The Snorting Bull

When people think of the Durham Bulls’ ballpark they think of the Bull, as in the mechanical snorting bull that was brought to life in the 1988 film Bull Durham.

The original bull was a movie prop that Hollywood created for Kevin Costner & Co. and then left behind for use at Durham’s original Athletic Park. When Durham Bulls Athletic Park opened in 1995, the prop was put out to a pasture of sorts by being placed in the new park’s first base concourse, where it was hung and enjoyed a lengthy stay until finally being removed after 13 years.

So it was a replica snorting bull that debuted when the DBAP did. It first stood tall in right field, before getting moved in 1998 to behind the big blue wall in left field, where the 20’ x 30’ bull now looms near the foul pole in a fan plaza that was built in 2008.

The billboard-style bull is supported by three black steel beams and became double-sided in 2008 to coincide with the opening of the left field plaza. Prior to that, the bull’s backside was barren. Then as it is now, the bull was made of wood and sheet metal.

While many changes have occurred to it over the years, the Snorting Bull’s primary function has remained the same and when a home team player homers the bull goes into action. As the Bulls’ hitter circles the bases, three things happen simultaneously:
 1. Puffs of smoke spew from the bull’s nostrils, hence the “Snorting Bull” moniker
 2. The bull’s eyes light red, thanks to embedded LED lights
 3. The tail wags, which accounts for the bull’s mechanized ability

The big bovine’s displays of celebration also occur following every Durham Bulls victory.

Of course, it’s not just what the bull does that has made it so famous. Much of its enduring appeal comes from the "Hit Bull Win Steak" slogan that is emblazoned on a sign that is a part of the piece.

There’s truth in that slogan too, as any batter that hits the bull-sized bullseye does indeed win a steak from a local restaurant.

Also, while the base of the sign has always been a field of grass, nowadays that grass has its own motto: “Hit Grass Win Salad.”

That’s ballpark humor at its finest. And the Snorting Bull is one of the finest examples of local creativity you’ll ever see in a ballpark, even if the original idea for it didn’t originate in Durham.