He has big paws to fill.

But the United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) believes the new puppy they’ve added to the team as an apprentice to Bat Dog J.J. The Field General will be ready to take his place on Jimmy John’s Field when the time comes.

For now he needs a name.

Fans of all ages are encouraged to submit their favorites to the USPBL with the winning name being picked on Friday. Submissions can be made uspbl.com/apprentice-bat-dog-naming-contest/ or on the link posted on social media.

Besides bragging rights the winner of the naming contest will get a free Cabana Suite at Jimmy John’s Field on Opening Day, May 16.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our new puppy in 2025, but we want to make sure that the fans feel involved in every step of the process,” said Andy Appleby, founder and CEO of the USPBL. “Naming our new puppy is the perfect way for the community to be a part of his story from the very beginning. We can’t wait to see all the creative, fun, and clever name ideas that come in!”

The current star of the inning breaks known as J.J. The Field General was also affectionately named by fans when he was a puppy. J.J. made his debut at Jimmy John’s Field in 2018. As with many hunting dogs, J.J. was bred to be a retriever.

What trainers learned along the way was that a dog that can fetch a pheasant can surely be trained to fetch a baseball or bat.

Giving it back, however, comes with experience.

“J.J. started when he was about 18-months-old,” said Dana Schmidt, president of the USPBL and among those who assist with the dog’s care, training and performances.

As a rookie he had no trouble picking up the bats but it took a few games before he learned to give them back, which created some funny moments on the field.

During one game that aired on ESPN, baseball fans were entertained for 10 minutes, while volunteers and most of the players in the game tried to catch the happy dog prancing across the field with a bat in its mouth.

J.J. is a veteran now. He will continue to entertain audiences during the 2025 and 2026 baseball seasons, with his rookie in tow or in the puppy pen, before retiring in 2027. By then his apprentice will be ready to take over the show.

“Our new bat dog is a great addition to our team,” Appleby said. “We’ve been looking for the right personality and energy to bring to the ballpark, and we believe he is going to be a fan favorite. Not only is he going to learn from JJ, who is fantastic at retrieving bats, but he will surely have an infectious spirit that will bring joy to everyone around.”