Always a fixture at NewBridge Bank Park, Miss Babe Ruth has accepted a new role with the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low A; Sally League) after retiring as bat dog. The Grasshoppers announced today that Miss Babe Ruth is now the special assistant to the team president.
Upon her debut as a nine-month old on August 2, 2006, Miss Babe Ruth became one of the most beloved bat dogs in the minors, and went on to amass a 649 consecutive game streak. Her retirement was given its proper due by the Grasshoppers who, on August 29 of last year, staged a gala and retirement ceremony while outfitting the players in special Miss Babe Ruth jerseys. Fortunately, her post-retirement position ensures that Miss Babe Ruth will continue to be a regular presence at the ballpark.
In her new role Babe will greet fans in the concourse during games and also advertise her new association with Merck Animal Health and its innovative product with distinct benefits for flea and tick prevention, BRAVECTO (fluralaner). She also will continue to greet fans after every Friday and Saturday ‘Hoppers game along with her brother, Master Yogi Berra, and her niece, Miss Lou Lou Gehrig.
“Babe is such a fixture at our ballpark and we are thrilled she has agreed to her new role and sponsorship,” said Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore, and also Babe’s owner. “We want her to hang out and interact with our fans for as long as she feels like it. It just wouldn’t feel right without having her with us,’ Moore continued.
Babe’s popularity grew immensely over the years, as she has her own statue in front of the ballpark, her own souvenir items, and her own annual baseball card.
The team estimates that Babe delivered over 3,500 baseballs to umpires and retrieved upwards of 4,600 bats in her tenure. She has also helped raise over $25,000 in charitable donations.