Gone to the dogs
Published on May 3, 2006 under International League (IL1)
Columbus Clippers News Release
Thursday is Dog Lovers Night at The Coop. Canines have had a long history in Columbus baseball. The city's first pennant winner, the 1892 Reds, had a white American Bull Terrier as a mascot. She sleep under the bench during the games and can be seen napping under manager Gus Schmelz' chair in the team's official photo.
In the first decade of the 20th century, the Senators adopted a spotted mutt that snuck into Neil Park one night. For years, the small dog would chase down foul balls and return them to the diamond. Spot must have been pretty good at his job because on April 11, 1912, Columbus and Kansas City played an entire nine inning game with just one baseball. Columbus had four spitball pitchers on the team who no doubtedly benefited from the "slobber" ball. The pup became so popular with local fans that a local paper ran cartoons about him.
A pair of German Shepards have patrolled The Coop at night during most of its 74 year history. The last pair, Lucky and Lassie, passed away in the late 90's. The last canine at The Coop was Missy. Missy was a favorite of school children, who visited her for years, in her doghouse under the scoreboard in right-center field. Missy passed away last summer.
Our ground crew have a soft spot in their hearts for all kinds of animals that live at Cooper Stadium. In the mid 80s, a cat had a litter of kittens in the tarp tube along the third base line. Her descendents still inhabit the park.
Not all critters are welcome. The Yankees were playing the Clippers in an exhibition game in the 90's, when a raccoon wandered onto the field. The fans howled as the grounds crew chased the intruder around the diamond in a routine worthy of the Keystone Kops. The raccoon was finally captured and released in to the wild.
Thursday, in honor of Dog Lovers Night, Jake the Diamond Dog will appear at The Coop.
Jake "The Diamond Dog" has long held the title of the best utility dog in baseball. On the field, Jake is a triple threat: He retrieves foul balls, performs batboy duties and brings the umpires refreshments. Come and enjoy the day the game goes to the dogs!
Dog Lovers Night sponsored by Friends of The Shelter. There will be an opportunity to adopt a dog at Gate #1 between 6 PM and 7 PM.
Also remember that it is Q-FM-96 Quencher Corner Night, which offers a larger serving of your favorite beverage in the left field party area, plus great menu items from Rooster's and Cornhole tournaments.
International League Stories from May 3, 2006
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- Bulls return tomorrow - Durham Bulls
- Bisons Notes - Buffalo Bisons
- Gone to the dogs - Columbus Clippers
- SkyChiefs Live on Time Warner Sports - Syracuse Mets
- Community Baseball Club of Central New York adds two members - Syracuse Mets
- Knights Become First Team To 20 Wins - Charlotte Knights
- Hens Return Home To Face Two IL South Opponents - Toledo Mud Hens
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