National Anthem Auditions at Whataburger Field Next Week

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CORPUS CHRISTI – Here’s your chance to show you’ve got the voice to sing the National Anthem in front of up to 8,000 fans at Whataburger Field this season!
National Anthem auditions are planned for Thursday, March 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Whataburger Field. Tryouts will be held on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please use the CITGO Cotton Club entrance to register upon arrival.

Auditions are free of charge and open to all ages. Instrumental musicians are welcome.
RSVP on the Hooks’ Facebook event page for updates. Contact Amy Johnson at [email protected] with any questions.

 

2020 High School Schedule

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – The full slate of games at Whataburger Field featuring high school baseball teams from the Coastal Bend region was announced Monday.
A total of 14 games are on tap for area schools playing at the home of the Corpus Christi Hooks, including Veterans Memorial (No. 2 in 5A) and reigning TAPPS state semifinalist Incarnate Word Academy as highlights on the schedule.

Tickets for all games are priced at $6.50 for adults, $3.50 for students and free for children under four. Parking at the stadium will be $5.
High school general admission seating goes on sale at the Whataburger Field Box Office each game date at 9 a.m. Make gameday purchases by phone at 361-561-HOOK (4665).

2020 Whataburger Field High School Schedule
Monday, Feb. 24 Odem vs. West Oso, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25 Tuloso-Midway vs. Kingsville, 7 p.m.
Monday, March 2 Aransas Pass vs. Ingleside, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 3 Moody vs. Miller, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 10 Ingleside vs. Rockport-Fulton, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17 Beeville (A.C. Jones) vs. Ingleside, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18 John Paul II vs. Incarnate Word Academy, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 20 John Paul II vs. Gregory-Portland, 7 p.m.
Monday, March 23 Ray vs. Carroll, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24 King vs. Veterans Memorial, 6 p.m.
Friday, March 27 Miller vs. Carroll, 5:30 p.m. | Moody vs. King, 8 p.m.
Monday, March 30 Laredo-Martin vs. Alice, 5:30 p.m. | Veterans Memorial vs. Ray, 8 p.m.

 

Hooks Roll Out 2020 Spring High School Schedule

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CORPUS CHRISTI – The full slate of games at Whataburger Field featuring high school baseball teams from the Coastal Bend region was announced Monday.

A total of 14 games are on tap for area schools playing at the home of the Corpus Christi Hooks, including Veterans Memorial (No. 2 in 5A) and reigning TAPPS state semifinalist Incarnate Word Academy as highlights on the schedule.

Tickets for all games are priced at $6.50 for adults, $3.50 for students and free for children under four. Parking at the stadium will be $5.

High school general admission seating goes on sale at the Whataburger Field Box Office each game date at 9 a.m. Make gameday purchases by phone at 361-561-HOOK (4665).

Several of the student-athletes set to play at Whataburger Field were named South Texas Preseason all-stars, who will be honored Thursday, January 30 at the annual Winter Banquet. Tickets to the event, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Ortiz Center, are on sale now.

The 2020 amateur slate at Whataburger Field kicks off with the Kleberg Bank College Classic, set for February 21-23. The tournament features Kansas State, Utah, Missouri and host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

The 16th season of Hooks Baseball begins Thursday, April 9 at Whataburger Field against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Click here to learn more about season memberships.

2020 Whataburger Field High School Schedule

Monday, Feb. 24
Odem vs. West Oso, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 25
Tuloso-Midway vs. Kingsville, 7 p.m.

Monday, March 2
Aransas Pass vs. Ingleside, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 3
Moody vs. Miller, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10
Ingleside vs. Rockport-Fulton, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 17
Beeville (A.C. Jones) vs. Ingleside, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 18
John Paul II vs. Incarnate Word Academy, 7 p.m.

Friday, March 20
John Paul II vs. Gregory-Portland, 7 p.m.

Monday, March 23
Ray vs. Carroll, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 24
King vs. Veterans Memorial, 6 p.m.

Friday, March 27
Miller vs. Carroll, 5:30 p.m.
Moody vs. King, 8 p.m.

Monday, March 30
Laredo-Martin vs. Alice, 5:30 p.m.
Veterans Memorial vs. Ray, 8 p.m.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Public Invited to Halloween with the Hooks on October 24

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CORPUS CHRISTI – Get into the spooky spirit by attending the sixth annual Halloween with the Hooks, presented by H-E-B, on Thursday, October 24 at Whataburger Field from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission to the event is free.

Trick-or-treaters can enjoy candy stops around the stadium concourse. The festivities also include hayrides on the field, activity tables, a costume contest, a pumpkin patch photo opportunity, a “photo BOOth,” inflatables and carnival games. Halloween-themed movies will be played on the video board throughout the evening.

Attending guests are encouraged to donate a canned food item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank, which has received more than 400 pounds of food in past years.

Ballpark food, soda and beer will be available for purchase.

To volunteer or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Courtney Merritt via email ([email protected]) or by phone at 361-561-HOOK.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hooks and BUSH’S® Beans Donate to Driscoll Children’s Hospital

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CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks, in partnership with BUSH’S® Beans, announced today they will provide a donation to Driscoll Children’s Hospital as part of #GivingTuesday, a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropic events at the start of the holiday season, on Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Since its inaugural year in 2012, Giving Tuesday has been a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the popular shopping holidays Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the event kicks off the giving season each year by inspiring people to give back.

This past season, first baseman Taylor Jones was named the BUSH’S Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2018 Texas League All-Star Game in Midland. In addition to the award, BUSH’S and the Hooks will contribute to the local community by providing a monetary donation to Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

“Driscoll Children’s Hospital ensures the youth of South Texas have access to the best medical care available,” Hooks General Manager Wes Weigle said. “We are always delighted to aid them in this mission. I’d like to thank Taylor Jones for coming up with that big swing, and BUSH’S Beans for helping us make an impact in the Coastal Bend.”

BUSH’S Beans sponsored 11 All-Star Game MVP awards throughout Minor League Baseball this summer. Each BUSH’S MVP Award recipient’s team will be donating to a local charitable organization of the team’s choosing.

“It is truly inspiring to see how MiLB clubs and their local communities support each other,” said Mike Morris, Senior Brand Manager at Bush Brothers & Company. “We are proud to recognize the contributions of BUSH’S All-Star MVP Award winner Taylor Jones by joining with the Hooks to contribute to Driscoll Children’s Hospital.”

Click here to learn more about the long-term partnership Minor League Baseball and BUSH’S Beans, the “Official Beans of Minor League Baseball,” cooked up in 2016.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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October 25 at Whataburger Field: Halloween with the Hooks

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CORPUS CHRISTI – Join us for the fifth annual Halloween with the Hooks Celebration, presented by Ashley Homestore, on Thursday, October 25 at Whataburger Field. The evening’s entertainment will run from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Admission to the event is free. Guests are encouraged to donate a canned food item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

Trick-or-treaters will enjoy candy-stops throughout the ballpark. The festivities also include activity tables, costume contest, pumpkin patch photo opportunity, a “photo BOOth,” hayrides, inflatables, and carnival games.

Halloween-themed movies will be played on the video board well into the evening. Selections come from the Scooby-Doo and Peanuts archives.

Last year’s event netted the Coastal Bend Food Bank 437 pounds of food.

To volunteer or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Courtney Merritt via email ([email protected]) or by phone at 361-561-HOOK.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hooks Direct Harvey Funds to Area Youth

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CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks plan to distribute $113,000 to Little League and youth programs in Rockport, Port Aransas, Refugio, Ingleside, and Aransas Pass.

The resources, generated by the team’s #CoastalBendStrong campaign and Minor League Baseball, will aid the funding of scholarships which cover entry fees and uniform expenses. Monies are also earmarked for new scoreboards and a spring break camp hosted by the Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department.

In addition to cash donations at Whataburger Field, money was raised online at YouCaring.com/CoastalBendStrong.

The Hooks designated a portion of the proceeds from their final homestand of 2017 for Hurricane Harvey relief. During the Labor Day weekend series, fans were offered free parking and “Pay What You Can” seating. Hooks players dedicated their season-long home run dollar earnings to the recovery effort. An autographed Corpus Christi game-worn jersey auction, and the sale of Coastal Bend Strong t-shirts contributed to the initiative.

Ainsworth Trucking also assisted in the collection of critical supplies.

The Akron RubberDucks, Biloxi Shuckers, Lansing Lugnuts and Fort Wayne TinCaps joined the relief effort by sending clothes, toiletries, and other essential items.

“It’s overwhelming when you look at what our neighbors and Minor League Baseball have done to help those greatly affected by the storm,” Hooks general manager Wes Weigle said. “Now is the time to put those funds to good use. We want to lend a hand in making sure kids, who’ve had their world turned upside down, take the field this spring and summer.”

During the offseason, Hooks front-office staffers volunteered in Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, and Rockport, clearing downed trees and debris.

Teams across Minor League Baseball rallied to raise over $300,000 in the aftermath of Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Funds went to the Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group and other relief organizations, including the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way Worldwide.

This announcement also coincides with the launch of the Hooks’ Community Leaders Program. The club is currently seeking to team with corporate partners and civic leaders to support local youth sports initiatives.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Need a Fundraiser? Try Ours!

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CORPUS CHRISTI – The 2018 Kleberg Bank College Classic, featuring Mississippi State, University of California-Santa Barbara, Nicholls and host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, is February 23-24-25 at Whataburger Field.

If your club, association, or organization has fundraising needs, we can help.

Your group can sell 2018 Kleberg Bank College Classic tickets and retain half the proceeds!

Including tax, daily adult tickets are $10.83, $5.41 for children 4-12.

To start your Kleberg Bank College Classic fundraiser, contact Zach Kaddatz of the Corpus Christi Hooks at 361-561-HOOK (4665). You can also e-mail him at [email protected]

∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙

2018 Kleberg Bank College Classic Schedule

Friday, February 23
Mississippi State vs. UC Santa Barbara, 2 p.m.
Nicholls State vs. Islanders, 6 p.m.

Saturday, February 24
Nicholls State vs. Mississippi State, 2 p.m.
UC Santa Barbara vs. Islanders, 6 p.m.

Sunday, February 25
UC Santa Barbara vs. Nicholls State, 11 a.m.
Mississippi State vs. Islanders, 3 p.m.

Click Here to read more on the 2018 KBCC field.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Custom Hooks Surfboard Up for Auction!

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

CORPUS CHRISTI – A custom Corpus Christi Hooks/Nolan Ryan surfboard – one of three in existence – will be auctioned off by the Texas Surf Museum during its Third Annual Surftoberfest this weekend.

The board is presently owned by Ryan-Sanders Baseball/Entertainment COO JJ Gottsch, who’s donating the Robert August creation as part of Surftoberfest’s Port Aransas Education Foundation fundraiser.

Gottsch was the first Hooks president from the club’s 2003 inception through the 2008 season.

“Brad Lomax has been a great friend to me personally, the Hooks, and the community at-large for a number of years,” Gottsch said. “When I heard that he had Robert (August) coming to the event this year, and that the funds were going to help hurricane relief efforts, I immediately thought of the board and how it could hopefully help those efforts. It will be a truly unique gift for any Robert August, Nolan Ryan, or Corpus Christi Hooks enthusiast.”

To bid online for the Robert August surfboard, click here from midnight, Thursday, October 5, until 8:30 CDT on Saturday night, October 7.

August will personally autograph the board for the winner.

The board’s design was produced in a special collaboration between August, his son Sam, Reid Ryan, Reese Ryan, and Gottsch. A second Hooks/Ryan WIR “What I Ride” (9.2) surfboard is currently displayed at the museum. Unique features include a classic blue/white design incorporating the Hooks’ primary logo in various elements, plus Nolan Ryan’s iconic “34” logo.

Robert August (born 1945) is an American surfer and surfboard shaper, most famous as one of the subjects of Bruce Brown’s 1966 surf documentary “The Endless Summer” with friend Mike Hynson. The film follows the two pursuing their hobby world-wide during the California off-season, meeting other surfers and discussing surf culture. August picked up surfing in the 1950s, when the sport’s popularity had just begun. His father, Blackie August, was also a noted surfer. Robert’s enthusiasm for and involvement in “The Endless Summer” influenced the sport’s growth for decades to come. His surfboards are sold under the Robert August Surfboards brand. He continues to travel the world promoting surfing, and in 1994 was involved in the shooting of “The Endless Summer II,” in which surfers Pat O’Connell and Robert “Wingnut” Weaver retrace the places visited by August and Hynson 30 years earlier.

Nolan Ryan – Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, Nolan Ryan was inducted on July 25, 1999, on 98.79 percent of eligible ballots, the second-highest figure in history. He is the only player to have his uniform number retired by three different teams, the Los Angeles Angels (#30) and Houston Astros (#34) joining the Texas Rangers (#34). Ryan compiled a 324-292 record and 3.19 earned run average over 807 appearances in an unprecedented 27 seasons with the New York Mets (1966; 1968-71), California Angels (1972-79), Astros (1980-88), and Rangers (1989-93). The all-time leader in strikeouts (5,714) and no-hitters (7), Ryan has owned or shared 53 Major League records. An eight-time All-Star, he also threw 12 one-hitters, tying Bob Feller for the most ever, and owns two of the top four single-season strikeout totals in Major League history, including an all-time best 383 with the 1973 Angels.

Ryan is executive advisor to Houston Astros owner Jim Crane.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Halloween with the Hooks

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Here is a link to the original story on the team’s website.

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Fourth Annual Halloween with the Hooks Celebration, presented by Ashley HomeStore, is scheduled for Thursday, October 26.

Whataburger Field gates open at 6 p.m. that evening, and entertainment runs until 9.

“This is a wonderful community event, and we can’t wait to see many of our friends back at the ballpark,” Hooks President Ken Schrom said. “We’ll have a number of sponsors and non-profits giving candy away to the kids and there will be numerous fun activities for young families.”

Among the various activities on Stripes Diamond and in the Driscoll Health Plan Kids Zone:

  • Bounce House
  • Corn Hole
  • Playground
  • Obstacle Course
  • Rockwall
  • Trampoline

Kieschnick’s Korner will be the site of additional child-centered games and contests.

Guests can also enjoy a costume contest and Halloween-themed videos; selections this year come from the Scooby-Doo and Peanuts archives.

Admission to Halloween with the Hooks is free. Guests are encouraged to donate a canned food item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

Corpus Christi’s Ashley HomeStore is located at 5001 S. Padre Island Drive, or go to ashleyfurniturehomestore.com

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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Hooks Homestand: Hurricane Harvey Relief

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

CORPUS CHRISTI – When Hooks Baseball returns to Whataburger Field for four games this Labor Day Weekend, Coastal Bend residents have an opportunity to provide financial assistance and critical supplies to those affected by Hurricane Harvey in the Coastal Bend.

Hooks VP/GM Michael Wood announced Wednesday that a portion of the weekend’s proceeds from all ballpark points-of-sale, including retail, concessions, the Whataburger store, Rudy’s Prize Wheel, and the Driscoll Health Plan Kids Zone will go for Hurricane Harvey relief.

In addition, $5 from the sale of every ticket $6 or more goes to the relief effort.

“Our hope is that this weekend’s games offer a respite for those whose lives have been disrupted by such great calamity,” Wood said. “It’s a way for all of us to give back to the Coastal Bend as people work to get back on their feet and rebuild their communities.”

To promote affordability for citizens of affected areas, the Hooks are offering FREE PARKING and “Pay What You Can” seating in Corner Box Reserved sections of the ballpark, based on availability. There is also a grass Berm accommodation when Corner Box seat inventory is exhausted.

To submit an online contribution to our #CoastalBendStrong initiative, go to YouCaring.com/CoastalBendStrong

All proceeds go directly to affected Coastal Bend areas.

The Hooks and San Antonio Missions meet September 2, 3, and 4, at 7:05, 4:05, and 4:05, respectively. Gates open at 5:35, 3:05, and 3:05. Sunday features a doubleheader.

Additional Fundraising

Autographed Corpus Christi Game-Worn Jersey Auction: The Hooks will wear their road gray “Corpus Christi” jersey set during the San Antonio series. Submit your bids online Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Go to cchooks.com beginning Saturday.

Cash Donations: You can provide cash donations to the effort all homestand long by simply contributing at the 5-gallon water bottle at Section 119.

Home Run Dollars: Hooks players have agreed to dedicate their season-long home run dollar take to the effort, so be sure to stuff your dollars into the bait bucket when it’s passed your way after a Corpus Christi home run.

Critical Supply Donations

Ainsworth Trucking is providing a trailer for supplies on the ballpark’s west-side service drive. Donations can be made from 10 a.m. until the end of each game. Please bring:

‣bottled water

‣non-perishable food items

‣baby food & formula

‣diapers

‣toiletries

‣toilet paper

‣blankets

‣dried pet food

‣animal crates

Earlier this week, the Astros announced the following hurricane relief efforts:

*Jim Crane, the Astros Ownership group and the Astros Foundation pledged to donate $4.0 million to the hurricane relief efforts.

*Proceeds from the Share2Care 50/50 raffle for the remainder of the season will be donated to the American Red Cross, Houston relief efforts targeting hurricane victims.

*Fans wishing to assist in the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts can now visit YouCaring.com/AstrosHarvey to donate. Proceeds will benefit the Astros Foundation’s hurricane relief efforts.

*Additionally, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced that those parties will jointly donate $1.0 million to various relief efforts for the damage throughout the state of Texas created by Hurricane Harvey, including to the American Red Cross.

*The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, the Spring Training home of the Astros in West Palm Beach, Florida, is also assisting the hurricane relief efforts. They have teamed up with Crane Worldwide to get needed supplies to Houston. The staff at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is accepting donations for the hurricane victims. Crane Worldwide will provide the transportation of the collected items from Florida to Houston. Items can be dropped off at 5444 Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407, through Wednesday, September 6.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Ashley HomeStore Donates 50 Mattress Sets

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

CORPUS CHRISTI — Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s “A Hope to Dream” program is donating 50 Tempur-Pedic mattress sets to local children in need during August. The furniture retailer’s goodwill project is in collaboration with the Corpus Christ Hooks Baseball Club.

Each mattress set is comprised of a mattress, foundation, and comforter.

Local partnerships with The Food Bank of Corpus Christi, KIII-TV3, KRIS-TV, The Beach 96.5, Hot Z95, Post Acute Medical, Colon and Rectal Associates of South Texas, the American Red Cross, and others are providing other donated items for 50 children to help them prepare for the 2017-18 school year.

Youngsters selected to receive a new bed will be treated to an evening at Whataburger Field and special night with the Hooks on Saturday, August 12.

“This event will be our largest single-day donation with our “A Hope to Dream” program,” said Paige Streiff, Owner of the Corpus Christi Ashley Furniture HomeStore. “As a mother of two young children, I witness first-hand what having a bed of their own and a quality night’s sleep can do for these developmental years. Obtaining a great night of sleep promotes a healthy lifestyle and is an excellent way to start out everyone’s day.”

Said Dr. Craig Bennett, M.D. of Ashley’s Wellness Center: “An estimated 30 to 50 percent of children have trouble sleeping well. Getting a good night’s sleep is more important than most people realize. It helps ensure a healthy lifestyle by lowering stress and reducing the risk for illness and depression, while improving cognitive and physical performance. A good night’s sleep is especially important to help children focus academically and grow socially.”

Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s “A Hope to Dream” program was created to provide mattress sets to children with a demonstrated need.

A Hope to Dream

Ashley Furniture HomeStore believes that every child deserves a good night’s sleep. Founded in 2010 on that guiding principle, Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s “A Hope to Dream” program provides mattress sets to less fortunate children in our area. A portion of the proceeds for every mattress purchased at the Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Victoria and Corpus Christi helps pay for a mattress set for a child in need. To date, Ashley Furniture HomeStores throughout the U.S. have together provided underprivileged children with approximately 13,000 beds. Those wishing to nominate a child can visit http://www.ashleyfurniturehomestore.com/events/ahopetodream.html or request an electronic application by emailing [email protected]. In-store applications are also available at participating locations.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Police Foundation Night July 19

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CORPUS CHRISTI – Corpus Christi Police Foundation Night at Whataburger Field is Wednesday, July 19, as the Hooks play host to the Frisco RoughRiders.

Ballpark gates open at 6:05, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05.

Reserved-seat tickets for Corpus Christi Police Foundation Night are $10, and a portion of the proceeds benefit the organization. To order, contact Tanner Twomey at 361-561-4718 or [email protected]

The Corpus Christi Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed by business leaders to support the Corpus Christi Police Department. Donations made by individuals, corporations, and foundations fund special programs, officer training, equipment, and new technology, none of which are considered under the city budget.

The CCPF’s mission: To create a safer Corpus Christi by strengthening the bond between the CCPD and the citizens it serves. With community support, we can help foster a better-equipped, better-trained police force, and a better-informed and more engaged public.

H-E-B is presenting sponsor of the Corpus Christi Police Foundation.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Military Appreciation Night June 22

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CORPUS CHRISTI – Hooks Camo Flag Caps to the first 1,500 fans from the Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay kick off the team’s annual Military Appreciation Night Thursday, June 22.

Whataburger Field gates open at 5:35 p.m., with first pitch vs. the Frisco RoughRiders scheduled for 7:05.

“The Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay are honored to partner with the Hooks for this opportunity to express gratitude to our service men and women, both active-duty and retired,” Marketing Director and Specialty Leasing Coordinator Kimberly Perez said. “Their contributions to our safety, freedom, and quality of life are immensely appreciated and we thank them.”

“We recognize current and former military members at games each night, but Thursday’s tribute enables us to go even deeper in demonstrating our appreciation for their sacrifices,” Hooks President Ken Schrom said.

In addition to Thursday’s giveaway, military service members receive discounted tickets at the box office upon presentation of ID. An appearance by Skydive South Texas, a U.S. Navy re-enlistment, and Patriot Riders presence highlight the pregame ceremonies.

The National Anthem will be performed by Marisol Castaneda.

Also Thursday, Stripes presents Thirsty Thursday, with discounted soda and beer.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

June 23: Puppy Rescue Mission Comes to Whataburger Field

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

CORPUS CHRISTI – This Friday, the Corpus Christi Hooks and their fans have a unique opportunity to bless U.S. military service men and women and stray dogs and cats worldwide through the Puppy Rescue Mission’s Mystery Ball Fundraiser.

“The Puppy Rescue Mission builds on the bond our soldiers, sailors, and officers have already established with stray animals when deployed to war zones and impoverished countries,” Hooks Director of Fan Engagement JD Davis explained. “Our military personnel love and care for the cats and dogs, and their four-legged friends reciprocate with love, comfort, and encouragement during what can be extremely perilous circumstances. Many formerly deployed military members desire to give the strays forever homes. That’s the purpose of Puppy Rescue Mission.”

To raise much-needed funding for the non-profit, Jill Borkowski, wife of Hooks pitching coach Dave Borkowski, is coordinating the sale of “Mystery Balls” on the Whataburger Field concourse this Friday before and during the Corpus Christi-Frisco game at 7:05. Bags containing autographed “Mystery Balls” cost $20 each. Inside, contributors to the Puppy Rescue Mission will find an official Major League or Texas League baseball signed by a past or present Hooks player, Astros player, Hall-of-Famer (Jeff Bagwell or Craig Biggio), or MLB star.

Autographed “Mystery Balls” for sale on Friday include:

Jose Altuve

Jeff Bagwell

Carlos Beltran

Craig Biggio

Adam Everett

Dallas Keuchel

Brian McCann

Lance McCullers

George Springer

Mark Buehrle

Adrian Beltre

Nomar Mazara

Yu Darvish

Elvis Andrus

Joey Gallo

Rougned Odor

Rogelio Armenteros

J.D. Davis

Jacob Dorris

Drew Ferguson

Jack Mayfield

Antonio Nunez

Jon Singleton

Cy Sneed

Garrett Stubbs

Kyle Tucker

The Puppy Rescue Mission is a Texas-based non-profit making it possible for our brave service men and women to bring their “battle buddies” home. The Puppy Rescue Mission currently has over 40 rescues in the works at an average cost of $2,500 to $3,500 per animal.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.