Season Recap: 2019 Corpus Christi Hooks
Split in two, the 2019 Corpus Christi Hooks season was seemingly symmetrical, with the club posting exactly as many wins in the second half as it did in the first.But a deeper look at the season overall shows more nuanced results of a team that rolled with the punches to
Split in two, the 2019 Corpus Christi Hooks season was seemingly symmetrical, with the club posting exactly as many wins in the second half as it did in the first.
But a deeper look at the season overall shows more nuanced results of a team that rolled with the punches to break club and league records and remained in the playoff chase until the campaign's final week.
The Hooks used 68 players - 10 more than in 2018 - via 108 transactions. Only 10 players on the Hooks' 25-man roster on the season's final day were on the Opening Night roster. That much jumbling, which is typical for a Double-A club, can make it tough to find continuity, according to Hooks manager Omar Lopez.
"It's very hard to be consistent as a team throughout the whole season when you have a lot of transactions," Lopez said. "There were two or three times throughout the season we'd click and then boom, promotions and transactions, then you get new guys and redo it again."
The Hooks hovered around .500 for most of the season, going 26-27 from the jump while being carried by the likes of Joshua Rojas, Tyler Ivey and Abraham Toro. In fact, the Hooks were 10-10 through 20 games, 20-20 through 40 games and 30-30 through 60 games.
Rojas skyrocketed onto prospect charts with his scorching start with Corpus Christi, batting .322 with eight homers, 30 RBIs and 13 steals in 44 games. Seven of those blasts came in a seven-game span, including a team-record three multi-homer games to earn Texas League Player of the Week on May 26. His hot streak spelled a deserved end to his Hooks career, earning a promotion to Triple-A Round Rock on May 29, where he would continue his ascent in value.
Ivey was virtually untouchable in four April outings, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.13 ERA and .169 opponents' average in four outings. But he would miss nearly three months of the season due to injuries.
The void left by Ivey in May was filled by Cristian Javier, a 22-year-old right-hander who began the year off the radar of most scouting databases but would end up having one of the most dominant seasons in Corpus Christi history. After a bad outing in his Double-A debut at Midland on May 16, Javier allowed just one earned run over his next 20.2 innings, including 4.2 no-hit innings versus Frisco on May 26 in his Whataburger Field debut.
Around that time, Seth Beer received his promotion to Corpus Christi after tearing up the Advanced-A Carolina League with Fayetteville. Beer was an immediate sparkplug, hitting .327 over his first 14 games with the Hooks.
As the calendar rolled over to June, Beer found his power stroke, as did several of his teammates. The 2018 Astros first-round draft pick swatted five home runs as the team hit a Double-A-high 35 bombs that month, six more than the next-highest team. But as foundational Hooks players began receiving promotions to Triple-A Round Rock, such as pitchers Jose Urquidy and Brandon Bielak and outfielder Chas McCormick, new players from Fayetteville struggled to hit the ground running as Corpus Christi went 11-15 in June.
"There is a big difference between High-A and Double-A," Lopez said. "When they get here, it takes a little while for them to adjust. Some of them will make the adjustments and some of them will struggle and they need to figure it out. When you're facing guys on Arkansas and Tulsa, it's going to take a little time. You see guys like Urquidy, he was a little inconsistent and finally clicked. He made two or three good starts and went to Triple-A and continued doing well."
Bryan Abreu, Enoli Paredes and Yohan Ramirez were among the pitchers to quickly learn that lesson. Abreu, promoted to Double-A in late April, allowed seven earned runs over his first 6.0 innings, but would give up just three runs in his next 16.1 frames. Paredes dominated at home, going 2-0 with a 0.93 ERA in six games, but was 0-2 with a 7.23 ERA in five games on the road. Ramirez struggled with command throughout the year, fanning 13.4 batters per 9.0 innings, but walking 6.3 over that same ratio.
"A lot of guys that were dominating in the Carolina League from the pitching standpoint, they thought it was about the same stuff and they were pitching the same way they were pitching there. Then they noticed it wasn't the same way," Lopez explained. "When they get here, it's really time for them to work and make adjustments."
That trio along with Javier - all international signees out of the Dominican Republic - combined to accumulate more than one-quarter of the Hooks' 1,453 strikeouts in 2019. The mark smashed the Texas League record of 1,319 set by the 2018 Hooks and ranked fourth in all Minor League Baseball behind Advanced-A Rancho Cucamonga, Modesto and Fayetteville. Hooks hurlers also set a club record by holding hitters to a .221 average, far below last year's previous best of .235.
Offensively, Toro and Beer led the charge in July, when the team had its only winning month at 15-13. Beer hit .337 with nine homers and 24 RBIs that month, while Toro batted .364 with 11 doubles and three blasts. But Houston's blockbuster July 31 trade shook up the roster as Beer, Rojas, J.B. Bukauskas and Corbin Martin went to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Zack Greinke.
Rojas' departure opened a spot on Round Rock's roster for Toro, who ended his tenure with the Hooks hitting .306 with 16 HR, 65 R, 70 RBI, 48 BB, a .906 OPS and 4 steals in 98 games. He was named a Midseason and Postseason Texas League All-Star at third base and earned Hooks Player of the Year honors. After a torrid few weeks in Triple-A, Toro received his first Major League call-up to the Astros on August 22.
"It's hard to predict, but for me it was a matter of time for Toro," Lopez said of his former player's MLB promotion. "He has everything as a manager and development guy that you look for. A guy that always has the same personality, that always controls his emotions, works extremely hard, is an extremely positive guy, has the ability to recognize weaknesses and things he's not doing right."
Toro and Beer, who each hit 16 home runs with the Hooks, also contributed to a franchise-record 163 home runs clubbed in 2019, ranking third among teams below Triple-A behind a pair of Dodgers affiliates: Tulsa and Rancho Cucamonga. Seven players contributed double-digit home run totals: Dawson (17), Beer, Toro, Granden Goetzman (15), Colton Shaver (15), Osvaldo Duarte (12) and Lorenzo Quintana (11).
Despite the roster turnover, including the promotion of Javier, who earned Hooks Pitcher of the Year after going 6-3 with a 2.07 ERA and 114 strikeouts in 74.0 innings, the team remained in playoff contention until there were just five games remaining in the season. Late-season additions such as Jake Adams, Jonathan Arauz and Brett Conine got a taste of Double-A competition, which Lopez said he hopes the likely returners for 2020 will take into the offseason after missing the playoffs at 66-73.
"It is a good thing that sometimes you need to fail. A lot of these guys have had their eyes opened. They're talking about it, saying they're probably going to start here next year. I already told them: 'you have to work hard in the offseason and be smart about it because this league is not easy.' Our future in this organization, with the consistency and amount of talent that we have, it's just a matter of time for them to understand that they've got control of the ball and bat that they hold."
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
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
Astros Announce Hooks Roster
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CHRISTUS Spohn Scholars of Tomorrow Program Opens
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Nominations Underway for Reliant All-Star Educators Program
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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
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
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
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
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
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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
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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