"This is such strong Astros country," said Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, the Astros legend who took time out from his job as the Texas Rangers' president to attend the game. "We appreciate them coming down because the fans here really follow this club closely and have ever since the Astros came to Houston."

First since '58

Nugent was only 2 years old when the Giants played the Cleveland Indians here in 1958, the only other time a major-league club visited Corpus Christi.

Professional Baseball made a resurgence here when the Nolan Ryan and Don Sanders families, through Ryan Sanders Baseball, brought in the Hooks, who played their inaugural 2005 season at picturesque Whataburger Field.

With the USS Lexington, the Harbor Bridge and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel as a backdrop, the Astros have been grooming prospects here since 2005. To date, Pence is the greatest player in Hooks history, leading them to the 2006 Texas League title.

"Definitely, it's very nice to come back and see them again and have a chance to come through this area," said Pence, who reached the majors a year after he was the 2006 Hooks' MVP. "I make a point to come here once a year to see some of the fans and just to be a part of this community. I consider it a second home."

Fan favorite

The feeling appears mutual. Pence received the loudest ovation of the night when the Astros were introduced to the standing-room-only crowd.

"I think our fans feel some ownership with Hunter because he spent a full season here, and they saw him develop," Ryan said.

Pence and Chris Sampson are the only former Hooks expected to open the season on the Astros' 25-man roster.

jesus.ortiz@chron.com