KVOA

Posted: Nov 9, 2009 2:36 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI - Native Texan Izzy Hinojosa is returning to his home state.

At the same time, he's enjoying a promotion from Rookie Ball to Double-A.

That would be rare for a player, but the award-winning Hinojosa, who hails from Pasadena, is succeeding Garrett Reddehase as field superintendent of the Corpus Christi Hooks.

Hinojosa, 23, has been Director of Field Operations for the Astros-owned Greeneville (Tennessee) Astros the last two seasons. Before moving to the Appalachian League, he spent two years on the Minute Maid Park grounds crew.

A two-time AL Sports Turf Manager of the Year, Hinojosa won 2008 Minor League Baseball Short Season/Rookie League Sports Turf Manager of the Year honors from the Sports Turf Management Association (STMA). At Greeneville, he was responsible for all field maintenance and landscaping at Pioneer Park, a shared facility with Tusculum College.

Hinojosa spent two years in golf course maintenance before transitioning to baseball.

"Izzy came very highly recommended by Dan Bergstrom of the Astros and his record at Greeneville speaks for itself," Hooks general manager Michael Wood said. "We look forward to having him as a member of our staff."

"I am excited about the opportunity to return to Texas and move up in the Astros organization," Hinojosa said. "Whataburger Field is an amazing facility and I can't wait to experience the total environment."

Reddehase's Whataburger Field playing surface was recognized as the Texas League's best in 2009, and he joins the Round Rock staff for 2010.