The Corpus Christi Hooks, who have served as the Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros since their inaugural season in 2005, wrote via Twitter on Tuesday evening that a "major announcement was coming tomorrow morning" and to "stay tuned."
What's the announcement?
Corpus Christi will host the Astros on Monday, April 2 in an exhibition game -- three years to the date of Houston's first appearance at Whataburger Field -- which set an attendance record of 9,118 fans.
"We are thrilled to have the Astros return," Hooks director of communications Matt Rogers said by email. "Corpus Christi was an Astros town for 40 years before it became a Hooks town. Having our parent club play at Whataburger Field is a huge treat for everyone associated with the organization. We will have to take some additional steps to accommodate all the media, but we've done it before. There's nothing quite like working an event of this magnitude. We have a terrific staff.
"We look forward to welcoming everyone back."
Brian Esposito, who saw action in 38 games for the Hooks during 2011, blasted a two-run walk-off homer to lift Corpus Christi to a 6-5 victory the last time both teams faced each other.
Hooks founder and CEO Reid Ryan, the son of Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, looks forward to the special event for the city of Corpus Christi.
"On behalf of Ryan-Sanders Baseball, the Hooks and our fans, I want to express deep appreciation to Drayton McLane and the Astros organization for this opportunity," Ryan said in a statement released by the Hooks. "We are delighted and excited about another great event for Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend as the Astros embark on their 50th anniversary season."
Over the last seven seasons, a total of 33 Hooks players have advanced to the big leagues with the Astros, including eight in 2011.
Jose Altuve, J.D. Martinez and Jimmy Paredes -- all of whom created excitement as young rookies for the Astros this past season -- became the first three position players in Corpus Christi history to bypass the Triple-A level and earn a direct call up.
Altuve, 21, was named 2011 Astros' Minor League Player of the Year, despite appearing in 57 games at the big league level.
Houston and Corpus Christi have maintained a tremendous relationship over the years -- a partnership the Astros truly value.
"We value our relationship with the fans in Corpus and with the Ryan-Sanders Baseball group," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "The exhibition game gives us a chance to show our appreciation. The fans are always enthusiastic and welcoming to our major league players, similar to how they are to our minor league players throughout the season. They are first class all the way."
The exhibition game April 2 is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Hooks full-season ticket holders will be extended the option to purchase their regular seats and additional locations at $28 apiece.
Also, 22-game package holders (Friday Fireworks/Saturday Special) are able to enjoy the seating options, as well, at that rate.
All remaining Astros/Hooks reserved-seat tickets will go on sale to the general public at $30 each beginning Friday, March 2.
General admission pricing is $12.
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