The family who trained Ripken, a bat dog known for bringing bats and kicking football tees during sporting events in North Carolina, announced the death of the black Labrador.
in Friday Facebook PostO'Donnell's family said Ripken died Wednesday from complications “due to a serious, undiagnosed medical condition.”
Ripken, 8 years old History in the spotlight That included retrieving bats at a Durham Bulls minor league baseball game and taking a tee kick at a North Carolina State University football game at Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh.
Ripken participated ceremonial pack drop for NHL stadium series outdoor games Between Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals Carter Finley in 2023.
His last appearance was “recovery” Tee kick during home game on December 22nd to the NFL's Carolina Panthers in Charlotte.
The O'Donnell family wrote that Ripken “was happiest when surrounded by people and making friends (and perhaps eating a hot dog or two).”
The Bulls are a Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, located in North Carolina, panthers Everyone praised Ripken in social media posts Friday.
written by bulls Ripken “put smiles on the faces of so many adoring fans” North Carolina State University thanks Mr. Ripken “For bringing so much joy to Wolfpack Nation.”
