Bagwell headlines Caravan guests
Published on January 18, 2007 under Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Legendary Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell will be among the Houston contingent when the Astros visit Corpus Christi for their annual Winter Caravan Luncheon on Thursday, February 8th at the Solomon P. Ortiz Center at the Port of Corpus Christi. The event takes place from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm.
Bagwell, regarded as one of the most popular Astros of all time, announced his retirement from the game in December and signed a personal services contract with the club. In his new role with Houston's baseball operations staff, Bagwell serves as a special assistant to general manager Tim Purpura and has a variety of duties, including working with hitters in both the majors and the minors. He'll have the opportunity to observe the Hooks and the Astros other minor league teams during the season.
"Having Jeff as a part of the caravan gives Astros fans in South Texas another chance to experience a legend up close," stated Hooks president and general manager J.J. Gottsch. "His rehab stint with us at the end of the 2005 season energized our team and our fans and helped push our attendance past the half-million mark. Jeff is a classy individual and it is an honor to have him here for this event."
Bagwell, the National League Rookie of the Year in 1991 and the National League MVP in 1994, is the Astros career leader in both homeruns (449) and RBI's (1,529) and ranks 12th all-time in the NL in both categories. A rare combination of speed and power at his position, Bagwell is the only first baseman in the history of Major League Baseball with more than 400 homers and 200 stolen bases.
In addition to Bagwell, Purpura will also appear at the luncheon. Purpura enters his third season as the club's GM after a seven-year reign over the Astros minor league operations. Bagwell and Purpura will be joined by former Hooks pitchers Matt Albers and Chris Sampson, plus Astros Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton.
Albers had a whirlwind season in 2006, netting Texas League Pitcher of the Year honors during his time with the Hooks. He was 10-2 with a 2.17 ERA in 19 starts for Corpus Christi before getting the call to join the Astros. For the remainder of the season, Albers split his time between Houston (0-2, 6.00) and Triple-A Round Rock (2-1, 3.96).
Sampson was one of the top pitchers in the Texas League in 2005 when he posted the fourth best ERA (3.12) in the circuit. In 2006, Sampson, like Albers, made his Major League debut with the Astros. In 12 appearances for Houston, Sampson went 2-1 with a 2.12 ERA. For the bulk of this past season, though, Sampson impressed as both a starter and a closer for Round Rock, going 12-3 with four saves and a 2.51 ERA.
Hamilton, entering his 23rd season as the voice of the Astros, has been broadcasting Major League Baseball since 1953. Popular on the caravan and speaking circuit, Hamilton's reduced schedule of work for the Astros in 2006 allowed him the opportunity to attend a game in Corpus Christi last April and entertain fans when he teamed with Matt Hicks on the Hooks broadcast.
Tickets to the luncheon are $25, and corporate table sponsorships are available. Proceeds from the sale of luncheon tickets benefit the Hooks "Field of Dreams" program. For more information, please call 361-561-HOOK.
Texas League Stories from January 18, 2007
- Bagwell headlines Caravan guests - Corpus Christi Hooks
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