CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Hooks will close out a seven-game homestand against Springfield tonight.
And after the game, they board a bus for Springdale, Ark., and take in an all-night bus ride.
Thirteen hours to be exact.
After a series in Arkansas, then it’s on to Springfield, Mo., so it’s obviously a long road trip for the team.
The round trip back to Whataburger Field will be just more than 1,700 miles and about 33 hours on the bus.
But that’s life in the minor leagues.
“Water is big, drinking a lot of water,” Hooks third baseman Colton Shaver said. “Long bus rides really tighten you up sitting in a chair for hours. Water really helps stretching along with a good stretch before you leave, but also eating the best you can really helps.
“And a lot of Netflix, that really keeps you busy and keeps you entertained while you are sitting there for a while.”
Others say the long trips simply are part of playing in the minor leagues.
“It's tough but at the same time you know you have to do it,” Hooks first baseman J.J. Matijevic said. “You have to love the grind, but the bus rides can take a real toll on you. But you get used to it after a while.
“You have to know how to manage your body once you get off those bus trips and do what you have to do.”
So following one of the longest roadtrips of the season, the Hooks will finally return home next Thursday to open their next homestand.
