News

Whataburger seeking original players from 1950s baseball team

July 26, 2010

This is a special year for Whataburger, as the chain marks its 60th anniversary. In celebration of the milestone, Whataburger is conducting a multi-state search for the original members of its iconic Little League baseball team.

The team's photo hangs in nearly all of Whataburger's 700 restaurants. The black and white photo depicts the original Whataburger Athletics team lined up in their uniforms, awaiting a post-game Whataburger.

The team will be honored in a special ceremony Aug. 4 in Corpus Christi, Texas. The first Whataburger opened in Corpus Christi in August 1950.

Tossing out the first pitch at the Corpus Christi Hooks home game that same day will be players Frank Thomas, Howard Henslee, John Simpson and Cliff Johnson, now in their 60s.

Whataburger will present each with a custom replica jersey and commemorative plaque featuring the photo. Also at the game, Whataburger will recognize player Ray Dulak, who died while serving in the Vietnam War.

In a press release, Tom Dobson, Chairman and CEO of Whataburger Restaurants, and son of founder Harmon Dobson, said "Whataburger has been committed to encouraging young athletes from the very beginning, and we're so proud to bring the guys from that great old photo back together."

Whataburger has grown its community partnerships through a variety of high school, collegiate and professional sports teams, including the Corpus Christi Hooks, which plays at Whataburger Field.