Ricky Rivera to Lead Hooks in 2025
CORPUS CHRISTI – Manager Ricky Rivera, pitching coach Alex Harter, hitting coach Bobby Bell, development coach Jeff Calhoon, athletic trainer Jennifer Bardales, strength coach Kevin Rivera, and dietician Kara Beitler comprise Corpus Christi’s 2025 field staff, the Houston Astros announced today. Rivera, the 10th manager in 20 seasons of Hooks
CORPUS CHRISTI – Manager Ricky Rivera, pitching coach Alex Harter, hitting coach Bobby Bell, development coach Jeff Calhoon, athletic trainer Jennifer Bardales, strength coach Kevin Rivera, and dietician Kara Beitler comprise Corpus Christi’s 2025 field staff, the Houston Astros announced today.
Rivera, the 10th manager in 20 seasons of Hooks Baseball, has led the Class A Fayetteville Woodpeckers in each of the past two campaigns. Last month, the 31-year-old was named manager of the year in the Puerto Rican winter league after piloting San Juan to the championship series for the first time since 1997.
“A big South Texas welcome to Ricky and the rest of our field staff,” Hooks General Manager Brady Ballard said. “To win manager of the year in Puerto Rico, and to do so as the youngest skipper in the circuit, is quite an accomplishment. It points to an exciting brand of baseball at Whataburger Field!”
2025 marks Rivera’s fifth season as a minor league manager. A native of Dorado, Puerto Rico he joined the Astros system in 2020 before beginning a two-year run as field chief in the Florida Complex League in 2021.
Rivera, who played college ball at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and Central Missouri, represented Puerto Rico in the 2025 Caribbean Series, serving as third base coach for Mayagüez.
Harter joins the Hooks after working as pitching coach at High-A Asheville in 2024, his first campaign with the Astros. Prior to the pro ranks, the Findlay, Ohio native coached collegiately including at his alma mater, the University of Findlay. Harter made 34 appearances and 20 starts for the Division II Oilers from 2016-2019.
Bell returns to the Sparkling City for his third season as Hooks hitting coach. With over 20 years of professional baseball experience, he has also worked in the Angels, Marlins and Brewers organizations.
Calhoon became a member of the Astros last season as development coach at Fayetteville. The Snohomish, Washington native has toiled as a college coach for 10-plus seasons, most recently with Campbell University in 2023, as he helped the Camels to their second consecutive Big South title and a regional final appearance.
Bardales and Beitler are both beginning their second seasons in Corpus Christi. Bardales, the 2022 Florida Complex League Athletic Trainer of the Year, owns a master’s degree from the University of Houston. Beitler is a product of Ball State.
Following two seasons in Fayetteville, Kevin Rivera is readying for his first stint as Double-A strength coach. His previous stops with the Astros include the Florida Complex League and Dominican Summer League. Kevin has also worked with the Detroit Tigers and USA Field Hockey.
The Hooks open their 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American Bank, on the road in Frisco April 4-6.
Opening Night at Whataburger Field is Tuesday, April 8, as the San Antonio Missions (San Diego Padres) visit for a weeklong series. Season memberships are on sale now. Visit cchooks.com or call 361-561-HOOK (4665) for more information.
Hooks Reveal 2025 Promos
CORPUS CHRISTI – With the 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American Bank, less than two months away, your new-look Corpus Christi Hooks present a promotional calendar packed with two dozen giveaways and 14 fireworks displays. The CITGO Jersey Series celebrates Hooks history on special Saturdays in 2025 with the following
CHRISTUS Spohn Scholars of Tomorrow Program Opens
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks and CHRISTUS Health have partnered together to extend the education of 10 area high school students. As part of the CHRISTUS Spohn Scholars of Tomorrow program, a $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to 10 high schoolers to continue their education with a focus
Hooks Announce High School Baseball Schedule at Whataburger Field
CORPUS CHRISTI – Tickets are on sale for high school baseball at Whataburger Field. Presented by Corpus Christi Medical Center, the 2025 slate is comprised of 23 games in March and features programs from 27 Coastal Bend high schools. Call 361-561-HOOK (4665) for more information. Sat, Mar 1 BSN Baseball
Hooks Host Javelinas in Spring Training Exhibition Game
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Hooks, Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, and Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas are set to meet in a Wednesday, April 2 friendly at Whataburger Field. The spring training exhibition game begins at 6:35 PM, with ballpark gates opening at 5:35. Tickets are on sale now at cchooks.com.
Hooks Single Game Tickets On-Sale Now!
CORPUS CHRISTI – Single game tickets are on sale now for the Hooks 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American Bank. Visit cchooks.com or call 361-561-HOOK (4665) to purchase. Corpus Christi will play 69 games over 11 homestands from April through September, hosting Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25) and Independence Day
Nominations Underway for Reliant All-Star Educators Program
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – For a fourth consecutive year, the Corpus Christi Hooks and Reliant have teamed up to empower outstanding local public-school teachers in the Coastal Bend. As part of the Reliant All-Star Educators program, 10 teachers will each receive a $1,600 grant for classroom supplies. “I’d like to
New-Look Hooks Ready to Play Ball
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks, Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, are rolling out new logos and uniforms in tribute to the bond between a ballclub and its city. The rebrand, including eight custom marks, was commissioned to usher in the Hooks 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American
Hooks Announce 2025 Daily Promotions
CORPUS CHRISTI – In anticipation of the full promotional calendar release, the Corpus Christi Hooks, Double-A Affiliate of the Houston Astros, are rolling out daily promotions for the upcoming 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American Bank. Single-game tickets go on sale Friday, February 21. Tuesdays: Start the homestand with the
UCLA, Michigan State, Washington State & Islanders This Weekend at Whataburger Field
CORPUS CHRISTI – The 2025 Kleberg Bank College Classic, set for February 21-23 at Whataburger Field, features UCLA, Washington State, Michigan State and host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Fans will be treated to a fireworks display following the Bruins-Islanders 4 PM matchup on Friday. Click Here for weekend passes and single-day
Islanders, Jayhawks, Fighting Illini, Wildcats This Weekend at Whataburger Field!
CORPUS CHRISTI – The 2025 college slate at Whataburger Field features Kansas, Illinois, Abilene Christian, Michigan State, Washington State, UCLA and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Visit cchooks.com or call 361-561-HOOK (4665) for tickets. The action begins Friday, February 14 with the first of three consecutive doubleheaders. Illinois and ACU, both making
Hooks Delivering on Valentine's Day
Roses are red, violets are blue, and the Hooks have Valentine's Day covered for YOU! Sammy the Seagull and our Hooks staffers are at the ready to deliver a smile to your special someone. Space is limited. Delivery times are available on a first-come, first-served, basis. Orders cannot be accepted
Islanders and Javelinas Represented at South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet
CORPUS CHRISTI – Monee Montilla and Isaac Webb of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M-Kingsville’s Lindsey Evans and Vincent Sanchez will be honored Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center in recognition of their outstanding 2024 seasons. The South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, presented by Whataburger, is headlined by
Calallen’s Chase Lynch Earns 2025 Matt Beveridge Award
CORPUS CHRISTI – Chase Lynch of Calallen High School is the 17th recipient of the Matt Beveridge Award, given annually to a high school baseball senior student-athlete who exemplifies character, courage, leadership, and spirit. In addition to being recognized Thursday, January 23 at the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, Lynch
Hooks Host 20th Season Block Party Presented by American Bank on January 31
CORPUS CHRISTI – The 20th season of Hooks Baseball in the Coastal Bend is leading off with a bang! The Corpus Christi Hooks are hosting a free Block Party presented by American Bank at Whataburger Field on Friday, January 31 to launch the 20th campaign of Hooks Baseball. “American Bank
Esquivel, Lopez & Chapman Win Baseball Coaches Awards
CORPUS CHRISTI –Falfurrias’ Gus Esquivel and Joe Luis Lopez and Steve Chapman of Calallen will be recognized as the 2024 South Texas Baseball Coaches of the Year on Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center. The South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, presented by Whataburger, is headlined by former Hooks
Lentz & Salinas Win South Texas Softball Coach of the Year Honors
CORPUS CHRISTI – Calallen’s Teresa Lentz and Paula Salinas of Veterans Memorial will be honored as the 2024 South Texas Softball Coaches of Year next Thursday, January 23, at the American Bank Center’s Henry Garrett Ballroom. Hooks legend and two-time World Series champ Hunter Pence is headlining the South Texas
Banda Tabbed Top South Texas Pro
CORPUS CHRISTI – Former Sinton High School star Anthony Banda is the 2024 Mike Adams South Texas Professional Player of the Year. The World Series champion will be honored at the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, set for January 23 at the American Bank Center’s Henry Garrett Ballroom. Hooks legend
Calallen Leads Large School Baseball Preseason All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Calallen Wildcats, eyeing a return trip to the 4A state title game, placed the maximum of four representatives on the large school baseball division of the 2025 South Texas Preseason All-Star Team. The honor squad, as voted on by head coaches from 19 area 4A-5A schools,
Hooks Host Job Fair January 14th & 16th
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 14 and Thursday, January 16. Both sessions run 3 to 7 PM and will take place inside the ballpark’s CITGO Cotton Club. Attendees are
London Pirates Pack Small School Baseball All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Private-3A Baseball Division of the 2025 South Texas Preseason All-Star Team, comprised of 15 student athletes from 24 Coastal Bend high schools, will be recognized January 23 at the American Bank Center’s Henry Garrett Ballroom as part of the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, presented by
Hooks Announce Big School Softball South Texas Preseason All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – Repeat selections Brooke Castillo (Alice), Audrey Diercks (Gregory-Portland), Brookelynn Meador (Calallen), Jordyn Thibodeaux (Calallen), Jada Zepeda (Veterans Memorial), and three-time honoree Demiree Stafford (Tuloso-Midway) lead the large school softball division of the 2025 South Texas Preseason All-Star Team, as voted on by head coaches from 19 Class
SGA & IWA Pace Small School Softball Preseason All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – Three-time honoree Izzy De Los Santos of Sana Gertrudis Academy, along with back-to-back selections Kadence Trevino from Hebbronville and Woodsboro’s Sidney Castillo, headline the Private-3A Division of this year’s South Texas Preseason All-Star Softball Team, as voted on by head coaches from 24 Coastal Bend high schools.
Ken Schrom to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
CORPUS CHRISTI – Former Hooks President and American League All-Star pitcher Ken Schrom will be presented with the 2025 South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center. Schrom, 70, has dedicated 43 years of service to professional baseball, including a seven-year
Hunter Pence Returns for South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet
CORPUS CHRISTI – Hooks legend and two-time World Series champion Hunter Pence headlines the 19th South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, set for Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center. Hosted inside the Henry Garrett Ballroom, the event is presented by Whataburger and honors Coastal Bend baseball and softball standouts