End of an Era: Miss Babe Ruth Dies of Cancer at Age 12

GREENSBORO, NC (May 19, 2018) - The Greensboro Grasshoppers sadly announce that Miss Babe Ruth, the organization's beloved Labrador Retriever that served as bat dog for almost 10 seasons, passed away late Friday evening after a four-month battle with cancer. She was 12 years old.
Babe served as a bat and ball girl for 649 consecutive games from August 2, 2006 to her final game on August 31, 2015. She delivered more than 3,500 baseball to umpires and retrieved approximately 4,600 baseball bats from Grasshoppers hitters over the years.
"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's popularity - along with her late brother Master Yogi Berra - grew over a dozen years at Grasshoppers games and community appearances around Greensboro. She is immortalized with her own statue in front of the ballpark, and thousands of children have purchased Miss Babe Ruth memorabilia from the Hoppers' Yard over the years.
After serving as the Grasshoppers primary bat dog from 2006-2015, Miss Babe Ruth enjoyed the last two seasons roaming the concourse during games, greeting and taking pictures with fans of all ages.
Babe is survived by her niece, Miss Lou Lou Gehrig, her Greensboro Grasshoppers front office staff, and the more than five million Grasshoppers fans she entertained during her lifetime.
"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 in heaven," Moore concluded.
Memorial contributions can be made to either 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 earmarked for Guilford County residents who are Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students at the University. Funds from the Grasshoppers Charities donations will go to establishing permanent memorials of Babe and Yogi at First National Bank Field.
The Grasshoppers continue their 2018 season at home tonight against the Lakewood Blueclaws. For ticket information call 336-268-2255 or go to www.gsohoppers.com.