Santana Pitcher Hook Signs to Play for Astros

SANTEE — Pitcher Mike Hook of Santana High School said Tuesday night that he had signed a contract to play baseball for Sarasota, Fla., a rookie league team in the Houston Astros’ farm system. Hook was drafted by the Astros in the second round of Monday’s free-agent draft.

Hook also received a scholarship offer to play for the University of Hawaii. But he said he could not refuse the Astros’ offer.

“I’m happy,” Hook said. “It’s what I wanted to do, I guess. I like the whole situation. The money was what I wanted.

“It’s what I wanted to do all along, but I was going to wait and see if the money was there, and if it was (I would) go play for the Astros. If it wasn’t, I’d go to Hawaii. I’m anxious to get out and get going and see how I do.”

Hook did not disclose the amount of the contract.

Hook was 12-1 this season with a 1.28 earned-run average. He struck out 140 in 81 innings and pitched a perfect game. Hook earned the victory last Saturday when Santana won the San Diego Section 3-A title.