Las Vegas Aviators Bat Dog Given Gold Bat For Retirement

The Las Vegas Aviators, Finn the Bat dog, has retired. And what a send off!

I went to the Las Vegas Aviators game Friday night, and I'm happy I did. It was Finn the Bat Dog's last game. It was nothing less than heartwarming - and a lot of fun.

I saw several of Finn's first games, as a rookie bat dog, at Cashman Field, with the (then) Las Vegas 51's. It was quite novel, and fans - especially me - LOVED watching this happy black labrador retriever grab the bat after an at bat, and bring it back to the dugout.

The Las Vegas Aviators are gave out really nice, Finn the Bat Dog jerseys to the first 2000 fans who showed up. And FInn threw out - ok, ran out - the first pitch. And it was perfect. right in the catchers mitt! He also posed with photos with fans, on the field, and off. A very busy night for the bat dog that people grew to love.

Finn joined the club in 2016. He only "worked" a few games. But he became so popular that he started working more games. When the team moved to the new Las Vegas Ballpark Finn moved too.

When the Aviators moved from Cashman Field, Finn was given his own locker room at Las Vegas Ballpark. It had a shower, to keep him cool during those hot summer months, and it also had a TV. Now I don't know what he watched, but good for him!

Finn had another part-time bat dog pal. Lambo worked alongside Finn for a short while, but Lambo has since moved to a permanent bat dog position with the Reno Aces.

Finn and Lambo were both rescues. A big thank you to Trainer Fred Hassen, and his Sit Means Sit Dog Training. He trained both dogs, who are absolutely beautiful dogs - at work and play. I personally a few people who went to the game just to see the bat dog(s).

Finn worked his last game. Often when people retired, the tradition was to give them a gold watch. Finn was given a gold bat. May he enjoy retrieving it - at his leisure - throughout the rest of his retirement!

Finn worked his final game at Las Vegas Ballpark, on Friday, April 19. The Aviators gave him an 11-7 win over The Tacoma Raniers. What a great send off for a beautiful dog!

When many people retired way back when, they were given a gold watch. Finn the Bat Dog was given a beautiful gold bat! Hopefully, he will enjoy it for many years to come - but only when he wants to!

Finn, The Las Vegas Aviators Bat Dog, got a lot of screen time for his last game on the field. The crowd of 8000 plus went nuts anytime Finn was on the field. He worked the first couple innings, then slipped into retirement. And hopefully a nice staycation.

The Las Vegas Aviators gave out really cool commemorative Finn jerseys to the first 2000 people in attendance for Finn's last game. He's pictured with a bat in his mouth on the front. the number 24 on the back - for his retirement year.