The Trenton Thunder Bat Dogs were a a part of the team photo on Wednesday.
TRENTON - The bigger the star you are, the less waiting you have to do.
Recently, the Trenton Thunder took their annual team photo for 2016. After much planning, the lighting and positioning on the field were set.
The word "THUNDER" was emblazoned on the main screen at center field while the song "Hey Ya!" by Outkast played on the stadium's speakers, with the lyrics "Shake it like Polaroid Picture."
The players and coaches began filing into position and waiting.
Then, when everyone else was set, the two who are arguably the biggest stars on the team, the Thunder's bat dogs Derby and Rookie, were led into their positions on the corners.
Generations of Trenton Thunder bat dogs beloved by fans
Smile! Click...click...click.
It was over in an instant and the word was given that the dogs could move. With that one command, Derby and Rookie, father and son, done with their work, dashed off their marks and playfully romped around the outfield while the players headed back in to change for batting practice.
Later that evening, Derby kept New York Yankees' designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (on a rehab assignment) waiting at the plate while the second generation bat dog retrieved the previous batter's lumber.
Two big stars at the plate.
Michael Mancuso may be reached at mmancuso@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @michaelmancuso Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.