DURHAM, N.C. — Ripken The Bat Dog, a black Labrador renowned for his skills in retrieving bats and football kicking tees at various sporting events across North Carolina, has passed away, according to the family that trained him.

On Friday, the O’Donnell family shared the sad news on Facebook, revealing that Ripken died on Wednesday due to complications stemming from a serious medical issue that had not been diagnosed.

Ripken, aged 8, was a beloved figure in local sports, participating in minor-league baseball games for the Durham Bulls where he would fetch bats, as well as at N.C. State college football games held at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, where he would kick tees.

In 2023, he was part of a ceremonial puck drop during the NHL Stadium Series outdoor game featuring the Carolina Hurricanes against the Washington Capitals at Carter-Finley. His final appearance took place on December 22, when he retrieved a kicking tee during a home game for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers in Charlotte.

The O’Donnell family reflected on Ripken’s joyful nature, stating that he was at his happiest when surrounded by people and making friends, and he had a particular fondness for hot dogs.

Numerous teams paid tribute to Ripken on social media following the announcement of his passing. The Durham Bulls, the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, shared that Ripken “put smiles on so many adoring fans’ faces.” Meanwhile, N.C. State expressed gratitude for the joy he brought to the Wolfpack community.