CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — We don’t have to tell you it’s hot outside.
In fact, it’s scorching hot. And when you are a baseball player playing in South Texas this time of year, it can be brutal.
The Hooks open a seven-game homestand tonight. They currently trail Midland and Amarillo by a game and a half in the South Division.
The players are incredibly well conditioned athletes..
And on game days, their days can be a real grind.
In fact, they probably work their hardest before the game, spending a couple of hours working out before the first pitch is ever thrown.
From lifting weights, to running,.to infield practice and to batting practice, these young men battle the elements.
Take today. The heat index was well over 100 degrees during afternoon practice.
But it’s all part of the game and it’s what they signed up for.
“It's 140 games,” outfielder Stephen Wrenn said. “You have hot streaks and cold streaks both individually and as a team so luckily we are coming off a little bit of a hot series. So maybe can keep that momentum going into this week.
“As a team collectively, the goal is obviously to win but we have goals offensively and defensively and I know the pitching staff has goals as well. And honestly if everybody keep doing their own thing in developing how they have us planned we should be good so everybody has their own thing they are focusing in on right now.”
Hooks pitcher Brett Adcock admits the weather can be a grind.
“Everybody is going to have their ups and downs,” Adcock said. “You have to get into a rhythm and just feel it out.
“Some guys are going to be tired some days and feel really good the next day. It's how you cooperate with your body and perform.”
The Hooks will need to win the Texas League South Division title to make the playoffs.
