Corpus Christi (KIII News) — Excitement is mounting at Whataburger Field this week as the Corpus Christi Hooks take on the Arkansas Travelers, but that's not the only reason.
On Monday and Tuesday nights, fans can see and take selfies with the Houston Astros' 2018 World Series trophy.
Fans began lining up early Monday for their trophy photo opp, which is available to any who attend a Hooks game Monday or Tuesday night.
They similarly lined up early on Saturday for their chance to get their hands on a replica of the Astros' World Series ring. The replica ring giveaway drew thousands to Saturday's game.
It's clear that last year's World Series is having an impact at Whataburger Field.
According to Whataburger Field officials, the first four home games for the Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros saw a total of just over 22,000 fans filling the seats. That's up from last year.
The president of the Hooks ball club, Ken Schrom, said part of it has to do with the Astros' World Series win, and the Hooks are building on that momentum.
"We'd like to think we had a little to do with it," Schrom said. "We noticed a lot of Astros gear. We've been selling a lot of it. The fact they own us, it's a great relationship. They treat us wonderfully. It shows, bringing the trophy."
Schrom spoke with 3News Monday as the World Series trophy paid a visit to the Kiii-TV studios on its way to Whataburger Field. Many of our staff took advantage of the opportunity to take a picture with the trophy, including Astros super fan Erik "Bacon" Guerrero.
"Let's just say I've spent a lot of money on merchandise," Guerrero said.
He's not the only person with baseball fever.
"Jerseys, hats, novelties, mini bats, baseballs, patches," said Veronica Rivera as she shopped at Hook, Line & Sinker, the team store at Whataburger Field. "The whole nine yards."
Rivera came from Houston to scoop up some team gear.
"New shirts and a couple of the pullovers," Rivera said.
Retail Operations Manager Rudy Soliz said business has been booming. He's seen merchandise flying off the shelves, including some exclusive Houston Astros Gold Rush jerseys.
"We've definitely seen an increase in traffic since the Astros' World Series win last year," Soliz said. "Especially after the new year. We got a lot of new World Series merch in. Traffic has picked up. Sales have picked up."
It seems the Astros and the Hooks are a winning combination.
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