(Corpus Christi, TX) – The Corpus Christi Hooks will play their first game in Texas League history next Thursday, April 7th in San Antonio, and to help area fans "get in the mood" for the start of the season, the club has arranged a series of events next week that should be a great deal of fun for everyone involved.

On Monday, April 4th, all of the Hooks' players will finally be in town, and to welcome them to our fair city, a "Meet the Players" autograph signing session will be held at the Olive Garden Restaurant, located at 5258 S.P.I.D. The entire team and members of the Hooks' front office will be at the event, which is slated to begin at 6:00 pm. Season ticket holders, suite holders and sponsors of Hooks' baseball are all welcome to attend.

The following day, Tuesday, April 5th, will bring a special event that highlights the partnership between the Hooks and Circle K. Two new drink-related product announcements will be made at the flagship Circle K location in downtown Corpus Christi (at 301 Interstate-37, at the corner of Water Street) at 3:00 pm Tuesday, with an "After School Party" for the kids to follow.

Everyone is invited to join representatives from Circle K and the Hooks for both the unveiling of the new Hooks' fountain cup design featuring Nolan Ryan, and the introduction of the new Hooks' "Thirstfreezer" flavor. The 44-ounce commemorative cup will be available until the end of April, while the new Thirstfreezer flavor will be offered in May and June in all Circle K stores throughout the Coastal Bend.

The After School Party, following the press announcement, will consist of many fun activities for the kids. There will be a special appearance by the Hooks' mascot Rusty, and several Hooks' players will be on hand as well. Circle K will offer a 12-ounce Kids' Cup sample of the new Hooks' flavor to all children (regardless of age!) until 5:00 pm, or while supplies last. "The Beach 96.5" morning personalities Bert Clark and Kelly Morgan will also be at the party to pass out some good cheer and other surprises for the entire family.

Wednesday, April 6th, the Hooks will conduct a "Peek at the Park" at Whataburger Field from 6:00 until 9:00 pm. This will give season ticket holders, suite holders, sponsors and the media a chance to see Whataburger Field and the team the day before the season starts. Manager Dave Clark and the Hooks will conduct a full workout under the lights as their final preparation for the 2005 campaign.

Admission to the event is free to those mentioned above, and there will be no charge for parking. Concession stands will be open, and Hooks’ game day employees will be available to assist those in attendance and answer questions about the stadium and the upcoming season.

This is an exclusive event for Hooks' full-season and mini-plan ticket holders, as well as suite holders and team sponsors. It is just a small way of saying thanks for supporting the club in this inaugural season, and as an additional thanks, there will be a post-event fireworks' display! This should be a really fun time on the eve of the season's first game, and we hope all of you will be able to attend.

If you have any questions about the events leading up to the start of the season, please contact the Hooks’ Director of Community Relations, Elisa Macias, at 361-561-HOOK.