UC Davis has introduced an extraordinary team member to their baseball team. Cori is a Labrador Retriever who has taken on the role of the bat-retrieving dog, charming players and fans alike. Now in her second year with the team, Cori’s presence has turned into a source of joy and unity for everyone involved.
Bat dog ‘Cori’ brings joy to the UC Davis baseball team during games
Sam Papp, a pitcher for the UC Davis baseball team, shared his amazement at having such a unique teammate. “I’ve never seen a bat dog before, not even on Instagram,” he said. It’s clear that Cori is far from just any ordinary dog as her role during the games elevates the spirit in the stadium and creates a personal connection between her and the team members.
Not only does Cori dazzle the crowd by fetching bats during the games, but she also plays an important role in boosting the team’s morale. Her efforts do not go unnoticed as she has quickly become a highlight of the games for fans — as per ABC10. Pitcher Raceman Otto said, “She’s a fan favorite… It’s just a good time having her out there.”
This extraordinary display of interspecies teamwork has not only drawn the team closer but has also become a signature spectacle that lights up the stadium. Furthermore, Cori’s responsibilities extend beyond the baseball diamond; she also retrieves the tee after kickoffs at UC Davis football games.
Cori’s journey to becoming the team’s bat dog began when she was adopted by Lisa Ann Tell, a veterinarian and professor at Davis. Tell proposed the idea to head coach Tommy Nicholson, who quickly realized the positive impact Cori could bring to the team. “It’s hard not to be in a good mood around her,” said athletic trainer Alicia Champagne. Noel Valdez, a pitcher, also expressed his delight, “You get into the dugout, and there’s a support animal in there… You’re just like a kid again.”
UC Davis proudly stands as potentially the only college team to incorporate a bat-retrieving dog into their roster.
