GREENSBORO, NC After 649 consecutive games over 10 seasons with the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the beloved Labrador Retriever Miss Babe Ruth, 12, has died in her battle with cancer.
Babe’s career as a bat and ball girl spanned from August 2, 2006 – August 31, 2015. Over the course of her career, Babe delivered more than 3,500 baseballs to umpires and recovered 4,600 baseball bats from Grasshopper hitters.
“This is a heart-breaking loss for our organization, our fans, and the Greensboro community,” said Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore. “Babe has been a fan-favorite for well over a decade at First National Bank Field. We are deeply saddened by her death.”
Babe will forever be apart of Grasshopper stadium; many kids have bought Miss Babe Ruth memorabilia and she even has her own statue in front of the ballpark.
After being the Grasshoppers primary bat dog from 2006-2015, Babe enjoyed the fruits of her labor enjoying the last two seasons roaming the concourse greeting fans and taking pictures.
Babe leaves behind her niece, Miss Lou Lou Gehrig, the Grasshoppers staff, and more than 5 million hoppers fans she entertained over her lifespan.
“I want to thank all of the people who have kept Babe in their prayers since she was diagnosed with cancer. Even though we are devastated by this loss, we know she is happy retrieving bats and balls with Yogi (her late brother) in heaven,” Moore concluded.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Babe and Yogi Scholarship Endowment at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607 or to Greensboro Grasshoppers Charities, c/o the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, 330 South Greene Street, Suite 100, Greensboro, NC 27401.
The scholarship at N.C. State is designated for Guilford County residents who are Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students at the University.
While funds from the Grasshoppers Charities donations will go towards making permanent memorials of Babe and Yogi at First National Bank Field.
The hoppers continue their season tonight at home against the Lake Blueclaws. For tickets and more information you can call (336) 268-2255 or visit www.gsohoppers.com
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