Red Sox grounds director Dave Mellor has a new service dog at Fenway Park
Not too many heartwarming stories have come out of the 2022 Boston Red Sox season, so we have to cling to good news when we can get it.
If you’ve been to Fenway Park in the last eight years, you’ve probably seen senior grounds director Dave Mellor and his noble service dog, Drago. Drago could often be seen enjoying the sunny patches of grass in Fenway’s outfield, enjoying baseballs given to him by the players, and helping Mellor keep the ballpark beautiful. When Drago fathered a litter in 2018, his siblings were adopted by former Red Sox players Rick Porcello and Ian Kinsler.
Drago the German shepherd was long a popular presence at Fenway Park as the service dog of head groundskeeper Dave Mellor.
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) June 24, 2022
Drago died last week, and one of his sons, Keeper, will become Mellor's service dog.
From AP archives, here's Drago in 2018:https://t.co/hgtiftrxsR pic.twitter.com/OLD6II1UOs
While Red Sox Nation is familiar with the incredible story of ‘Dave and Drago,’ it’s also chronicled in Mellor’s book. They were even featured on ESPN.
Fenway groundskeeper Dave Mellor met Drago the service dog in 2014.
— ESPN (@espn) October 5, 2018
They've been inseparable ever since. pic.twitter.com/2DCCxIpExR
Drago tragically passed away earlier this season after having a stroke at the ballpark. Mellor’s tribute to his companion and “best friend” was absolutely heartbreaking.
He was such a huge part of the organization that the Red Sox honored him before a game.
Drago was a true staple of Fenway Park & a beloved member of the Red Sox.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 17, 2022
If you’ve been to the ballpark over the years, you may have seen or met the best friend & companion of Dave Mellor, our senior director of grounds.
You will be missed, Drago. 🐾 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Aug7p0Z4nC
As part of tonight’s pregame ceremony, Red Sox honoring head groundskeeper’s service dog Drago, who passed away last night. Anyone that spent time at Fenway over the last decade likely saw that very good dog on the field with Dave. RIP Drago. pic.twitter.com/JoVJdgFvnF
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) June 17, 2022
Drago has been missed at Fenway this summer, but now, his son, Keeper, will carry on his legacy. On Tuesday, Mellor announced that Keeper would make his ballpark debut when the Sox kicked off their homestand that night.
Fenway grounds director Dave Mellor announced that Drago’s son Keeper will make his Fenway debut tonight as his new service dog 💚 pic.twitter.com/XJuGQQdvUd
— Gabrielle (@gfstarr1) August 23, 2022
So if you come to Fenway Park this season, keep an eye out for the majestic Keeper and his wonderful owner.
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