New Hampshire's "Big Paw-pi" to retire

Manchester, N.H. - Following in the footsteps of the great Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, affectionately known as "Big Papi," the Fisher Cats have announced the farewell tour of the team's beloved Bat Dog, Ollie. Communicating through a dog whisperer, Ollie announced his retirement to team officials earlier this week. The tour is slated to end with Ollie's final game on Labor Day, September 5. The golden retriever will also make an appearance at games on Saturday and Sunday as the Fisher Cats take on the Portland Sea Dogs (AA - Red Sox). Click here for tickets. 

Born in 2008, the lovable golden retriever has been fetching bats for Fisher Cats hitters for more than six seasons. At 56 dog-years-young, he will now be afforded more time for walks, long naps, and basking in the warm summer sun.

"Ollie is as well known around the ballpark as some of our players," said Fisher Cats President and General Manager Rick Brenner, who is also Ollie's human "dad." "His personality is laid-back, and he is calm to the hype--much like that of the other professionals on the field."

Like most of baseball's greats, Ollie has a routine on gamedays: getting rest, taking practice runs before appearing on the field, and receiving high-fives and pats on the back for a job well done. Fans can take part in the official retirement ceremony and recognition of Ollie's service to the team at Monday's season finale game.

The Fisher Cats continue their final homestand of 2016 tonight versus the Trenton Thunder (AA - Yankees) at 6:35 p.m. The game will feature Atlas Fireworks presented by UNH-Manchester, and all fans in UNH gear will receive a free water bottle. The Portland Sea Dogs (AA - Red Sox) arrive in Manchester on Friday for a four-game series that concludes on Labor Day. There will be Atlas Fireworks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and Monday's Labor Day finale will feature the Red Sox Showcase and an appearance by Wally the Green Monster in addition to Ollie's official retirement recognition.