Trenton Bat Dog Dies: Chase, The Bat-Retrieving Dog For Thunder, Is Dead At 13 [VIDEO]

The Trenton Thunder baseball team has lost a valuable member of its team. The loveable bat-retrieving Golden Retriever, better known as Chase, died Monday after suffering from cancer since February in addition to arthritis over a period of years. He was 13 years old. The Yankee's Double-A team honored him just three days prior with a dual birthday and retirement party, the New York Post reported.

"Chase was there a long time. He put a lot of smiles on people's faces," Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain, who played in Trenton, said.

Chase arrived on the scene as the Thunder's bat dog in 2002. He would walk onto the field and retrieve bats -- sometimes being distracted by the ball -- and bring them back to the dugout. He sometimes carried a basket around his neck filled with cold, bottled water for the umpires. On June 4, he became the first dog to ever be honored at Yankee Stadium after a personal invitation from the team's general manager Brian Cashman, the Huffington Post reported.

"Chase was such a tremendous part of the Trenton Thunder identity for more than 10 years," Thunder general manager Will Smith said. "His presence at Arm & Hammer Park or in the community was the epitome of the wholesome family entertainment for which we strive. Our ballplayers, staff, season ticket holders and all the men, women and children who he entertained and interacted with over the past decade will miss him dearly."

Chase's last game was Friday night, where Trenton fans sat in the stands with their beloved dogs. A tribute to Chase's career was played on the big screen as he lied by first base. He finally got up to retrieve Eduardo Nunez's -- who is now back on the Yankees -- bat, receiving a vigorous cheer from the crowd. Chase's legacy still continutes, however, as he is succeeded by two pups, Yahoo Sports reported. His son Derby has taken over for the Thunder, with the second, Ollie, serves on the Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A team of the Toronto Blue Jays.