PHOENIX — Hank the Ballpark Pup, a stray dog that rose to fame in 2014 after wandering into the Milwaukee Brewers' spring training facility in Maryvale, has passed away, the team announced on Sept. 12.
Hank's story dates back to February 17, 2014, when the Bichon Frise mix was found at what is now called American Family Fields of Phoenix at 51st Avenue and Indian School Road and ended up spending spring training with the Brewers and hanging out with fans who came to the Valley from the Midwest.
He spent his days that spring in the Brewers' clubhouse, running in the famous sausage race (clad in his own hot dog costume) and helping raise money for humane societies in Arizona and Wisconsin. He was even welcomed into the homes of Brewers players and staff members.
After spring training came to an end, Hank was flown to Milwaukee and was a special guest at the Brewers' Opening Day in 2014. He even ended up getting his own doghouse at what is now called American Family Field in Milwaukee.
There was also a controversy in 2016, when fans became concerned that Hank had passed away and that another dog had taken his place. However, the Brewers cleared that up and even used the story to help raise even more money for charity.
Hank was adopted by Brewers Chief Operating Officer Marti Wronski and his family, who announced his passing on Sept. 12, saying, "he lived a comfortable life in at his forever home in Wisconsin."
"Hank was truly loved by our family and we are so grateful for the ten years we had with him," Wronski said in a press release. "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."
If you want to honor Hank's life and the joy he brought to baseball fans, the Brewers and the Wronski family are encouraging fans to make donations to the Wisconsin Humane Society or MADACC (Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission).
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to four major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events every year, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
12Sports on YouTube
Get the latest news and stories from 12Sports on the 12News YouTube channel. And don't forget to subscribe!
