Hooks Fans Donate Nearly $72,000 in 2022

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks awarded over $70,000 this past season to several local non-profits through contributions made by fans towards the Astros Foundation Share2Care 50/50 raffle.

Non-profit recipients included CC RIMZ, Texas State Aquarium, Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana, Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation, The Traveling Library, USO South Texas, Corpus Christi Police Officers Association & Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation Chapter 598, Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, Coastal Bend Food Bank and Rainbow Room.

“Thank you to our fans who make this possible, their support impacts more than just baseball as shown by the diversity of 50/50 raffle recipients in 2022,” Hooks General Manager Brady Ballard said. “The Astros Foundation Share2Care Raffle continues to be a gameday staple and creates a win-win experience for both our fans and the community.”

CC RIMZ promotes adaptive sports within the Coastal Bend. Texas State Aquarium aims to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation. The mission of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation was created to expand awareness of his legacy and the continued relevance of his fight for equal rights for all. The Traveling Library provides knowledge to those in need by providing literature and other resources that are needed. USO South Texas serves NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville, connecting military service members to family, home and country.

The Corpus Christi Police Officers Association and Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association advocate for the safety and well-being of first responders and citizens through community action and support of local non-profit organizations. The Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation Chapter 598 was formed for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration and offers youth programs focused on fostering patriotism and good citizenship among America’s youth. Goodwill Industries of South Texas provides job training, placement services, and other Coastal Bend-based programs for people who have barriers to their employment.

The Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas promotes the advancement of women in public, corporate and civic life through education, personal and professional development. Coastal Bend Food Bank fights hunger and promotes wellness through food distribution and nutrition education. Rainbow Room provides hope for abused and neglected children.

High School Baseball Playoffs Return to Whataburger Field

CORPUS CHRISTI – Whataburger Field will play host to three high school baseball regional quarterfinal matchups this week with a potential for a fourth game, if necessary, starting on Thursday, May 19.

Thursday’s games feature Santa Gertrudis Academy vs London at 4:30 PM, with London in the third base dugout. Gates open at 3:30 PM. Following that game, the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks will square off against Veterans Memorial Eagles with first pitch scheduled for 8:00 PM. The Eagles will occupy the third base dugout. Fans who purchase tickets will reserve their seat for that specific game only.

The Needville Blue Jays take on the Sinton Pirates Saturday, May 21. First pitch is at 4:00 PM with gates opening at 3:00 PM. Sinton will utilize the third base dugout. If necessary, game three will immediately follow.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Whataburger Field Box Office or online via the links below. Tickets may also be purchased at the Whataburger Field Box Office in advance and day of game.

Pricing begins at $10 for Reserved seating, $12 for Field Reserved and $14 for Premium Reserved. Current students and staff from each respective school can receive a $2 discount on one (1) ticket only per person with valid school ID. Parking at Whataburger Field is $5.

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Santa Gertrudis Academy vs London | 4:30 PM | BUY TICKETS

Sharyland Pioneer vs Veterans Memorial | 8:00 PM | BUY TICKETS

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Needville vs Sinton | 4:00 PM | BUY TICKETS

Needville vs Sinton (Game 3)*

*If necessary. Needville vs Sinton game three will immediately follow game two. Tickets from game two will grant access for game three.

Hooks & Reliant Launch All-Star Educators Program to Recognize Outstanding Coastal Bend Teachers

The Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball Club and Reliant have teamed up to reward outstanding local public-school teachers with a $1,000 grant for school supplies through the new All-Star Educators Program.

A panel of judges will award 15 educators based on STEAM curriculum, student impact and teaching style, as well as any unique challenges the educator has overcome. STEAM instructors develop strategies and techniques to educate students in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math.

School administrators can submit nominees for this program at cchooks.com/educators. The deadline for submissions is May 15.

“Teachers play an incredibly important role in building up the next generation, and Reliant is honored to help them achieve this noble goal,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president, Reliant. “We can’t wait to see how this new program benefits both educators and students in the Coastal Bend community.”

Each winner will receive $1,000 toward the purchase of school supplies and special on-field recognition at a Hooks game this summer.

“We want to thank Reliant for joining our Community Leaders Program and helping to make All-Star Educators possible,” said Brady Ballard, Hooks General Manager. “We know local teachers work hard to advance our community and continue to endure challenges, often including buying basic school supplies out of their own pocket. In partnership with Reliant, we hope to recognize some of the best educators in the Coastal Bend and help them make an even greater impact.”

Hooks Accepting 2022 Anthem Auditions



The Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball Club is on the search for singers and musicians to perform the Star-Spangled Banner during the 2022 Texas League season.

National anthem auditions are virtual for the first time. Participants are required to submit their performances here. Video files should be saved in the format of first name, last name and phone number (Rusty_Hook_1234567890).

All participants are asked to sing or play the full anthem without a backing track.

Contact Travis Pettis ([email protected]) with any questions.

Hooks Host Job Fair January 18th & 19th

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – Here’s your chance to work at the ballpark!

The Corpus Christi Hooks are conducting a job fair at Whataburger Field on Tuesday, January 18 and Wednesday, January 19. The outdoor event runs 3 to 7 p.m. each day. Face coverings are encouraged, and proper social-distancing practices will be in place.

All attendees must apply online prior to being interviewed. Click Here to access current openings.

Available gameday positions include retail associate, grounds crew, promotions, production, Box Office associate, parking attendants, greeters and ushers, mascots, clean team members, bat boys and more.

Aramark, Whataburger Field’s concessionaire, is also taking applicants.

The Hooks open their 17th season of play on Friday, April 8 at Whataburger Field with a 7:05 tilt against the San Antonio Missions. Season memberships are available now. Click Here for details.

Hooks Fans Donate Nearly $65,000 in 2021

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – Via the Astros Foundation Share2Care 50/50 Raffle, Whataburger Field patrons donated $64,840 to seven Coastal Bend organizations during Hooks games this past season.

USO South Texas, Amos Rehabilitation Keep, Mosaic Project of South Texas, Je’Sani Smith Foundation, Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Corpus Christi Police Officers Association and Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association were beneficiaries of the 2021 50/50 raffle.

“Thank you Hooks fans for joining us at the ballpark and helping out these great causes,” Hooks General Manager Brady Ballard said. “We were excited to bring the Astros Foundation Share2Care Raffle to Whataburger Field, and it’s become a highlight of the gameday experience.

“Our partners, members and fans have stepped up during these challenging times. We are incredibly grateful for their support and, during this week of Thanksgiving, want affirm our commitment of being an active and positive participant in the community.”

USO South Texas serves NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville, connecting military service members to family, home and country. Amos Rehabilitation Keep, or ARK, rehabilitates marine turtles and marine birds from the coastal zone of Mustang Island and St. Joseph Island. The Mosaic Project of South Texas remembers victims of hate crimes and violence, and advocates for the civil rights of LGBTQ Americans. The mission of the Je’Sani Smith Foundation is to save lives by providing education, awareness, and water skills training on beach safety, rip currents and other coastal hazards.

Goodwill Industries of South Texas provides job training, placement services, and other Coastal Bend-based programs for people who have barriers to their employment. The Corpus Christi Police Officers Association and Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association advocate for the safety and well-being of first responders and citizens through community action and support of local non-profit organizations.

Public Invited to Halloween with the Hooks on October 28

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – We’re putting a spell on Whataburger Field as H-E-B presents Halloween with the Hooks on Thursday, October 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free.

All activities will take place on the field, including trick-or-treat candy stops around the warning track, carnival games and a pumpkin patch “photo BOOth” at second base. A costume contest will begin near home plate at 6:30 p.m.

“H-E-B has been a long-time supporter of the family-friendly entertainment the Hooks organization brings to Corpus Christi,” said Krystal Houck, H-E-B Director of Marketing & Merchandising. “We are excited to partner with Rusty, Sammy and the rest of the Hooks team to bring this exciting, safe option for local families who want to celebrate Halloween.”

The seventh annual Halloween with the Hooks coincides with CC Movie Nights, presented by Reliant. The Disney classic “Hocus Pocus” will begin playing on the videoboard at 7 p.m.

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.

“We’re excited to bring this special community event onto the field,” said Maggie Freeborn, Hooks Director of Business Development. “The Hooks are thankful for the support of H-E-B and our local businesses who help provide a fun, safe night for trick-or-treating and activities.”

Ballpark food, soda and beer will be available for purchase. Pets are not allowed.

Companies who wish to participate in trick-or-treat for free may contact Maggie Freeborn via email ([email protected]) or by phone at 361-561-4676.

Hooks, Circle K Partner for Tuesday Food Drives

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Hooks and Circle K have teamed up to fight hunger in the Coastal Bend.

At each remaining Tuesday home game, fans can donate non-perishable food items that will directly benefit the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

Those who donate to the Circle K Food Drive at the Whataburger Field gates will receive a voucher for $2 off any Reserved or Field Reserved ticket, which can be redeemed at the Box Office for any Sunday through Thursday game during the 2021 season.

The Tuesday dates are July 6, July 13, July 27, August 17 and September 7.

Individual game tickets and season memberships are on sale now at the Whataburger Field Box Office. Purchases can be made online at cchooks.com/tickets, at the Box Office or by phone at 361-561-HOOK (4665).

Hooks Job Fair is April 7-8

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball Club is hosting a Job Fair Wednesday, April 7 and Thursday, April 8 at Whataburger Field. Both sessions are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

All applications must be completed online before attending the Job Fair. Listings can be found here. Paper applications will not be available. Interviews will be completed on the Whataburger Field concourse, and face coverings or masks must be worn at all times.

Openings include retail associate, field crew, sales & marketing associate, Box Office associate, parking attendants, greeters and ushers, clean team members and more.

Aramark, Whataburger Field’s concessionaire, is also taking applicants.

The Hooks open the season on Tuesday, May 4 at 6:35 p.m. against the San Antonio Missions at Whataburger Field.

Spend Halloween with the Hooks on October 31

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – Join us at Whataburger Field on Saturday, October 31 for the 7th annual Halloween with the Hooks, presented by H-E-B.

Trick or Treat from the socially-distant confines of your vehicle in the ballpark’s South Parking Lot from 1 to 4 p.m. Treats will be delivered from booth-to-booth directly to your car window. The drive-thru experience is free to the public. Guests are encouraged to donate to the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

“We want to thank H-E-B for their amazing support in keeping Halloween with the Hooks on the calendar,” Hooks Director of Business Development Maggie Freeborn said. “It’s been a challenging year in so many ways, and they have stepped up to the plate to provide a safe and alternative way for families to have fun and help out their neighbors.”

Last year’s Halloween with the Hooks garnered 1,002 pounds of donated food.

“As a result of the COVID-19 economic impact in our communities, the Coastal Bend Food Bank has seen a significant increase in demand for food,” CBFB Executive Director Bea Hanson said. “As the holidays approach, we will need extra help to make sure that families can celebrate, especially when times are tough. Every $1 donated helps to secure four meals for families in need.”

The festivities also feature a virtual Halloween costume contest. Participants are asked to submit their best photos by Sunday, October 25 via Facebook or Twitter (@cchooks). Entries can also be made by emailing Dan Reiner at [email protected].

Categories include Best Hooks Costume, Best Sports-Themed Costume, Scariest Costume, Cutest Costume and Best Pet Costume. The grand-prize winner will be announced on Halloween and will receive a $50 gift card to Hook, Line & Sinker.

H-E-B, Academy, CITGO, Clemtex, Corpus Christi Police Department, Dave & Busters, DGS Construction, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, First Command Financial Planning, Kiewit, Kleberg Bank, Muniz Electric, Pepsi, RBFCU, State Farm, Texas Bridge Credit Union, VALERO and Whataburger will join the Hooks in giving away treats.

To inquire about hosting a booth, contact Freeborn via email or by phone at 361-561-4676.

Hooks Launch Auction Benefitting Hospitality and Tourism Employees

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Hooks are calling on the baseball community to support those in the hospitality, tourism and service industries through a game-worn jersey auction that began today.

A handful of select game-worn jerseys dating to 2014 will be sold at auction to benefit Visit Corpus Christi’s Visit CC Cares Program, which is designed to help employees in the hospitality, tourism and service industries who have experienced financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances. The Visit CC Cares Program recently launched the COVID-19 Coronavirus Hospitality Emergency Fund Campaign to provide one-time emergency funding to those directly impacted by the current pandemic.

“The hospitality, tourism and service industries have been dramatically impacted due to COVID-19,” said JD Davis, Hooks Director of Marketing. “When we started discussing ways our fans could make an impact through a jersey auction, Visit CC Cares was at the top of our list. It was important for us when deciding how to distribute the funds that through the Visit CC Cares Program, the donations go directly to the employees affected.”

Among the game-worn jerseys are Houston Astros players George Springer and Jose Urquidy (2019 Raspas), a signed Collin McHugh Coastal Bend jersey and a signed home Hooks jersey by current Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Colin Moran. A full list of available jerseys is below.

The auction is now live at cchooks.com/auction, closing Sunday, May 24 at 1 p.m. CT. Proceeds will directly support Visit CC Cares. A $9.95 domestic shipping and handling fee will apply.

Funds for the Visit CC Cares Program are raised through donations to the Corpus Christi CVB Heritage Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. Learn more about Visit CC Cares here.

GAME-WORN JERSEYS AVAILABLE AT AUCTION:

George Springer (2019 Raspas)

Jose Urquidy (2019 Raspas)

Seth Beer (2019 Raspas)

Cristian Javier (2019 Raspas)

Collin McHugh (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Willy Collado (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Ryan Engels (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Tim Lamonte (2019 Coastal Bend, signed)

Jake Meyers (2019 Dia de los Hooks)

Teoscar Hernández (2014 road gray, signed)

Colin Moran (2014 road gray, signed)

Doug Brocail (2014 road gray, signed)

Framber Valdez (2017 Christmas, signed)

Brandon Bailey (2019 pink, signed)

Granden Goetzman (2019 pink, signed)

Justin Ferrell (2019 pink, signed)

Bill Murphy (2018 pink, signed)

Omar Lopez (2018 Blue Ghosts)

Jorge De Leon (2014 home white)

Matt Heidenreich (2014 home white)

Hooks Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

 

CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hooks fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Corpus Christi Hooks as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Coastal Bend community. For every $10 donated, the Hooks will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“The MiLB CommUNITY First campaign is an excellent way to come together during this national crisis,” Hooks General Manager Wes Weigle said. “If able, please join us in the fight against hunger in our community by using this initiative to donate to the Coastal Bend Food Bank. I look forward to the day when we can once again rally at Whataburger Field to honor the achievements and sacrifices of our local heroes. Being able to gather at the ballpark will help us restore our way of life and hopefully begin to heal some of the wounds of this epidemic.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Hooks fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Corpus Christi Hooks at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

National Anthem Auditions at Whataburger Field Next Week

 

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

 

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

 

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.