HANK, THE BALLPARK PUP!

I've enjoyed watching baseball since I was a little kid growing up in central Wisconsin, but I've never had as much fun following it as this spring. That's in large measure due to a small dog named Hank, who wandered into the Milwaukee Brewers spring training home in Phoenix, Arizona a few months ago.  Named after my favorite baseball player of all time (Hank Aaron), Hank T. Dog has definitely infused new life

into the Brewers players and fans.  And not only that, this delightful little pup has become famous all across the country. Even players from opposing teams can't resist Hank.  He's not just a manufactured novelty at Miller Park in Milwaukee, he's an unexpected joy--a pooch who makes people smile and laugh out loud. 

Hank has become known as "The Ballpark Pup."  He's now the unofficial mascot of the Brewers.  He wandered into the Brewers spring training home, dusty and dirty and appearing injured.  The team attempted to find an owner, even resorting to social media, but none was found. Team officials took him to a vet, who told them that Hank might have been run over by a car.  After exhausting all attempts to find Hank's owner, the Brewers brought the little pup back to Milwaukee with them in March.  Even the mayor of Milwaukee showed up to greet the rescue dog.  It didn't take long for Hank to become famous.  There were many requests to adopt him, but eventually he was adopted by a team official and her family. Hank has his own dog house at the ballpark  and even took part in the Brewers famous sausage race.  Bernie Brewer, the

Milwaukee Brewers official mascot brought Hank onto the playing field during introductions on opening day in Milwaukee.  This September the team even has a Bobble Head day for him. I guess they'll fill the park for that game!

Hank was featured on an ABC World News tonight segment earlier this spring.  Everyone loves a feel-good story, especially about animals.  Hank has already become an MVP--Most Valuable Pet!  He has his own doggie jersey with #1.  One of the Brewers pitchers, Yovanni Gallardo, commented when Hank was on the infield, "It's awesome, he didn't miss one groundball." Bob Uecker, the Brewers announcer for many years, joked, I'm second banana now."

The Brewers have offered different merchandise honoring Hank, but the best part is that a significant percentage of the profits will go to the Wisconsin Humane Society, so scores of pets will benefit. 

I've noticed that the Brewers seem to be having a lot more fun this year already, and perhaps a good omen was that they won their opening game in Milwaukee this year, with Hank as the honored guest, where he's already feeling quite at home. The Brewers are playing better than I can ever remember, and maybe Hank is keeping the team loose and happy.  And for many of us, it's a wonderful feel-good story about a special pooch who brings new life and instant smiles to the ballpark.

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