Hooks outfielder Justin Dirden making most of opportunities at Double-A level

Justin Dirden's ability to hit home runs or dive for balls in the outfield aren't the only skills the Hooks centerfielder possesses.

The Southeast Missouri State standout can also sport an impressive beard.

"A lot of people ask how long it took for me to grow my beard," Dirden said. "It took about six months in total. The first time I tried to grow it out it was rough because it looked like a chia pet and it grew straight out. If you're trying to grow a beard, I suggest shaving it a few times."

Aside from his impressive facial features, Dirden has managed to grab the attention of fans and his teammates by making the most of his first season at the Double-A level.

As of July 9, Dirden leads Corpus Christi in batting average (.284), home runs (13) and RBI (51).

The last two players (Enmanuel Valdez and Yainer Diaz) to lead the Hooks in those categories are currently playing in Triple-A Sugar Land for the Space Cowboys.

"I try and take those things by the waist-side as much as possible," Dirden said. "It's hard to really guess and assume who might get moved around next. It's really about knowing my position since it's only been one full year in the organization at this point. There's still some areas I need to get better at and work on."

It's no secret Dirden can swing the bat, but where he takes the most pride in is his skills with a glove.

Dirden leads the Hooks outfield with 81 putouts, which includes several diving catches to take away extra base hits.

Dirden has even sacrificed his body by slamming into the outfield wall to rob home runs.

"Defense is something I pride myself in big time," Dirden said. "Hitting, you're going to have ups and downs and when you're down, you want defense to keep you on the field. The biggest thing that's going to help us win games is making sure the other team stays off the base paths and away from scoring position. Being able to back up the pitchers as much as possible."

Dirden quickly moved up the ranks since signing a minor league contract with the Astros in June 2020.

Last season for the High-A Asheville Tourists and Low-A Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Dirden combined for 15 home runs with 58 RBI.

"It's been a lot coming up to this point," Dirden said. "Working with the coaches here and there and at this point of this season, it's been making an adjustment of being on time with my fastball, that's been the main thing. I want to make sure I'm consistent with my fastball but other than that, use more speed on the base paths. If I hit a single, I want to stretch it into a double to get into scoring position."

Dirden began his collegiate career at Jefferson College, where he hit .323 with 10 home runs and 42 RBI. At Southeast Missouri State, Dirden earned first-team, all-conference honors in the Ohio Valley Conference his junior season.

Dirden was born in O'Fallon, Missouri and went to high school at Fort Zumwalt North High School, where he was a three-time, first-team all-district selection for the Panthers.

Dirden describes himself as a "simple guy" taking things one day at a time. When he's not playing baseball, he enjoys shooting long-range guns at a shooting range, playing golf and hunting.

Dirden also plays video games during his free time. His favorite game is Fortnite.

"I'm a simple guy with not much going on," Dirden said. "I like to relax and play video games and I like to go out to the range when I'm back home. I'm a big long range gun guy."

Dirden could be the next Hooks player to earn a promotion and hopes to eventually punch his ticket to the big leagues.

Dirden said he is confident he can be an asset at the next level.

"I can bring defense. I pride myself on defense and that's somewhere I feel I can shine," Dirden said. "I can keep those guys off second base and make plays, good jumps in the outfield and keep the score low. I can keep us in the game."

Rey Castillo is a sports reporter for the Caller-Times and a graduate of Texas A&M-Kingsville. He may be reached at rey.castillo@caller.com or on Twitter @reycastillo361

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Justin Dirden making most of opportunities with Hooks