Hank was a stray dog when he wandered around the fields of thespring training facility of theMilwaukee Brewers, located atMaryvale Baseball Park inPhoenix, Arizona, on February 17, 2014.[2][3][4] Hank was first spotted by security guards, and was then taken inside the facility by Brewers coachEd 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 aveterinarian, where he was treated for alaceration.[7] The organization named him Hank in honor ofHank Aaron.[8] Hank competed in aSausage Race during aspring training game wearing ahot dog costume on February 26.[9][10]
Hank was adopted by Marti Wronski, the Brewers' vice president andgeneral counsel, and her family, who live inWhitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Hank was believed to be between two and three years old and abichon frisemixed-breed.[3] The Brewers had him attend many, but not all, home games.[14] ByOpening 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][17] The next day, Hank hadneutering surgery.[18] Hank had aBobblehead giveaway on September 13, 2014.[19] Hank met baseball legendHank Aaron on August 21, 2014.[20] In January 2015, Hank won the Golden Hydrant award when he was named Dog of the Year at the inaugural World Dog Awards.[21] On May 10, 2015, Hank had another bobblehead giveaway in his honor.[22]
By 2018, Hank had limited public appearances, with a Brewers official saying the dog was not officially retired but "deserves to live the life of a loved pet."[23]
On September 12, 2024, Hank's owners announced that he had died, with the Brewers also announcing his death.[24][25][16]
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