Hadji, New York Mets announcer Keith Hernandez’s internet-famous cat, is dead. Hernandez shared the news on social media Wednesday. Hadji was 22.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I must tell you that I had to put Hadji down last week. 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,” the two-time World Series winner wrote on X.
Hernandez started leaning into his social media presence to coincide with the release of his memoir, “I’m Keith Hernandez,” in 2018, according to a New York Times feature story.
His posts about Hadji started around that time, to the delight of many Mets and cat fans alike. His devotion to the cat even inspired a GQ article about Hadji’s favorite things, from his bed to his stroller to his custom-built catwalk.
A fan holds a cutout of Hadji at a Mets game in 2018. (Ron Chenoy / Imagn Images)
Hadji, who was named after a character from the 1960s animated TV show “Jonny Quest,” celebrated his 22nd birthday in early October. Hernandez said via social media on Wednesday that the cat’s quality of life deteriorated, which prompted the decision to put him down. Fans of Hernandez and Hadji expressed their condolences in the comments of the posts on X.
My old buddy. See you in another life. I know you’ll be waiting for me with open paws. pic.twitter.com/ELaQDvXkW1
— keith Hernandez (@keithhernandez) November 13, 2024
(Photo: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)
