TAMPA — The Tampa Tarpons have let the (hot) dogs out.
Plenty of ballclubs schedule a bark-in-the-park night or two. The Tarpons — the Single-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, and the club that turned its ballpark over to the Tampa Bay Rays last season — do it all season long.
Every Tuesday home game at George M. Steinbrenner Field is Tail Waggin’ $2 Tuesdays, when fans and their four-legged companions get in for $2 and hot dogs, beer and even pup cups go for the same price through the second inning. Dog-themed games and giveaways fill out the night. Two dates remain: Aug. 18 against the Daytona Tortugas and Sept. 1 against the Dunedin Blue Jays.
Before the July 28 game, the Tarpons presented a $1,000 check to the Do Like Raleigh Roo Foundation. Founder Katie Wojdyla threw out the ceremonial first pitch, joined by the charity’s namesake, Raleigh, a three-legged pit bull mix.
The Clearwater-based nonprofit, which is at every Tail Waggin’ Tuesday, provides support and financial assistance to animal rescues and to families caring for animals with special needs. Raleigh works the breezeway, greeting arriving fans and their dogs.
Also on hand is Veterinary Emergency Group, which recently opened a Northdale location in the former Bob Evans restaurant near Gaither High School. Staff members pass out treats, giveaways and information. The company operates 120 hospitals in the United States and Canada and provides round-the-clock emergency care.
The dogs, meanwhile, are part of the show. Bark-inducing sound effects play during the game in hopes of rattling opposing hitters, and more than a few pups spend the evening eyeing the field and wondering whether they will get their turn to fetch.
Other area minor league teams roll out the welcome mat, too.
On the last Friday home game of each month, the Clearwater Threshers, the Single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, become the Clearwater Beach Dogs — an alternate identity honoring late bat dog Layla and current bat dog Lucy May, who made a memorable debut in 2024. Those nights, with two remaining Aug. 21 and Sept. 4, include deals on specialty drinks and food, plus local rescue groups such as Suncoast Animal League, SPCA Tampa Bay and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. In Dunedin, the Blue Jays, the Single-A affiliate of their Toronto namesake, hosted a dog weekend in early July.
For those who want to bark at the park at the major league level, the Rays will host their second and final Dog Days at the Rays on Sept. 13, a 1:40 p.m. game against the Houston Astros at Tropicana Field. Dogs need their own ticket, which comes with a dog-themed gift and a seat in the MaintenX SkyDeck in upper-deck left field.
Tail Waggin’ $2 Tuesdays
Two games remain this season: Aug. 18 against the Daytona Tortugas and Sept. 1 against the Dunedin Blue Jays. Gates open at 6 p.m., weather permitting. Information: milb.com/tampa/tickets/tail-waggin-tuesday; roofoundation.org