Thunder Announce Chase's Retirement as Team Returns Home

After years of fetching bats and bring water to thirsty umpires the Trenton Thunder announced on Thursday that Chase, the team's popular "bat dog" will officially retire at the team's July 5 game against the rival Reading Phillies. 

At 13-years-old Chase has served the team well and passed his skills on to his son Derby who has handled all the responsibilities this season. He will fetch one last bat in the first inning before retiring permanently to the dugout. 

As part of the celebration honoring Chase all fans are invited to bring their dogs to the park for a howling good time. The dogs can enter the stadium for free but must either sit on their owner's lap or at their feet during the game. Leashes are required at all times and a grassed area near the first base gate will be made available for their needs. The first 2000 fans 14-and-over will also receive Chase Bobbleheads as part of the celebration. 

Thunder General Manager Will Smith said it will be a special occasion to mark the contributions of a popular pup with the team. "Chase has been the furry face of the franchise for more than 10 years," he said. "Now, unlike most who make their careers on professional baseball fields, he's going out on his own terms."

Derby and the rest of the Thunder will be back in town tomorrow to take on the Richmond Flying Squirrels before welcoming the Binghamton Mets to town. Tomorrow is Cap Day at Arm & Hammer Park with the first 1500 fans over the age of 6 receiving a free cap. 

Saturday night's game is set to feature a fireworks display if the weather allows and will also be Special Olympics night at the park. The two teams are scheduled to wrap their series on Sunday with a special Father's Day celebration including a chance to have a pregame catch with dad on the field. 

Sunday is also Lacrosse day at the park with "Mad Dog", the mascot from the Philadelphia Wings scheduled to make an appearance. Fans who bring their sticks to the game will also have a chance to play catch on the field when the action is over. 

Weather permitting the Thunder will get a day off on Monday before Tuesday night's game against the Mets from upstate New York. The first 1000 fans over the age of 18 will receive a replica jersey of former Red Sox and current Yankee player Kevin Youkilis. The Yankee third baseman did a rehab assignment in Trenton this year and also played for the Thunder when they were a Boston affiliate back in 2002. 

Tuesday night will also be a Kids Eat Free game and all fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs at the park. 

Fans of the New York Giants can meet Super Bowl champion punter Steve Weatherford at Wednesday night's game which is also Faith & Family night and a Bottom Dollar Wednesday. Fans who bring their Bottom Dollar receipt to the park can get tickets for just $8 while available. 

The Mets are scheduled to leave Trenton with a bang on Thursday night as another fireworks display is scheduled to be held after the game. It is also firefighter appreciation night and Thirsty Thursday with beer specials until the middle of the fifth inning.

After the series with the Mets the Thunder will head to Altoona for three games and Akron for another three games before returning home to host Portland on June 21.