9-Year-Old Beloved Bat Dog Miss Lou Lou Gehrig Dies

The Greensboro Grasshoppers announced Tuesday that the team's beloved bat dog Miss Lou Lou Gehrig died at the age of 9 after a brief illness. The black Labrador Retriever had been with the team since 2012.

"This is a heart-breaking loss for our organization, our fans, and the Greensboro community," said Donald Moore, Grasshoppers president and general manager. "Lou Lou was adored by our fans and love retrieving bats and balls. We are deeply saddened by her death."

According to the team, Lou Lou was a bat and ball girl with her aunt Miss Babe Ruth from 2012 to 2015 until she took over the duties by herself for the next four seasons. They, along with uncle Master Yogi Berra, entertained the crowds at the Minor League Baseball team for nearly 14 years. Lou Lou leaves behind her half-sister Little Jackie Robinson and all the family and friends she made during her time with the team.

The Grasshoppers shared news of Lou Lou's passing on social media Tuesday.

"When Lou Lou was not working at the ballpark, she loved fetching her Dad's morning newspaper, playing frisbee at home or at her favorite spot, early mornings on the beach, and being a very loving dog to her family," the team said in a statement. "She had a heart of gold."

The team encourages anyone wishing to donate make a memorial contribution to Greensboro Grasshoppers Charities c/p the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, 330 South Greene Street, Suite 100, Greensboro, NC 27401. Funds will go toward a future memorial of the team's dogs at First National Bank Field.

Photo: Getty Images