The former Gregory-Portland Wildcat says it’s been his dream to play at Whataburger Field as a pro since he was a kid.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Hooks held their annual media day Monday and former Gregory-Portland Wildcat Walker Janek was back at Whataburger Field where he played some of his high school ball.

Janek did his media day shoots alongside some of his new teammates and we talked to him about what it was like being back at his childhood ballpark. 

“It’s like a feeling of comfort,” Janek said. “I played here my whole life growing. It’s been a dream of mine since I was younger. I remember I played on the backfield behind the stadium, so to play on the big one now is pretty cool.”

“He’s so amazing back there,” pitcher Trey Dombrowski said of Janek. “It’s just the work that goes in off the field and behind the scenes. What he does to perfect his craft, it’s really special to see just him go after it and really get better each year.”

The Hooks will host the Islanders Tuesday night in an exhibition and then open the season thursday at Whataburger Field against the Frisco Roughriders.