We’re still seeing changes and additions to the spring-training schedule, and here’s another: The Houston Astros and Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League) will play an exhibition game at Whataburger Field on April 2.
This marks the third exhibition game between the two clubs, as the Astros and Hooks previously squared off during spring training of 2009 and 2012.
“We are very excited to bring our Major League club to Corpus Christi to play the Hooks,” said Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan. “We know that Corpus Christi is Astros country and it is always fun to give their fans the chance to see our Major League club, which always includes several former Hooks players. We have placed a great deal of emphasis on player development in recent years, and the Hooks have played a major role in the success we’ve had within our system. This exhibition game will be a fun way to end spring training and get ready for baseball back at Minute Maid Park.”
The Hooks have been affiliated with Houston since their inaugural Corpus Christi season in 2005, and in 2013 the Astros purchased the Hooks from Ryan-Sanders Baseball LLC. From 2000-04, the Astros Texas League Double A affiliate was located in Round Rock as the Express.
In the club’s 10 seasons of existence, 56 Corpus Christi players have ascended to the Astros roster, with a total of 65 former Hooks reaching the big leagues. American League batting champion and Silver Slugger Award winner 2B Jose Altuve and 2014 Gold Glove Award recipient LHP Dallas Keuchel are the most notable Hooks alumni on the Astros roster. There are currently 18 former Hooks on Houston’s 40-man roster.
Over 16,400 fans have attended the previous Astros-Hooks exhibition games at Whataburger Field, including the second-largest crowd in stadium history in 2009 (9,118).
Tickets will go on sale to the public on Saturday, March 7, and prices range from $20-$32. The game starts at 6:05 p.m.
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