Corpus Christi Hooks notebook
June 29, 2005 - Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
THANK YOU - Ryan-Sanders Baseball and the Corpus Christi Hooks would like to thank all the fans for a tremendous first half of the inaugural 2005 season. With over 7,000 fans per game, the Hooks rank #11 out of 160 minor league teams around the country, and rank third in all of Double-A baseball. The stadium, the team and the support are something that everyone in this area should be proud of.
FRESH START - The Hooks finished the 1st half twelve games behind division leading Midland in the first-half, that all disappeared last week with the beginning of the second half. The Texas League season is divided into two equal halves (70 games), with the winner of each half playing each other for the division title at the end of the year. With the 8-3 win last night, the Hooks have evened their record to 3-3 in the second half.
BRING YOUR CAMERA - The Hooks will open the home portion of the second half of the Texas League season on Friday, July 1st, and as the gates open on Friday, there will be an unveiling of the statue "For The Love Of The Game" in front of the main entrance to Whataburger Field. The unveiling ceremony will take place at 5:30 pm.
Created by Seth Vandable, an artist based in Dallas, the massive bronze monument depicts a young minor league baseball player contemplating both the game and his future in it. The statue, 17-feet tall from head to toe and situated on a five-foot tall pedestal, is believed to be the largest bronze baseball player monument in the world, eclipsing the 14-foot tall "Mighty Casey" figure located at Pro Player Stadium in Miami.
Vandable wanted to create a monument that would be viewed as a "must see" Texas landmark, but one that would also dove tail with the architectural design and feel of Whataburger Field, a stadium that was built on the site of old cotton warehouses that date back to the decade of the 1920's. To that end, the bronze player wears a period "cotton" uniform that honors the history of the area, and his stance is one that evokes the hard-working history of the region.
"Everything is bigger and better in Texas," said Hooks President J.J. Gottsch. "This sculpture definitely fits that mold. This is something that everyone in the area can be proud of, and on behalf of Ryan-Sanders Baseball I would like to thank the City of Corpus Christi for another great addition to this already magnificent ballpark. "
STEAK & LOBSTER - As a special "thank you" to all of our inaugural season ticket holders (full season & Friday fireworks), the Hooks would like to buy dinner. This is no ordinary dinner, but a steak and lobster dinner at Katz 21, Steak & Spirits! This is just our way of saying thanks for being the greatest fans in the world. Look for a redemption card in the mail over the next few weeks, and enjoy your dinner! *If you're not a season ticket holder this year, but would like to be for the 2006 season, a waiting list has been started. Just e-mail your name, address and phone to mwood@cchooks.com.
ADDED VALUE - Hooks season ticket holders should be on the lookout for another new feature in the second half. Due to the enormous fan support of the Hooks, there have not been many reserved seats available to sell on a nightly basis. The Hooks are currently looking into an option that would allow season ticket holders to sell back their seats if they won't be able to make it to the game. The program will most likely start with Friday and Saturday games only, but may expand depending on its success.
ROUNDING THE BASES - On exhibit at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is "Rounding the Bases: Baseball in Corpus Christi." The exhibit will continue through September 25, 2005. The display features historic memorabilia and photographs from baseball in Corpus Christi, the Texas League and Nolan Ryan, and is timed to coincide with the first season of the Corpus Christi Hooks at neighboring Whataburger Field.
Former baseball players from Richard King and Mary Carroll High Schools who went on to the major leagues are represented in the exhibit including former Mustang, Burt Hooton, who played in the major leagues for 15 seasons and former Tiger, Brooks Kieschnick who was acquired by the Houston Astros in 2005. Texas League memorabilia recalls the days of the Corpus Christi Seagulls and the Corpus Christi Giants. Nolan Ryan was the first player of a team sport to sign a contract paying one million dollars a year. His original million-dollar contract is also on display in the exhibit.
The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History (1900 N. Chaparral St.) is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the Museum and Columbus Ships is $10 for adults, $5.50 for Children (5-12) and $8 for seniors and military with ID. For more information, please call 826-4651.
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS - If you like fireworks, then you'll like the Hooks upcoming five-game homestand that starts on Friday! The Hooks will have two post-game fireworks shows, one on Friday and then a massive 4th of July show on Monday. In between the fireworks are many great promotions as well. If you're going to the beach this holiday weekend, make sure to come to the game on Saturday and pick up your Hooks Beach Bag (1st 2,500 fans), courtesy of the Willow Financial Group. On Sunday, bring your camera to Whataburger Field and take pictures with the players on the field before the game.
FAN POLL - Who played the best in the first half for the Hooks? To cast your vote go to www.cchooks.com and go to the fan poll on the lower right hand corner of the homepage.
GET HOOKED UP - Do you want to get the latest information and news on the team? Send your e-mail address to info@cchooks.com, and put Hooks News in the subject line to receive post-game reports and game notes everyday.
DEVILS WENT DOWN IN OMAHA - Congratulations to the University of Texas for winning this year's College World Series. If you watched any of the CWS you also got a sneak preview of Arizona State, one of the four teams that will participate in next year's inaugural Whataburger College Classic. The Sun Devils will be joined by Rice and TCU (both regional qualifiers) as well as host TAMU-CC.
BASEBALL BUDDIES - As the Hooks take the field for each home game at Whataburger Field they are joined by a great group of fans, the Johnny Carino's Baseball Buddies. Baseball Buddies gives area little league teams the opportunity to take the field with the Hooks for each home game. Teams get to stand near the Hooks' dugout for pre game, get announced as they go on the field, stand with Hooks' players for the national anthem, and get autographs from the players. To sign-up your team go to Johnny Carino's!
FRESH HOOKS GEAR - The start of the second half of the season also brings with it many new items in Hook, Line & Sinker, the official retail store of the Corpus Christi Hooks. If you're at the game stop by the store, located on the lower level behind first base, or visit the store on-line at http://www.cchooks.com/merchandise/.
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