LOS ANGELES — At Dodger Stadium’s Pups in the Park event this year, former Dodger pitcher Orel Hershiser spent time with a dog that has his own athletic history on that very field.
Macho the dog is a 5-year-old Russell Terrier.
What You Need To Know
- Macho is a talented Russell Terrier who also a national champion dock diver
- Former Dodger greats Orel Hershiser, Mike Scioscia and Steve Garvey helped prepare Macho for his run for the record
- Macho also participated in the Dodgers Pups at the Park promotional night in May
He enjoys skateboarding, surfing and is a dock diving national champion. Last fall, Macho attempted to set the Guinness World Record for running the bases at Dodger Stadium.
“He's just an absolutely amazing dog,” said Macho’s owner and trainer Lori Signs. “We’re just huge Dodger and baseball fans and one day we thought, 'Wow, wouldn't it be incredible to have a dog run the bases?'”
It took a few attempts to find the right strategy.
“At first we started out with treats and it didn't work out too well for us,” said Signs. “He was stopping at each base and eating the treats.”
They decided to use balloons at each base and spent over a year practicing the routine.
Guest coaches were called in to help Macho finalize his technique. Former Dodgers Orel Hershiser and Mike Scioscia passed on their knowledge from their playing days at Dodger Stadium.
“When he gets out there and you see him starting to cut those bases, you're gonna see why he’s a true champion,” said Scioscia.
In September 2021, Macho arrived at Dodger Stadium to attempt to set the record in front of an official Guinness World Record adjudicator. In his Dodger themed collar, Macho took off around the bases and performed almost perfectly. His trainer was ecstatic as Macho made his way home to hear the verdict.
“Today, you attempted the Guinness World Records title for the fastest time for a dog to run the bases,” said Michael Furnari, the official Guinness World Records adjudicator. “The minimum to beat is 24 seconds. You ran the bases in 21.06 seconds. Congratulations, Macho.”
“Macho just has a special gift. He has been the most talented dog I've ever worked with,” said Signs. “He is willing and able to do anything I want him to do and [he] tries his hardest.
Steve Garvey and Jaime Jarrin held Macho as the official plaque was presented at home plate.
Many records have been set at Dodger Stadium, and Macho can add his to the list.