The Milwaukee Brewers are taking a cue from Olympic athletes saving the street dogs of Sochi.
The Brew Crew has adopted a stray dog that wandered into their spring training camp in Phoenix, Ariz. a week ago.
After a trip to the vet and some TLC, the little guy was dubbed "Hank," after baseball legend and longtime Milwaukee Brave/Brewer Hank Aaron. (Here's hoping Aaron is a dog person.)
He's won over the hearts of the team, fans and sports media covering spring training. So far, he's been seen hanging around the team clubhouse, doing TV interviews, showing off the latest Brewers' pet apparel, and even getting some fielding practice in alongside mentor/buddy Yovani Gallardo.
Hank takes the field for his first #Brewers practice. #BallparkPup #CactusCrew #NationalLoveYourPetDay pic.twitter.com/z5WhHGqP68
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) February 20, 2014
"Until I looked at my leg earlier this morning, I hadn't noticed him," says former Brewer and current play-by-play announcer Bob Uecker. "No, seriously, he's fan favorite, all over the internet. I'm second banana now."
Hank isn't just stealing Uecker's spotlight; he's taking social media by storm. He even has his own hashtag, #BallparkPup, as well as an unofficial Twitter account, @BrewersHank.
Hank the #BallparkPup is featured on @MLB's snapchat today. Follow "MLB" for the video. pic.twitter.com/2Y5iHarZR8
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) February 23, 2014
“@Brewercom: Dog Catcher #ballparkpup pic.twitter.com/MNKOUR0Gzs” Gotta love @JLucroy20 and Hank. #CactusCrew
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) February 20, 2014
ICYMI:#Brewers Best Friend? #BallparkPup shows up at camp:http://t.co/GnJTf24ex1 #CactusCrew pic.twitter.com/rToRpLj9nr
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) February 20, 2014
You can see more photos of Hank here.