Farewell to Finn: Honoring the Aviators’ Bat Dog
Las Vegas Aviators fans said a heartfelt goodbye this week to Finn, the team’s beloved bat dog.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our longtime bat dog, Finn. For years, Finn brought joy, excitement, and so much love to everyone at Las Vegas Ballpark and to all of you—our incredible fans.
Finn wasn’t just a part of the team, he was family. His wagging… pic.twitter.com/tOfmxP1fVx
— Las Vegas Aviators (@AviatorsLV) October 21, 2024
The Aviators announced Finn’s passing on Monday, sharing a touching tribute on X: “To Finn, thank you for being our good boy. Thank you for all the memories, the smiles, and for being there through every inning. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will always live on at the ballpark.” Since 2016, Finn had been more than a bat dog; he was a good-luck charm and fan favorite, fetching bats and making fans smile through countless innings. Though Finn retired in April, his impact on the Aviators’ community will be remembered.
Finn, bat dog of the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, officially retired from his bat retrieving and fan engagement duties and was given a fitting farewell party.
The first 2,000 fans who entered Las Vegas Ballpark received a commemorative Finn jersey, and the black Labrador had a long line of Aviators fans waiting to fete him in a meet-and-greet.
Honoring Pets Across the Nation
While Finn was a star in minor league baseball, pets and animal mascots have captured the hearts of fans across major sports leagues as well. In Major League Baseball, teams like the New York Mets have incorporated “Rally Cat” into their games, symbolizing good luck after a stray cat wandered onto the field mid-game.
Other teams engage with animal-themed events, such as Bark at the Park nights with the Milwaukee Brewers, where fans bring their dogs to enjoy the game from pet-friendly sections. The St. Louis Cardinals honor “Rally Squirrel,” who became a legend after a squirrel’s unexpected appearance on the field during a playoff run. The furry icon became a symbol of luck, with Rally Squirrel merchandise still a popular choice among fans. In the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks feature a live hawk named Taima, who leads the team out onto the field at every home game.
@FinnTheBatDog – Instagram
Finn and these other animal mascots demonstrate the joy and community connection that animals can bring to sports. As the Aviators and fans mourn Finn’s loss, they also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind as a treasured part of the Aviators family.
