Losing a beloved pet is undoubtedly one of life’s hardest challenges, especially when they have been your faithful companion for such a long time. Recently, the legendary baseball player Keith Hernandez faced this heart-wrenching moment as he said goodbye to his treasured cat Hadji, who had been a part of his life for an incredible 22 years.
Keith Hernandez, a retired Major League Baseball player at the age of 71, is widely celebrated as one of the greatest defensive first basemen. Known for his triumphs in the World Series with both the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets, Hernandez has left an indelible mark on the sport. Besides his stellar sports career, Hernandez has also made appearances as a Mets television commentator and even had memorable guest roles on the popular television sitcom, Seinfeld.
However, it was Keith Hernandez’s pet Bengal cat, Hadji, who often stole the spotlight for a significant number of his followers. Hadji not only shared Keith’s life for over two decades but also gained fame through Hernandez’s engaging social media posts. Moments such as Keith casually fetching the newspaper with Hadji perched on his shoulder resonated with many, propelling Hadji to internet stardom.
In 2018, Hernandez revealed to The New York Times, “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?’” He also mentioned that some Mets fans even displayed large cutouts of Hadji during games.
Just last month, Keith Hernandez celebrated a significant milestone: Hadji’s 22nd birthday. The beloved cat lived well beyond the typical lifespan expected for her breed, a testament to the wonderful life she enjoyed. However, the inevitable moment to say goodbye arrived when Keith 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. Reflecting on this difficult decision, he added, “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.”
Keith’s heartfelt announcement triggered an outpouring of sympathy and condolences from friends and fans. The official social media account for the New York Mets also paid tribute by sharing Keith’s post, saying, “Rest in peace, Hadji.”
We extend our deepest condolences to Keith Hernandez as he mourns the loss of his cherished feline companion, Hadji. This beloved cat has left an everlasting impact on countless fans who will always remember her with great fondness.
Please join us in sharing this touching story in memory of Hadji.