Hank was a stray dog when he wandered around the fields of the spring training facility of the Milwaukee Brewers, located at Maryvale Baseball Park in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 17, 2014.[2][3][4] Hank was first spotted by security guards, and was then taken inside the facility by Brewers coach Ed Sedar. Hank weighed 11 pounds (5.0 kg), had been run over by a car, and had two chipped teeth.[5]
Team officials attempted to find an owner, and when one could not be found, they rescued Hank.[6] They took him to a veterinarian, where he was treated for a laceration.[7] The organization named him Hank in honor of Hank Aaron.[8] Hank competed in a Sausage Race during a spring training game wearing a hot dog costume on February 26.[9][10]
Hank was adopted by Marti Wronski, who works as the team's vice president and general counsel, and her family, who live in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Hank was believed to be between two and three years old and a bichon frisemixed-breed.[3] The Brewers had him attend many, but not all, home games.[14] By Opening Day, Hank's weight had increased to 15 pounds (6.8 kg).[5]
Bernie Brewer, the Brewers' official mascot, led Hank onto the field during introductions on Opening Day.[5][16] The next day, Hank had neutering surgery.[17] Hank had a Bobblehead giveaway on September 13, 2014.[18] Hank met baseball legend Hank Aaron on August 21, 2014.[19] In January 2015, Hank won the Golden Hydrant award when he was named Dog of the Year at the inaugural World Dog Awards.[20] On May 10, 2015, Hank had another bobblehead giveaway in his honor.[21]
Death
It was announced on Twitter/X by local writer Evan Rytlewski that Hank passed away on September 12, 2024 by sharing a post from Hank's family.[22] The post photo states: "Today we had to say goodbye to a phenomenal dog: Hank the Ballpark Pup. (Aka Hanky, SpongeBob Hank Pants because some days when he was extra tufty he resembled a sponge, and Henry when I was trying to sound stern and he would ignore me for the 50th time to carry on with whatever scent that intrigued him). Many outside of Wisconsin do not know who he is, but every Brewers fan and Wisconsinite that has been paying attention-does. He was OUR little celebrity-and he NEVER failed to bring it and represent. He was/is my favorite Brewer and he will be truly missed!"
.jpg){kind=small}
