MLB Announcer Keith Hernandez Mourns Death of His 22-Year-Old Cat, Hadji: 'RIP My Little Guy'

Sports fans are mourning the loss of a furry friend.

Hadji, the pet cat of New York Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez, has died.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I must tell you that I had to put Hadji down last week," Hernandez, 71, announced in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "It was his time to go. I loved him so much and miss him dearly. He was a great companion for 22 yrs. RIP my little guy.”

"It was his time to go," he added in a reply. "No quality of life. He passed painlessly and with dignity. Tough one. I don't think I'll ever get over it."

On Oct. 10, Hernandez, a retired two-time World Series champion and former first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals and Mets, posted a birthday post for Hadji on his Instagram. "HAPPY 22nd HADJI!!!" he captioned the picture of him holding the cat as the sun beamed down on him.

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Hadji's birthday celebration included several new toys, cat treats and candles, which was nothing new for the Bengal. According to a 2021 GQ profile on Hadji, some of his favorite things were a cat stroller, several cat trees, cat toys and an impressive backyard fort.

The 22-year-old cat had become an unofficial mascot for the Mets, even being featured on fan signs and T-shirts.

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"Rest in peace, Hadji 🧡💙," the official New York Mets account shared on X.

"You gave him a charmed and wonderful life!" another X user wrote. "I already knew you were a great athlete; the way you treated him showed me that you are truly a great man."

"I'm so sorry Keith. I loved the Hadji stories. Hopefully, Hadji crossed the rainbow bridge and is playing happily until you meet again," another replied.