The dogs have had their day(s). On Wednesday night, it was feline time.
The Norfolk Tides hosted “Take Meowt to the Ball Game” for the first time, inviting cats and their owners to Harbor Park as the Tides took on the Nashville Sounds.
Norfolk fell 4-0 as the Sounds scored two runs the first inning against Tides starter Scott Blewett in his major league rehab assignment.
But the cats didn’t seem to lose any fur over it.
Meowski, a Sphynx cat, sat on owner Connor Thompson’s shoulder. Jasper, Jack, Malfoy and Gatsby were among the cats who showed up with their owners, along Teeter and Gomez, who came to the game together. The youngest was likely Toji, a 7-week-old polydactyl cat (a cat with more than the usual number of toes).
Official cat attendance, according to the Tides: 20.
For years, the Tides have hosted multiple “Bark at the Park” events each season, welcoming dogs to Harbor Park. Dogs were invited five times already this season with another “Bark at the Park” scheduled for Sept. 21.
On Wednesday, fans were encouraged to bring cat and dog food donations for a pet pantry food drive. Cats were required to remain on a leash or in a carrier or backpack while in the stadium, and owners, the Tides said in a promo, were responsible for their cat’s waste.
Jasper pokes his head through the seats at Harbor Park as the Norfolk Tides take on the Nashville Sounds on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot)
On the field, Norfolk (56-74) suffered its sixth shutout loss of the season and managed just seven hits against starter Robert Gasser (three inings) and Bruce Zimmerman (six innings). Zimmerman, who pitched in more than 60 games for the Tides between 2021 and last season, struck out eight while allowing five hits and walking one.
Enrique Bradfield Jr. was 0 for 4 and remained hitless since joining Norfolk this week after a promotion from Double-A Chesapeake.
The teams continue their series Thursday with a 12:05 p.m. game at Harbor Park, scheduled to be televised on MASN. Norfolk RHP Carson Ragsdale (1-1, 1.80) and Nashville RHP Chad Patrick (2-3, 3.96) are the scheduled starters.
Jami Frankenberry, jami.frankenberry@pilotonline.com
Staff photographer Kendall Warner contributed to this story.
Jack the cat sits with his family (from left) Gus, Dan and Meridyth Hollingshead in the stands at Harbor Park during Take Meowt To The Ball Game as the Norfolk Tides take on the Nashville Sounds on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot)
