CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Our KRIS 6 Hooks Kid Reporter Annabelle sat down with Hooks pitcher Cole Hertzler. She is one of our last two reporters of the 2026 season. If you would like to sign up you're 6-13 year-old to be the next Kid Reporter, click here.
The Hooks have played a great second half of the Minor League Baseball season. They split their home stand last week with the Midland RockHounds, and now prep for a road trip to Amarillo, which is the current Texas League South leader. Corpus Christi is sitting second in the second half standings with a record just above .500 at (26-25).
ANNABELLE: Has it always been your dream to be a professional baseball player?
COLE HERTZLER: Probably from the time I turned 8 or so, I started playing T-ball. Yes.
ANNABELLE: What college did you graduate from?
HERTZLER: I went to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
ANNABELLE: What are your go-to snacks?
HERTZLER: Any Nature Valley bar is pretty good, somewhat healthy. Not that healthy, but it's all right.
ANNABELLE: Who is your favorite music artist?
HERTZLER: Right now probably the Randy Rogers' band. I really like them.
ANNABELLE: When is your birthday?
HERTZLER: June 21.
ANNABELLE: At what age did you start playing baseball?
HERTZLER: Around 7 or 8. Started playing T-ball then.
ANNABELLE: How long have you been playing for the Hooks?
HERTZLER: I think 3-plus months now. This is my first year with the Hooks, so not too long ago I started here.
ANNABELLE: Who do you admire or look up to most in your life?
HERTZLER: That's a tough one. Probably my parents. Both my mom and dad in different ways. My dad has taught me a lot about baseball and life in general. My mom, same, not as much about baseball, but about life a lot. So I respect and look up to those two.
