Ripken, a beloved black Labrador Retriever and friend to several Triangle sports teams, has died.
Ripken died on New Year’s Day after “suffering complications from a serious, undiagnosed medical condition which he sadly could not recover from,” according to an Instagram post.
Ripken was usually seen retrieving the kicking tee after kickoffs at NC State football games. He also played the role of “bat dog” at Durham Bulls games, going out to get bats after at-bats.
“Devastated to lose this beloved member of our family,” read a tweet from NC State Athletics. “Thank you, Ripken, for bringing so much joy to Wolfpack Nation. You will be missed.”
Ripken, named after baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr., was a local celebrity of sorts for fans of animals and sports. He started his career in 2019 when he was 3 years old.
Fans often gave heartfelt cheers when Ripken made appearances at games and his journeys were celebrated on national TV shows and social media, where he gained a following. In 2022, Ripken got national exposure on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” He eventually got his own Topps baseball card.
Ripken was part of a ceremonial puck drop at a Carolina Hurricanes game this season. Ripken was most recently at a Carolina Panthers game before Christmas and was seen hanging out with running back Chuba Hubbard.
Ripken also enjoyed a stint with the Savannah Bananas, who came to Durham in 2023.
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