Milo the Bat Dog helps to raise $3,200 for local veterans
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Red Wings paid tribute at the game at Innovative Field on Friday to the beloved Milo the Bat Dog, who died at age 7.
Milo died on May 7 after a battle with liver disease. During Milo’s time fetching bats for players, he also raised money for local nonprofits through the Milo Making a Difference Campaign.
Even after death, that campaign continues to make an impact. At the game, the Red Wings presented $3,200 each to Honor Flight Rochester and the Veterans Outreach Center after a match from the company Flower City Group.
Milo’s owner Josh Snyder threw the first pitch at the game against the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. The first 5,000 fans received Milo The Bat Dog posters and there was an on-field ceremony to honor Milo before the National Anthem.
Milo joined the Red Wings team in 2019. Snyder and the Red Wings promotions director had the idea of training Milo to retrieve bats in front of thousands of fans at Innovative Field. He not only did that but served as a companion for baseball players and staff.
Through the Milo Making a Difference Campaign, he used his popularity to raise thousands for local nonprofits including the Wounded Veteran Foundation, T.A.P.S., Bivona Child Advocacy Center, and the Society For the Protection and Care of Children. You can donate to the campaign here.
News10NBC spoke with Red Wings general manager Dan Mason on what the furry friend meant to so many.
“When Milo ran out there to grab a bat, the place went crazy. You know, it was some of the best ovations every night,” Mason said. “He was here when it was between pitches, when he was going out to get the guys’ bats. But he was much more than just a dog that ran to get bats again. He was so personable and I think that’s what endeared him to so many of our fans.”
This June was the four-year anniversary of Milo’s first game.