'We love having him here': Hooks fans react to Jose Altuve playing in Corpus Christi.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve hardly needed an introduction when he arrived at Whataburger Field on Tuesday and Wednesday to continue his journey back to the major leagues.

The former American League MVP attracted more than 14,000 fans during his two-day rehab assignment with one fan calling his visit to Corpus Christi "A dream come true."

"I think it's great for Altuve to come to Corpus Christi," said Yolanda Pena, who's been a Hooks fan for eight years and an Astros fan for 35 years. "Not only for public relations but for his rehab, the fans and the children — the kids that like to follow baseball. As adults we enjoy seeing him too."

Pena waited in the heat and the wet conditions during Altuve's two-day rehab to get an autograph from her favorite player.

Altuve delivered for her and hundreds of other fans by signing nearly every autograph he could on Tuesday and a handful more on Wednesday.

Pena, who was attending the game with her grandson Joseph on Wednesday, said it was an awesome feeling to have Altuve connect with her family and the rest of the crowd in attendance.

"I really wish (Altuve) the best," Pena said. "We pray for him and if he has to stay a few more days, that will be great for us. Either way, if he goes back to Houston, we'll watch him there. I know what his goals are."

Hooks season ticket holder Tom Tarver still remembers watching Jose Altuve play for the Hooks during the 2011 minor league season.

Tarver quickly realized how talented Altuve was but it wasn't his ability to hit the ball that caught his attention.

"The Hooks were in town in April 2011 and I will always remember that because there was this little guy everyone was wondering about," Tarver said. "I remember Altuve was here and not because he was a great player, but because he was small. I remember JD Martinez was also here and the next time I see them, they're at Miller Park in Milwaukee and both playing for the Astros."

Tarver, who has been a Hooks season ticket holder since 2017, said another benefit of having Atluve in Corpus Christi the past two days is the awareness it brought to fans, who may not know much about the current Hooks players.

"One of the good things about Altuve being here is he put people in the seats to see the players," Tarver said. "If you were awake and watching the game, you would've thought, 'The Hooks have some good players.'"

Altuve went 1 for 4 on Wednesday after hitting a single in the eighth inning. The two-time World Series champ finished his Corpus Christi assignment going 1 for 9, but felt he took another step to getting back to 100%.

Altuve, who fractured his right thumb after being hit by a pitch during the World Baseball Classic in March, said he accomplished what he set out to do and is looking forward to rejoining his team in Houston.

Altuve also praised the work ethic of the current Hooks players and expects good things from them in the future.

"I saw a lot of talent but not only that, a lot of great attitude," Atluve said after the Hooks' 1-0 win against the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday. "These guys are hungry to play and a lot of good kids going out there who swing the bat and play good defense. These guys want to play better."

Hooks manager Joe Thon said having Altuve in the clubhouse for two days was an influence for the younger players.

Thon said Altuve even treated the team to dinner twice and watched them play a pick up basketball game.

"He's been a good influence for our guys," Thon said. "He comes in, works and has great vibes. He immediately fit in with the guys and it was cool to see. He's a normal dude, but his work ethic was really fun for the guys to see."

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Hooks fans react to Jose Altuve playing in Corpus Christi.