Brewers find home for Hank the dog
That little white dog is now a big leaguer.
Hank, the bedraggled ball of fur who wandered into the Brewers’ spring training complex back on President’s Day looking for one more chance, will head to Milwaukee and his new home on Sunday.
”There are so many people who have been part of the Hank story: fans, players and coaches, front office staff, media and all of those in his circle of caregivers,” Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said Friday. “We’re grateful to have an opportunity to make Hank a permanent member of the Brewers family, but even more important, we’re thrilled that he is going to a great family that will ensure that he is loved and comfortable in his new Wisconsin home.”
Hank will fly back to Milwaukee on a charter flight with Brewers executives, sponsors and family members and will be welcomed to the city by Mayor Tom Barrett and County Executive Chris Abele.
The Wisconsin Humane Society received more than 1,000 offers to adopt Hank, but have not identified his new owners.
Samardzija opening day starter for Cubs: Jeff Samardzija will start opening day for the Chicago Cubs March 31 at the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The right-hander struck out 214 last season in 213 2-3 innings, but had a 4.34 ERA and an 8-13 record.
Travis Wood will pitch the second game on April 2 while Edwin Jackson will pitch the third game on April 3.
Mets’ coach apologizes for slur: Dan Warthen and the Mets apologized after the team’s pitching coach used a racial slur in describing the translator for New York pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.
“I apologize for the thoughtless remarks that I made yesterday in the clubhouse,” Warthen said in statement released by the team Wednesday. “They were a poor attempt at humor but were wrong and inappropriate in any setting. I am very sorry.”
Warthen approached translator Jeff Cutler, a Japanese-American, on Monday and apologized for jokingly calling him a “Chinaman” the previous day, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Warthen’s conversation with Cutler occurred in front of Journal reporter Stu Woo, who is Chinese-American.
Woo spoke with Cutler Tuesday and asked the Mets to respond, and Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said Woo should meet with Warthen and Horwitz on Wednesday.
Horwitz told Woo on Wednesday that Warthen would not comment.