It all happened in the midst of an umpire drama.
It’s football season and we all know that during this time, things can get heated. The rivalry between teams and fans that never really go away intensifies. And of course, there’s the umpire drama. But in this light-hearted story, a dog faced off against a rude ump, and the former won over the crowd. The best part? All baseball fans unite against the ump!
The face off between Finn the Bat Dog and the umpire happened during a minor league baseball game between Sacramento River Cats and Las Vegas Aviators. Finn was doing his duty when the ump acted out rudely toward him. As a bat dog, Finn was running to fetch the discarded bat—something he always did well. Everyone was taken aback when the ump picked up the bat and tossed it away from Finn. Immediately, the crowd reacted with “boos,” letting the ump hear their dissatisfaction.
It was a rare moment of unity among baseball fans, wherein they came together to support the dog and oppose the ump’s behavior. After what happened, Finn didn’t get distracted. He ran and still collected the bat, just like what he always did. A very good boy, indeed!
Finn as the MVP
Finn the Bat Dog was a black Labrador Retriever, known as the official bat dog of the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators. He added joy and excitement to the Minor Baseball League community, as he performed at every home game by jumping over chairs and fences. Aside from this, he also brought water to the umpires and performed other tricks like sitting on a model fire hydrant.
He joined the team in 2015, and in 2019, he went viral after the rude umpire threw away the bat he was supposed to fetch. In 2024, Finn finally retired and was given a nice send-off and a golden bat as a commemorative gift. Sadly, shortly after his retirement, Finn passed away due to cancerous tumors. Fans went online to pay tribute to the Most Valuable Pup of Aviators, and some of them even said that he was the best part of every game.
Finn’s fan base grew over the years, even when he aged gracefully. And it’s not hard to see why. Finn has been described as a “natural” when it comes to grabbing baseball bats. According to his owner, Fred Hassen, Finn has been field-trained to grab ducks and it helped with his bat-grabbing skills.
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Athletic Dog Breeds
As a Labrador Retriever, Finn was an athletic dog breed. And considering all the things he had done with the Aviators, he could also be labeled as an at athlete. Breeds like this are great for those who are looking for a companion for their athletic pursuits. Labs are likewise known for their ability to hunt and hike, making them an ideal candidate as service dogs.
Border Collie and German Shepherd are other dog breeds popular for their high energy and athleticism. A Border Collie ranks among the most intelligent breeds and are often found competing in dog sports. If you’d like to have one as a pet, take note that they’re best suited in a home where they can have lots of physical and mental exercise. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are the working dogs of military and police departments. They can climb walls, jump high, and run at a speed of over 30 miles per hour! Even if a GSD will be a pet, remember that they’re still a working dog breed. They will need something to do that will serve as an outlet for their energy and drive.
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From The Club
Finn the Bat Dog is dearly missed, but it’s always great to look back at the moment when he united baseball fans by facing against a grumpy ump. Finn was an example of how our canine friends can stay unfazed and dedicated to what they do. I’m sure he made every home game a special one. A quick search online will show other videos of Finn performing his duties. I think watching these is a wonderful way to remind us of this pup’s joyful spirit and loyalty.
