Hooks fans gather for photos with Astros World Series trophy
The Houston Astros celebrated their second World Series championship last season by hoisting baseball's most coveted trophy after a 4-2 win against the Philadelphia Phillis in Game 6 of the 2022 Fall Classic.
Astros players celebrated the historic night by taking pictures with the trophy and all of its magnificence.
On Saturday at Whataburger Field, thousands of Hooks fans got the chance to do the same.
Shirley Riojas drove from Calallen to Whataburger Field to take a photo with the trophy, and arrived at 2 p.m. to be the first in line.
"It's an awesome opportunity that they offer to the public," Riojas said. "It's something that's going to be memorable for everybody. It's something you get to keep forever."
Riojas, 52, waited in line for more than three hours with her daughter and classmate before the gates opened for fans, who were also able to take home a replica Yordan Alvarez jersey.
Riojas said she's been an Astros fan all of her life.
"I'm a big fan of baseball," Riojas said. "It goes back to the Astros’ days in the Astrodome, and I've been following baseball since I was a kid. I'm looking forward to another winning season."
Melissa Martinez, 29, wanted to celebrate her brother's birthday by watching the Hooks and to take a photo with the Astros World Series trophy.
Martinez, who is from Corpus Christi, waited in line for more than an hour with her parents, two children and brother.
"We saw that the Astros trophy was going to be here so that's really cool that we get to see it in person and it's my little brother's birthday," Martinez said. "We watched the whole World Series last year so it's really nice to see their big accomplishment here in Corpus Christi."
Longtime Hooks fans John Armendarez and his wife Janie Martinez also endured the long lines to have their chance to take a photo with the trophy.
Armendarez, 50, said being able to see the real trophy and not a replica was special, especially since he's been a dedicated Hooks fans since the franchise came to Corpus Christi in 2005.
"I've always been a Hooks fan and an Astros fan," Armendarez said. "It's awesome and a lifetime experience to take a picture with the trophy. I recommend anyone whoever gets a chance to look to take pictures with it. I'm just grateful I can take a picture with the real trophy and show my grandkids and friends."
The Hooks ended Saturday night with a 10-6 loss to the San Antonio Missions in 10 innings, but Armendarez still has high hopes for the team down the stretch.
"I think they're going to go all the way," Armendarez said. "At least that's what we're hoping. Hopefully we see some new players make it to the Houston Astros from Corpus Christi."
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Hooks fans gather for photos with Astros World Series trophy
