Hooks to Host Astros April 2
CORPUS CHRISTI - Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 2, 2015.
The Houston Astros return to the Coastal Bend that evening for a 6:05 contest at Whataburger Field against their Double-A Texas League affiliate, the Corpus Christi Hooks.
The Astros and Hooks announced Wednesday the third installment of a local exhibition series which began in 2009 and was renewed in 2012. The teams split the previous two meetings.
"There's no better way to kick off our 11th year than having the Astros come in for this must-see event," Hooks President Ken Schrom said. "What a wonderful opportunity for Corpus Christi. This underscores the Astros' commitment to us and our great fans. Houston is one of Major League Baseball's most improved and young and exciting teams. It's always gratifying to see our former players compete and contribute at that level."
"We are very excited to bring our major league club to Corpus Christi to play the Hooks," said Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan. "We know that Corpus Christi is Astros country and it is always fun to give their fans the chance to see our major league club, which always includes several former Hooks players. We have placed a great deal of emphasis on player development in recent years, and the Hooks have played a major role in the success we've had within our system. This exhibition game will be a fun way to end Spring Training and get ready for baseball back at Minute Maid Park."
Ticket prices range from $20-$32. Hooks full-season ticket holders will be extended the option to purchase their regular seats and additional locations. Twenty-two game package holders (Friday Fireworks/Saturday Special) enjoy seating options as well.
Astros-Hooks reserved-seat tickets go to general public sale on Saturday, March 7 at 9 a.m. Call 361-561-HOOK (4665) for more information.
The Hooks have been affiliated with Houston since their inaugural Corpus Christi season in 2005. From 2000-04, the Astros' Texas League Double-A affiliate was located in Round Rock as the Express.
During 10 seasons, 56 Corpus Christi players have ascended to the Astros roster, with a total of 65 former Hooks reaching the big leagues. American League batting champion Jose Altuve, Gold Glove pitcher Dallas Keuchel, and World Series champion Hunter Pence are among the most notable Hooks alumni.
There are currently 17 former Hooks on Houston's 40-man roster.
Corpus Christi captured the inaugural Astros-Hooks exhibition match 6-5 on a walk-off home run by catcher Brian Esposito, and Houston prevailed 6-2 three years later behind Lucas Harrell's six shutout innings. The Astros struck for four seventh-inning runs, the uprising keyed by RBIs from Jason Castro, Landon Powell, and Marwin Gonzalez.
Over 16,400 have attended the previous Astros-Hooks exhibition games at Whataburger Field, including the second-largest crowd in stadium history (9,118/2009).
For 2015 Hooks season-ticket information, call 361-561-HOOK or go online to cchooks.com. Season-ticket packages also include the 79th Texas League All-Star Game at Whataburger Field, set for Tuesday, June 30.