Corpus Christi Hooks mascot Sammy Seagull takes on Stormtroopers during Star Wars Night at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi. With two mascots, a playground, and endless between-innings entertainment, there’s never a boring moment with the Corpus Christi Hooks. Courtesy photo
Watch a Corpus Christi Hooks game at Whataburger Field, and you’ll quickly learn that baseball is a game best experienced in person. No sport works harder to entertain its fans than minor league baseball!
In Corpus Christi, that starts before the first pitch in a ballpark that highlights its hometown with views of Harbor Bridge, ships passing through the harbor, the USS Lexington, and remnants of antique cotton presses next to the scoreboard.
Because baseball moves at a slower pace than football or basketball, some label the sport as boring. Hooks Marketing Director Dustin Fishman counters that sentiment. “I’d tell them to come down to Whataburger Field and take in the total experience,” he said.
Part of that experience is getting fans close to the action and the players. Stroll the ballpark’s 360-degree concourse and you’ll pass within a few rows of the dugouts for the Hooks and the visiting team and even closer to batting cages and bullpens.
With no more than 18 rows of seats, there’s no nosebleed section. Each seat is within sound of every crack of the bat and umpire call.
Although the players are not yet household names, the Hooks boast an impressive alumni list that includes Jose Altuve, Hunter Pence, and Jason Castro, among others. And, it doesn’t hurt that the Hooks are the AA farm team of World Series champions Houston Astros. When an Astro gets put on the disabled list, they often rehab with the Hooks, so you can see current stars in the minor league.
The Whataburger Field experience doesn’t end with strikes, balls, hits, or stolen bases. Hungry fans have seemingly endless choices of food and drink, including frozen margaritas, funnel cake fries, brisket nachos, and Whataburgers.
Between innings, fans are treated to entertainment breaks, be it a “dinosaur race,” a T-shirt canon, or appearances by mascots Sammy Seagull or Rusty Hook. Beyond the outfield diversions are a playground, a pool (for private parties), a rock-climbing wall, and a basketball court. A Hooks game offers just about everything — except boredom.
In case you’re a first-time or just an occasional fan, here are a few tips for making the most of your next Hooks game:
- Check for promotions. The Hooks offer promotions and specials all season long, including fireworks night, swag giveaways, and food and drink specials.
- Take an extended seventh-inning stretch. Get some exercise and walk the concourse.
- Kids getting restless? Take them to the playscape at the Driscoll Children's Hospital Fun Zone in right field. They can work off some energy, and you can still watch the game.
- Snap a few selfies. Great backgrounds, including Harbor Bridge beyond right field and the scoreboard in left.
- Bring your glove and a blanket and sit in the outfield berm. Be ready for a home run coming your way.
Follow the Hooks, find out who’s hot, who’s not, and who could become the next Houston Astro.
Find the schedule and tickets here.
chuck@thepicayune.com
