Blind pup joins minor league baseball team

London, June 29 (ANI): A blind puppy, named Stevie Wonder, has become the newest member of a US baseball team, after the players decided to adopt him.

The cute German Sherperd-cross, who was named after the famous blind soul singer, lost both his eyes after being neglected and abused as a tiny pup.

He was adopted by pitcher John Ely when he and several teammates from the Albuquerque Isotopes fell in love with the dog while volunteering at an animal shelter in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, the Sun reported.

Stevie has quickly become part of the team - joining the lads for a run-around during practice and in the locker room before and after games.

And although he is meant to live with Ely when the baseball season finishes, the pitcher reckons he might have a fight on his hands.

"He won everyone over, so we all agreed to pitch in," he said.

"Everyone loves him. The players, the coaches, clubhouse guys, everyone.

"Stevie's way more popular around here than I am," he added.

Part of Stevie's appeal is down to his tough start in life.

"We don't know for sure what happened to him but he was in rough shape when he first went to the Ranch.

"They think somebody didn't want him and just threw him out of a car," Ely said.

As a result both his eyes were damaged beyond repair. One was so badly infected it had to be removed.

But although Stevie occasionally falls over, he doesn't let his lack of sight hold him back.

"He's got a great sense of smell and great hearing. So he kind of sniffs his way around and now it seems like he walks around without any issues at all.

"He's got no eyes, but he's about as happy as they get," the pitcher said. (ANI)