In another sign spring is surely on the way, the Greensboro Grasshoppers are sending team mascot Miss Babe Ruth to spring training; no word on how many Grasshoppers employees are upset the dog is going to spring training while they’re stuck up north.Offering yet another sign that baseball season is just around the corner, Miss Babe Ruth of the the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low Class A; Sally League) is packing her cleats and heading for a little R&R…running and retrieving that is.
“Babe has certainly enjoyed the off-season, but like any ballplayer, this is the time of year for her to get prepared for the season,” said Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore. “She exemplifies the fun-loving spirit we try to bring to the park each night, and she will be ready to deliver come Opening Day.”
There will be plenty of familiar faces at this season’s spring training for the three-year old Labrador Retriever, as Miss Babe will join up with battery mate and younger brother, Mister Yogi Berra. He joined the team in late July and has spent time working with patient instructors in the Winter Leagues since October.
Both Babe and Yogi are expected to break camp and join the Grasshoppers for Opening Day, April 9.
“Babe had a lot of time this winter to reflect on where she could improve her game,” said Moore. “Aside from fine-tuning, she will spend the majority of her time mentoring Yogi as he prepares for his first full season.”