Ripken the Bat Dog, the tee-fetching black Labrador Retriever at NC State football and Durham Bulls games, died on Jan. 1, 2025 due to a severe, undiagnosed illness, leaving a void that seems impossible to fill in Carter-Finley Stadium and our hearts.
As I sit here, struggling to find words that can adequately capture the impact of this extraordinary dog, I’m transported back to the fall of 2022. I was at my first home game as a member of the marching band, and I’ll never forget the first time I witnessed over 50,000 fans erupt into deafening cheers — not for a touchdown or an interception, but for a black Lab bounding across the field, tee clutched proudly in his mouth.
A budding correspondent for Technician at the time, I instantly visited our newspaper’s website to see if there was any mention of this enigmatic canine. To my surprise there was none, and I decided to reach out to Ripken’s Instagram account in what I thought was a long-shot attempt.
Only four hours later, Ripken’s owner Michael O’Donnell agreed to speak with me and we met for an interview in a matter of days. This article would become more than just my final piece to earn a staff position — it would be the beginning of a profound connection that would shape my college experience.
I remember our first interaction. O’Donnell spoke with such pride as he recounted Ripken’s journey; being born to tee-retriever Cowboy Kohl at Boise State University, to retrieving bats with the Holly Springs Salamanders, the Durham Bulls and then retrieving tees with NC State. In our conversation, it was clear that Ripken wasn’t just a working dog; he was family. This sentiment was reinforced every time I saw them together on the sidelines — the bond between man and dog was palpable, a partnership built on trust, love and shared joy.
To call Ripken merely a tee-fetching dog would be a disservice to his legacy. He was a force of nature, a beacon of joy that lit up Carter-Finley Stadium with each appearance. His sideline barking was a rallying cry, his cuddles with football players a testament to his gentle nature and his star appearances at NHL and NFL games proof of his widespread appeal and celebrity status.
But it was those moments on the playing field that truly defined Ripken’s magic. Being a member of the band, I had a front-row seat to the Ripken show. The pre-game rush to pet him and snap a quick picture became our cherished tradition, a moment of pure joy before the intensity of the game took over.
For us in the marching band, Ripken was more than a mascot — he was a fellow performer, a friend who shared our pre-game jitters and halftime elation. His presence on the sidelines was a constant reminder of the joy that exists in sports beyond the competition.
Ripken’s impact extended far beyond the confines of Carter-Finley Stadium. He became a symbol in the NC State canon. His ability to unite thousands with a wagging tail and boundless enthusiasm was nothing short of miraculous. Even once at my summer job, I struck up a conversation with a Wolfpack fan who said she started going to NC State and Durham Bulls games just to see the prized hound.
As we grapple with the loss of this icon, we’re reminded of the incredible impact one dog can have on a community. Ripken wasn’t just NC State’s dog; he was family to every student, alumni and fan who had the privilege of seeing him work his magic. Like most of us, Ripken wasn’t born into the Wolfpack family; but he is forever a part of it.
Michael O’Donnell, we owe you a debt of gratitude. Thank you for sharing Ripken with us, and for allowing him to become such an integral part of our college and gameday experience. Your dedication to Ripken’s training and well-being enabled him to touch countless lives and create memories that will last a lifetime.
To NC State, it’s indeed time to immortalize Ripken’s legacy. A statue would be a fitting tribute to a dog who brought so much joy and unity to our community. It would stand as a reminder of the power of a found family, the importance of community and the value of enjoying the simple joys in life.
Rest in peace, Ripken. You were more than our tee dog — you were our friend, our inspiration and a shining example of what it means to live life with enthusiasm and love. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of every Wolfpack fan who had the privilege of seeing you work your magic on the field. We’ll miss your barks, your wagging tail and the way you could make an entire stadium forget about rivalries and scores, if only for a moment.
You’ll forever be our good boy, Ripken. Thank you for the memories, the joy and for showing us what it truly means to be a part of the Wolfpack family.
