Asked & Answered: Reid Ryan

Corpus Christi Hooks founder Reid Ryan recently answered questions from fans as part of our cchooks.com Inbox series.

A former professional baseball player in the Texas Rangers organization, Reid is the 40-year-old president and CEO of Ryan-Sanders Baseball, LP.  He is the founder of the Hooks (2005) and the Round Rock Express (2000), now the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Reid has become more active with Minor League Baseball operations in recent years, serving on the executive committee of the Pacific Coast League and the board of trustees in the Texas League.  He is also a Triple-A representative for the Baseball Internet Rights Company (BIRCO).

How does the Astros' move to the American League affect the Hooks? - Bill S.

The Astros move means that the DH will be a part of all Hooks games starting in 2013. It also means that the Astros will be in the same division with the Rangers which will make for interesting times between my dad (Nolan Ryan) and I when Frisco plays the Hooks.

What's your take on Houston joining the AL? - Gabe T.

I personally like the Astros being a National League team. I wish they had stayed in the NL. However, if the decision is AL West or NL West, at least in the AL there will be a natural rivalry with the Rangers.

Is there a place at Whataburger Field that serves healthy food? What about at The Dell? - Larry L.

Describe "Healthy Food". We offer fruit cups, peanuts, grilled chicken, wraps, etc.

Any chance our boys can wear military uniforms in the future? - Ruben T.

Military uniforms are a great idea. I will check in with our guys and see if that's a possibility. This is why we do Q&A's like this, we like getting good ideas. Thanks!

The Hooks are the best thing that's happened to this area. What made you decide on Corpus Christi? - Sarah C.

We always felt like Corpus Christi was a real baseball town. Seeing how well the high school baseball teams do and how many good players come out of the Coastal Bend, we felt like if we gave fans a first-class facility and a quality product on the field, they would support us. The Astros have not had as many prospects the last couple of years but I see that changing soon. We want to "Thank" everybody that has supported the Hooks from day one. It is because of this support that the Hooks are considered one of the premier organizations in baseball.

Any interest in becoming a major league general manager? - Javier M.

Honestly, being a major league GM is a tough job. It would be fun and be a challenge and I think that I could do a good job. However, you are hired to be fired. I like the stability of ownership and the fact that I get to set the tone for all aspects of our organization. If you love the game of baseball any job in the game is a good one. Who knows... maybe one day I will have a shot to set the tone in the big leagues.

Is that new water park a part of Whataburger Field? - Ted B.

The new water park, Hurricane Alley, is not part of Whataburger Field and the Hooks are not involved in the ownership, either. However, we are big supporters of the project. We have worked with the developers to include a splash pad area in Whataburger Field that will have dual access to both. Also, we are working on changing some areas of Kieschnick's Korner to become more active for both the team and the water park operators. We see the water park as a big asset to the S.E.A. (Sports, Entertainment, Arts) district.

We had fun watching you and your family on TV during the Rangers playoff runs. What was that experience like? - Brenda K.

Being part of a World Series run is surreal. You are so involved with every aspect of the game that sometimes you forget how fortunate you are to be there. I wish for my dad the Rangers could have won it all. However, it is great to see how his influence has affected the club. To win a World Series you need a little luck on your side and you have to play mistake-free. In the end, the Cardinals just played better baseball. You have to tip your hat to them.

It's exciting to see the Astros coming back for an exhibition game this April. We would really love it if they could play a game against the Rangers at Whataburger Field. Is that possible? - Rodrigo M.

This is actually something that I have discussed with my dad. I know that the Rangers would come and do it. The question will be if the Astros new ownership group would want to take part. Write Jim Crane some emails and let's make it happen!

Do you have a favorite all-time Hook? - Sammy R. 

Hunter Pence is still my favorite Hook because of the way he played all out, all the time. Also, I always liked Josh Anderson. Looking back, we have had some really good players on the Hooks. It doesn't seem like it has been seven seasons!