Watch the Trenton Thunder's new bat dog train for his very important job

Trenton Thunder trains adorable new bat dog

By Gemma Kaneko

January 31, 2015

Think you can't watch Spring Training until mid-February? That's not entirely true. Even though pitchers and catchers don't report for a few more weeks, the Trenton Thunder, the Yankees' Double-A affiliate, has something to tide you over and it might just warm your winter-weary heart.

The Thunder has had a bat dog since 2002, and the position has a noble lineage. First there was Chase, then his son Derby. Now Derby's son Rookie is in training for the job:

Just like his grandfather CHASE & his father DERBY...ROOKIE is very happy when he brings the bat back. #3Generations. pic.twitter.com/vNZhChBPge
- Eric Lipsman (@E_Lipsman) January 22, 2015

He's working very, very hard:

Check out the full story at the Times of Trenton. But beware - it's so sweet it might make your teeth hurt:

"You can see how much he loves that bat. It's his little pacifier now," [trainer Shelly Leibowitz] said, watching as Rookie circled the training room with his tail wagging. "This is the day in the life of Rookie, and he's real happy doing it."