he heads out."

But achieving that level of focus is not easy. He practices hundreds of reps every single day to remain sharp for game nights.

For Champ, Game Day Starts Before the Crowd Arrives

Champ has a special routine that is based on structure. On game days, he gets a mix of kibble and wet food to keep his energy up. The family tries to keep him calm and rested for most of the day because once he realizes he's heading to the stadium, everything changes.

As Michael explains, "He gets all amped up and starts whining."

That is something most pet parents can relate to. The moment you pick up the leash, your dog starts acting like you announced a trip to his favorite place. For Champ, that place is Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

He finishes his official duties by the fourth inning. Then, he moves into the grandstands to interact with young fans. The team even prints custom autograph baseball cards for Champ to distribute. You can see he is a legend in the local sports community.

Related: These Cats Invented Their Own Baseball-Like Game, and It's ESPN-Worthy

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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 7:48 PM.