The Philadelphia Phillies have a new furry friend.
Tugger, the team’s new service-dog-to-be, made his debut during Wednesday’s doubleheader against the San Diego Padres. A yellow labrador retriever, Tugger was photographed looking sleepy while in the arms of Phillies relief pitcher Orion Kerkering.
Tugger stuns in @MLB debut pic.twitter.com/1Wqt9OtM8C
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 2, 2025
Tugger also had a great moment with The Phillie Phanatic during the doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa.
TUGGER AND THE PHANATIC pic.twitter.com/Afn1eWcCWr
— cam ! (@aokstott) July 2, 2025
OMG pic.twitter.com/HRL9INNsLo
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 2, 2025
Earlier in the week, the Phillies announced that Tugger, who is named after late franchise great Tug McGraw, was joining the team with the ultimate goal of becoming an accredited service dog and being able to support a veteran with a disability. Tugger is a 10-week-old service-dog-in-training and is joining the Phillies through a partnership between Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection.
Meet Tugger, the Phillies new service-pup in training!
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 30, 2025
Tugger is named after beloved Phillie and Marine reservist Tug McGraw, and will embark on a mission to support a veteran with a disability, thanks to Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection. pic.twitter.com/sik00spjAR
Needless to say, the Internet absolutely loved the Phillies’ new pupper. When the Phillies went on to win the second leg of the doubleheader against the Padres by a final score of 5-1, the team’s official X page posted a message about “win[ning] one for Tugger.” Fans also followed suit by posting about the Phillies’ success to kick off the Tugger era.
Ya gotta believe we'd win one for Tugger#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/5SvTGbeC6x
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 3, 2025
Phillies have not lost a series in the Tugger era pic.twitter.com/A2pFCZiPCO
— Connor Thomas (@ConnorThomas975) July 3, 2025
Baseball has a rich history of collaborations with our four-legged buddies, particularly when it comes to bat dogs. Now Tugger has become the latest welcome addition to the list of famous canines in the sport.
