CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) -
Reid Ryan, CEO of the Corpus Christi Hooks, was in town Thursday night for the Hooks' battle with the San Antonio Missions.
Ryan has one of the hottest teams in baseball right now, as the Hooks currently lead the Texas League South and are primed for the playoffs; but what does it all mean for the financial bottom line?
The Hooks haven't had a season like this since 2006, when they won the Texas League Crown; but does success on the field translate to money in the bank?
"Winning means a lot. There's no doubt about it," Ryan said. "When you win, people want to come to the games. You have more people in the house, people want to buy gear for teams that win, you know, there's just a euphoric effect of winning."
He pointed out that, with the Hooks winning on the field, the playoffs are a real possibility, and that means more tickets sold. Bringing people to the park to eat, drink and of course hit the Hook Line and Sinker for a ball cap or shirt.
Not to mention the scouts and other out-of-town visitors who will stay at our hotels for those extra games.
Ryan also told us that win or lose, fans come away a winner because they do get the chance to not only watch professional baseball, but get to see big-league players before they become stars.
"I probably spend more money because the excitement is running, and you want to show everyone in your community that you support your team," Hooks fan Kelly Bryant said.
"It's definitely great to support a team that's winning, but I think it's the overall atmosphere that the Hooks offer," fan Kendall Hart said. "It wouldn't hurt me if they were a losing or winning team. I would still come out and support them."
That's the kind of supporter the Hooks are happy to have. They're backing their team win or lose, but the fact seems to be that winning produces excitement and people want to be a part of it, and they're willing to shell out the cash to see more games and spend more money to be a part of a winner.
