Hank, the beloved stray ballpark pup who became an overnight sensation and captured widespread and enduring community attention a decade ago, has passed away, the Milwaukee Brewers have announced.
The fluffy white pooch died early Thursday morning, according to a statement released by the team and corresponding social media posts.
Today, we said goodbye to the best ballpark pup 💔
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) September 13, 2024
All of Brewers nation will miss you, Hank pic.twitter.com/2p5djKz9sv
The history of the relationship that Hank forged with not only Brewers fans but animal lovers everywhere began in February 2014 in Maryvale, Arizona, the spring training home of the Brewers. The disheveled stray wandered into the Brewers Arizona complex and warmed up to Brewers players, coaches and staff at first sight.
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Throughout that spring, Hank spent his days at the complex and his nights in the safety of those associated with the Brewers. Each day, Hank participated in team activities, ranging from workouts on the field to meet-and-greets with fans attending games.
At the conclusion of spring training, Hank was officially adopted by the family of Brewers Chief Operating Officer Marti Wronski. For the past 10 years, Hank lived a comfortable life at his “forever home,” cared for by the Wronski family, according to the Brewers.
“Hank was truly loved by our family and we are so grateful for the ten years we had with him,” Wronski said. “Hank seemed to know that he was rescued by the entire Brewers family and he never met a fan, or really any human, he didn’t love. We are heartbroken to be without him but are grateful for the joy he brought to so many and the spotlight he helped shine on animal rescue.”
The pup’s popularity among Brewers fans remained so strong that at the start of the 2015 season a kiosk of Hank-related items was installed at what was then known as Miller Park (currently American Family Field) that featured Hank T-shirts, plush toys, and dog leashes. High-end collectibles, such as a Hank-worn All-Star game jersey, made especially for him, a dog’s bowl with food residue still visible, and a bed on which Hank once slept, were made available for fans at a pretty penny, with proceeds benefitting animal rescue.
The Brewers and the Wronski family encourage donations to the Wisconsin Humane Society or the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) for those who wish to honor Hank’s life.
