(CORPUS CHRISTI, TX) – The newest member of the Hooks’ family was unveiled yesterday during a ceremony in the courtyard of the Water Street Market. “Heater,” a seven-foot long fiberglass dolphin, will soon be positioned in place outside Whataburger Field to help greet fans and passersby alike.

Heater is the latest in a series of artistic dolphin depictions that adorn the grounds of various landmarks throughout downtown Corpus Christi. Painted on to Heater’s left side is the “Rocket,” Roger Clemens, and on the dolphin’s right side is the likeness of “The Express,” Nolan Ryan. Both are in time-appropriate Astros’ uniforms.

The dolphin’s name was chosen for one of baseball’s many slang terms for the most common pitch in the game – the fastball – for which Clemens and Ryan are most well known. Ryan is a principal owner in Ryan-Sanders Baseball, the group that owns and operates the Hooks, and Clemens, still an active pitcher with the Astros, is also an investor with the group. Both are native Texans and are generally regarded as two of the top pitchers in the history of the game.

Monica McCloud was the local artist who was commissioned to create “Heater.” McCloud and members of the Hooks’ front office, including President J.J. Gottsch, were on hand for the unveiling. “Monica did such an awesome job, and we will proudly display Heater in our front yard,” said Gottsch. “We also want to thank our owner Don Sanders, who when he heard about the project was more than eager to jump on board as a sponsor.”

Heater is scheduled to be in place before the Hooks play their first home game on Sunday, April 17th against the Midland RockHounds.