MILWAUKEE (WTAQ) – Conspiracy theorists lost a battle Friday, as the rumors regarding a popular sports mascot was put to rest.
There is only one Hank.
That’s the word from Milwaukee Brewers officials who addressed rampant online speculation that there is more than one “Hank the Ballpark Pup.”
“Hank’s microchip was scanned and found to be the number on record when it was inserted on April 1, 2014, at Lakeside Animal Hospital,” says Milwaukee Brewers COO Rick Schlesinger at a news conference. “Additionally, Hank received a dental cleaning when he was neutered and I have verified the dental records match Hank’s teeth.”
Schlesinger says Hank is in good health and the difference in photos surfacing online is due to proper care and grooming.
“This confirms and hopefully puts to rest any rumored speculation about Hank,” Schlesinger said. “Hank the Ballpark Pup is Hank the Ballpark Pup, there is no substitute. He’s the original and we’re thrilled that he’s still part of the Brewers family.”
“Every day at the Wisconsin Humane Society, we see animals transform from scraggly strays to healthier, stunning pets simply because of excellent care and good grooming,” said Anne Reed, President and CEO of The Wisconsin Humane Society. “In Hank’s case, it’s evident that his transformation is solely due to the loving care he receives from his family. In addition, Hank was microchipped and a simple scan of a chip can reveal an animal’s identification. This technology not only helps to reunite lost animals with their families, but in Hanks’s case, verifies that he is indeed the true Hank.”
Hank’s story dates to February of 2014 when he wandered into the Brewers Spring Training complex in Maryvale, Arizona. Hank quickly became a fixture at Brewers camp, participating in workouts and becoming a media star on an international level.
He moved to Milwaukee later that spring and was adopted by the family of Brewers Vice President and General Counsel Marti Wronski.
His rise to fame included being named “Dog of the Year” at the nationally televised World Dog Awards in 2015. And just last week, he appeared on stage at the request of Cesar Millan, “The Dog Whisperer.”
