After dedicating nearly half her life to retrieving bats for the Clearwater Threshers, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies and based in Florida, Layla’s career came to an emotional end last Friday. The white retriever was celebrated with a grand ceremony, cheered on by fans and cherished by team members, as depicted in a video shared by the Clearwater Threshers on the social media platform X.
"Yes, we’re crying. Layla’s last bat," the team remarked in their post. The 45-second video showcased Layla entering the diamond for the final time, greeted by applause and cheers from the whole stadium. Shortly after, her handler directed her to pick up a bat lying on the ground, and as soon as she did, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
Andrew Davis, Layla’s owner, mentioned in an interview with local media outlet Fox 13 that Layla became the team’s bat dog after he contacted Dominic Repper, the team’s promotions manager. Davis had shared a viral video of Layla fetching beer cans, which inspired Repper to invite the dog to serve as the official bat retriever for the team.
"Once it took off, there was no stopping it. I never expected to have a famous dog," Davis told the news portal. However, the six years of retrieving bats took a toll on Layla, and her pace began to slow down. Concerned for her health, Davis reached out to team officials to express his doubts about her ability to continue the following year.
The team members, along with Repper, decided to honor her with an emotional retirement ceremony at the stadium and organized a retirement party during the game on Friday, July 19. The video shared by the team on social media quickly went viral, with many people expressing their gratitude, emotions, and affection for the former bat dog.
Davis revealed to Fox 13 that although Layla has retired, the position of bat dog won’t remain vacant for long, as her sister Lucy will soon take over the role. Recently, another heartwarming message involving a dog went viral. A man in Miami left his dog in the car to protect it from the heat, with a sign explaining, "My driver will be back soon. 72°F," for the curious onlookers.
FAQs About Layla, the Clearwater Threshers' Bat Dog
Here are some frequently asked questions about Layla, the beloved bat dog of the Clearwater Threshers, and her recent retirement.
How long did Layla serve as the Clearwater Threshers' bat dog?
Layla served as the Clearwater Threshers' bat dog for six years.
Who inspired Layla's role as a bat dog?
Dominic Repper, the team’s promotions manager, was inspired by a viral video of Layla fetching beer cans shared by her owner, Andrew Davis.
Who will take over Layla's role as bat dog?
Layla's sister, Lucy, will take over the role of bat dog for the Clearwater Threshers.