SAL1 Greensboro Grasshoppers

Master Yogi Berra Sets Professional Baseball History

Published on April 22, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greensboro Grasshoppers News Release


Greensboro, N.C. - Just two days back from extended spring training, Master Yogi Berra was ejected by home plate umpire Jason Hutchings between the third and fourth innings of the ‘Hoppers 9-6 loss to the Asheville Tourists Tuesday afternoon at NewBridge Bank Park. Battling a stomach virus and fever, Yogi attempted his usual between inning promotion of fetching a ball shot to deep center field. Sprinting back to the home dugout, he inexplicably stopped and let nature take its course. Hutchings immediately tossed him, and in doing so, it is believed that he made Yogi the first dog to ever be ejected from a professional baseball game. "When you gotta go, you gotta go," said Grasshoppers' Team President, General Manager, and Yogi's owner, Donald Moore.

"Yogi's had a tough start to his season, and I hope this doesn't get him down. He clearly couldn't control himself out there. He's such a competitor and he wanted to do his duties as he's been trained," continued Moore. He left the ballpark in the 6th inning with the Team Veterinarian Jason Streck, of the After Hours Veterinary Emergency Clinic, and is listed as day-to-day.

"We all hope Yogi feels better soon and he returns to us ready to entertain our fans. You know, he's volunteering his time out there, so I hope he doesn't get fined too much (for his ejection). I don't know the Rulebook like the back of my hand, but apparently a dog can't do his business on the field. Let's hope this is an isolated incident, and Yogi can learn from this experience," said Moore.

The Grasshoppers continue their four-game home stand Thursday April 22 against the Asheville Tourists at 7:05 p.m, for Natty Greene's Thirsty Thursday. For ticket information, contact the box office at 336.268.2255 or online at www.gsohoppers.com.

The Grasshoppers have welcomed over 1,715,000 fans to NewBridge Bank Park, drawing over 400,000 fans in each of its first four years at the new downtown ballpark. The team is the proud recipient of both the South Atlantic League's Club Merit Award and the General Manager of the Year Award for the past four years. They were also the recipients of Baseball America's prestigious Bob Freitas Award for overall excellence in the 2008 season.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 22, 2009


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