Astros looking forward to inaugural Futures Game

HOUSTON -- The Corpus Christi Hooks, the Astros' Double-A affiliate, will play the San Antonio Missions, the Double-A affiliate of the Padres, on June 10 at Minute Maid Park in the first Astros Futures Game.

The game, which will begin at 6:10 p.m. CT, will be the first regular-season Texas League game played at Minute Maid Park. The Astros Futures Game will provide fans the opportunity to see some of the bright young talent the Astros have in their Minor League system, which was rated as the best in baseball by ESPN.com this offseason.

Several of the Astros' current Minor League players are rated at or near the top for their respective positions, including right-hander Mark Appel, shortstop Carlos Correa, first baseman Jonathan Singleton, outfielder George Springer, second baseman Delino DeShields and right-hander Lance McCullers.

"We're extremely excited about the talent in our system, and our knowledgeable fans are as well," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "The Astros Futures Game gives the fans in Houston the chance to see some of our young prospects and gives our players the experience of playing in a Major League ballpark."

In 2013, Corpus Christi had the best record (83-57) in the Texas League for the second season in a row en route to capturing the South Division. Five members of the 2013 Hooks were called up to the Astros last season, and 14 former Hooks overall made their Astros debut in '13, an all-time high. In '12, the Hooks set a franchise record for wins with an 85-55 mark.

"Our I-37 Series is a great natural rivalry with the Missions," Hooks president Ken Schrom said. "The Astros Futures Game will be an enjoyable and memorable experience for all the players as they showcase their talents and abilities. It'll be a treat for the fans, too. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in such a unique, exciting event."

All tickets for the Futures Game are priced at $10. Astros full season-ticket holders will receive free tickets to the Futures Game as an added benefit of their 2014 season-ticket package, and Corpus Christi season-ticket holders are receiving tickets to this game as part of their paid season-ticket package.

Tickets are on sale now by visiting www.Astros.com/FuturesGame.

"We're very pleased to give our fans this opportunity because of the level of excitement surrounding our Minor League system," Astros president of business operations Reid Ryan said. "Also, the Astros Futures Game is one of the many exciting elements of the Astros/Hooks ownership structure. We look forward to continue building the relationship between Hooks and Astros fans."