The Corpus Christi Hooks opened the gates of Whataburger Field on Wednesday to young fans from across the Coastal Bend as part of their annual Education Day.
Students from 28 schools — stretching from Benavides in the south to Refugio in the north — filled the stands for a morning of baseball, learning, and fun. The event aimed to introduce the game to children and offer them a memorable day at the ballpark.
While the players received strong support from the crowd, the loudest cheers were saved for team mascots Rusty and Sammy. For many kids, the mascots stole the show, drawing reactions usually reserved for celebrities.
“This may be the only visit some of these kids make to Whataburger Field,” said Hooks General Manager Brady Ballard. “Our players love it, and they get cheered more today than any other game.”
Despite the enthusiastic crowd, the Hooks fell to the Midland RockHounds with a final score of 5-3. However, the team will have another shot at a win — and another day with young fans — when they host a second Education Day on Wednesday, May 21.
