The Arkansas Travelers, Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners in the Texas League, will pay tribute to an employee of 50 years and his best friend when they rebrand as the “Barkansas Dizzys” for a week this season. Travelers’ Vice President of Stadium Operations Greg Johnston, who marks a half century with the team this year, doesn’t go anywhere without ballpark pup Dizzy, “The Goodest Boy in Baseball.”
Dizzy, the centerpiece of the team’s temporary rebrand, is a fixture at the ballpark, where he can be found cruising the concourse with a baseball in his mouth. Per the team, he is often found on the field before games chasing baseballs or rolling in the grass before retreating to the concourse, where he signs “pawtographs” for fans.
“Greg got a dog in 2017 as a puppy, and his idea behind it was, I’m going to raise this dog at the ballpark,” said Travelers General Manager Sophie Ozier. “He’s just become a staple. He sits at the home plate gate with Greg during the game and our fans love him. He goes in the clubhouse with the players. Everyone seems to love Dizzy and gravitate to him. He truly is the best dog I’ve ever been around.”
The logos, designed by local design firm Eric Rob & Isaac, feature Dizzy with a baseball in his mouth, set in a color palette inspired by the Mariners gold and blue, as well as the “English Cream” of Dizzy’s fur. A script wordmark is underscored by a retriever’s signature tail. The logo set also includes an alternate D with a bone through it.
Dogs will be allowed inside the ballpark at all six games June 10–15, when the Travs take the field as the Barkansas Dizzys. There will be a “Pitching Dizzy” bobblehead giveaway June 12, a dog bandana celebrating Dizzy’s 8th birthday June 14, and dog-friendly drone shows instead of fireworks June 13 and 14.
