Meet Tucker, the Mariners' top paw-spect in camp

This story was originally published on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Everyone within the Mariners' Spring Training complex is in a great mood at this time of year, with the excitement of a new season ahead. But the happiest character in camp is easily their clubhouse dog, Tucker.

It’s not even close.

Endless green grass. Hundreds of pets. Thousands of sniffs. And an absurd amount of treats.

The Mariners’ side of the Peoria Sports Complex has been a haven for the 5-year-old yellow Labrador and retriever mix, who at any given moment can be seen prancing with a wide grin. Turn a corner in the indoor hallways, walk along the outdoor bullpen or anywhere in between, and there he is -- constantly off the leash and on the move.

“When you're talking about putting a dog with this much stimulation, he's just able to handle a lot,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “Whether it's loud music, whether it's different people, some people trying to pet him, some people not paying attention to him. ... He’s been a great addition. The guys like him, and he's kind of just become a part of who we are.”

The only time Tucker halts is if food is involved. It's the lone exception. His favorite quarters of the complex is easily the kitchen that attaches to the outside workout area, and especially in the mornings when breakfast smells permeate. Longtime radio broadcaster Rick Rizzs has been among Tucker’s many victims, particularly for the dog’s favorite food of all, bacon.

“I love that dog,” Rizzs said.

For all the “best shape of his life” clichés at this time of year, treats aside, it’s also true for Tucker, who -- beyond his seemingly endless step count every day -- has occasionally joined Dan Wilson for his afternoon jogs. The Mariners Hall of Famer is making his regular stop to camp in his role as a special assignment coordinator.

This mish-mash of one dog’s personality within a facility that hosts hundreds of people per day all ties back to the greater theme of Spring Training and where Tucker fits in.

For how much fun this time of year can be, it’s also a grind. The hours are long, and the off-days are rare. Whether it’s players fighting for a roster spot, the front office looking to gauge those roster battles, clubhouse staff maintaining the needs of Seattle’s peak of 74 guys in camp or media looking to create compelling content every day, stressors can always arise.

And for the many that have descended on the desert for six long weeks, Tucker has been a personification of joy. They also view him as every bit a team member. Just turn to page 42 of the Mariners’ 2024 media guide.

“I think it is a little bit of a distraction for guys,” Servais said. “And we need that throughout the course of the year.”

To be sure, Tucker’s presence is also ubiquitous during the regular season. He roams the home clubhouse at T-Mobile Park before games, stays put until the ninth inning, then occasionally will fetch in the outfield grass after players have left. His favorite perk of the gig is the grounds crew’s water hose, which has produced some snapshot gold. But it’s just as fulfilling for those on the other end of the nozzle.

“When we’re wrapping up a long homestand, there’s just something so rewarding about watching Tucker come sprinting out of the dugout to greet our crew,” Mariners director of grounds Kevin Dvorak said. “The simple joy of watching him play in the water when we get the hoses out can make any grown man smile.”

Tucker occasionally travels with the Mariners when logistics permit. Otherwise, he spends their road trips with some team staff, including Dvorak, who lives in rural Snohomish, Wash., with a massive greenspace to run free. Other friends of the organization who dogsit have spoiled him with adventures around Seattle, including sailing and visiting the beaches at Alki and Golden Gardens. And yes, he sometimes draws celebrity recognition when out in the wild. Permanently, Tucker resides with a member of the baseball operations staff.

“My kids can’t get enough of him,” Dvorak said. “They love playing with him for hours.”

It’s been a year and a half since the Mariners adopted Tucker from OkanDogs in Eastern Washington, bringing him in for the obvious cause of being the happiest team player, but also to raise awareness for rescues. It’s been a passion for years for Servais and his wife, Jill, who’s currently the president of Team Okanogan Animal Rescue. They heavily vetted dogs who could be comfortable in a high-traffic environment to ensure his personality would fit.

“You look at trying to give back, his life was headed in not such a good place,” Servais said. “And we were able to flip that by people who care and take care of dogs. I can't give enough of a shout out to rescues throughout the state of Washington and the country and what they do.”

As far as anyone can tell, the Mariners are the only MLB team that has a clubhouse dog in a capacity that Tucker fills. Oakland’s adorable Reba has been a denizen of the Coliseum for years, but just with the grounds crew. The Mets have adopted a few dogs to train them to eventually become service dogs for veterans with disabilities; same for the Phillies.

Baseball is life for those who work in this highly competitive industry, on and off the field. But that’s also true for Tucker, who brings joyous levity to it all.