Bidding farewell to a treasured pet is one of life’s toughest challenges, especially when they’ve been by your side for so long. Recently, baseball icon Keith Hernandez faced this heart-wrenching moment as he said goodbye to his beloved cat Hadji, who had been a part of his life for 22 remarkable years.
Hadji had a special place in the hearts of many fans online, evidenced by the touching tribute Hernandez shared after losing his dear feline friend.
Keith Hernandez, at 71, is a retired Major League Baseball player celebrated for being one of the greatest defensive first basemen. He is renowned for his triumphs in the World Series with both the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets. Apart from his stellar sports career, Hernandez has been a familiar face as a Mets television commentator and even had memorable appearances on the television sitcom, Seinfeld.
Yet, for a significant number of his followers, it was his pet Bengal cat, Hadji, who often captured the spotlight. Hadji not only shared his life for over two decades but also gained fame through Hernandez’s engaging social media posts. Moments such as Hernandez casually fetching the newspaper with Hadji perched on his shoulder resonated with many and elevated Hadji to internet stardom.
“I can’t tell you how many people have shared pictures of their cats lying in the sun, telling me, ‘My cat is in love with Hadji. Can we introduce them?’” Hernandez shared with The New York Times in 2018. He also mentioned that some Mets fans even displayed large cutouts of Hadji during games.
Just last month, Hernandez celebrated a significant milestone: Hadji’s 22nd birthday. The sweet cat lived well beyond the typical lifespan expected for her breed, a testament to the cherished life she enjoyed. However, the inevitable moment to part ways arrived when Hernandez announced on social media that Hadji had been humanely euthanized the previous week due to her failing health.
“My old buddy. See you in another life. I know you’ll be waiting for me with open paws,” Hernandez expressed on Twitter.
He went on to share, “It was his time to go. No quality of life. He passed painlessly and with dignity. It was a tough one. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.”
His heartfelt announcement drew an outpouring of sympathy and condolences from friends and fans alike. The official social media account for the New York Mets also paid tribute by resharing Hernandez’s post, saying, “Rest in peace, Hadji.”
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Keith Hernandez as he mourns the loss of his cherished feline companion, Hadji. This beloved cat left an indelible mark on countless fans who will remember her fondly.
We invite you to share this touching story in memory of Hadji.
