OKC Dodgers and ODMHSAS to Honor Edie Nayfa Saturday As She Works to #StrikeOutThe Stigma

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers are partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) this season to help #StrikeOutTheStigma and increase awareness on the topic of mental health and substance use in our community.

The partnership focuses on education, advocacy and support to help destigmatize the connotations that come with mental health and substance use struggles. Oklahomans who are working to do so will be recognized throughout the 2022 Dodgers baseball season.

The third honoree of 2022 is Edie Nayfa, CEO of Catalyst Behavioral Services. Catalyst began as a nonprofit substance use clinic in 1973 and has now grown to one of the largest behavioral health agencies in Oklahoma thanks to Nayfa’s 23 years of dedication to the organization.

“If somebody is in need of treatment, we’re always here,” she said

Nayfa will be recognized during the Dodgers’ game against the Tacoma Rainiers at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“Through our partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we want to help raise awareness on the topic of mental health by talking openly about the subject and providing educational resources,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “By sharing the personal stories of Oklahomans who have been impacted by, or work to provide, mental health and substance use services in our community, we want to help strike out the stigma and provide support to our fellow Oklahomans.”

Nayfa understands that addiction and substance use can be daunting, but she also knows there’s always hope. Catalyst offers programs in both Oklahoma City and Enid and on any given day is helping up to 400 people as help is offered to all Oklahomans regardless of where they live in the state.

“We want people to know there are ample opportunities and different varieties of treatment we can do to help the individual,” she said. “We just want to give them hope.”

Catalyst is part of a statewide treatment system offering a variety of mental health and substance use prevention, treatment and recovery options. The organization’s work to advance innovative approaches in treatment allows those they serve to receive advanced care and speed the process of recovery. In fact, Catalyst was an integral part in bringing medication assisted treatment services to Oklahoma and worked with other providers to expand availability.

Catalyst and other providers in the system receive funding from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) allowing persons to receive care regardless of ability to pay. Nayfa is beyond thankful for the relationship.

“We are beyond blessed to have them as support,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

She knows there’s long been a stigma associated with addiction and substance use and Catalyst focuses on trying to change that stigma, while also helping those struggling with addiction.

“We need to have compassion, mercy and tolerance,” she said.

She knows everyone is capable of transformation and it’s what she loves most about her job.

“To see them on the other side of that is truly a blessing,” she said.

To read Nayfa’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks. Photos of Nayfa are attached for use (credit: OKC Dodgers).

The OKC Dodgers host ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! this week at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and their home series against the Tacoma Rainiers continues tonight at 7:05 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to follow Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game and the series continues at 7:05 p.m. Saturday with the Clubhouse Collectibles online auction, presented by The Oklahoman. The auction features game-worn, game-used and autographed Dodgers memorabilia that will be available for fans to bid on from 6-11 p.m. at milbauctions.com to benefit the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Following Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. series finale, kids can run the bases.

Dodgers players and coaches will wear Cielo Azul jerseys throughout the series and the gameday environment during ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! will feature Latin music, festive concourse decorations, unique entertainment, live performances and a Spanish-speaking public address announcer for select games. Specialty concession items and Cielo Azul merchandise will be available for purchase. In addition to the game action on the field, Clips N Hips will perform during Friday night’s game and Yúmare Mexican Folkloric Dancers, Inc., are set to perform Saturday and Sunday.

Since 2018, the Dodgers have participated in MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión, or Fun Cup, which is a season-long event series designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with participating teams’ local U.S. Hispanic/Latino communities, including creating unique on-field personas and gameday experiences. The name Cielo Azul translates to “Blue Sky.”

Tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. Tickets purchased here include a $5 donation to the Latino Community Development Agency. The LCDA’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the Latino community through education, leadership, service and advocacy. For more information, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute Provides Life-Saving Treatment for Enid Native in Two Oklahoma Cities

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Christian Brown received care at INTEGRIS Health in Enid and Oklahoma City to treat stage three colon cancer after diagnosis at young age

OKLAHOMA CITY – The 11th season of the INTEGRIS Health “Home Run for Life” series wraps up Saturday night as Christian Brown will be recognized prior to the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game against the El Paso Chihuahuas at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Brown was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer at the age of 27. She had surgery at INTEGRIS Heath Cancer Institute in Enid, then traveled to INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute in Oklahoma City twice every other week for treatment and chemotherapy.

She attended classes at Northern Oklahoma College between eight rounds of chemotherapy. She even carried her medicine pump with her around campus as she studied to become a registered nurse.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.

“Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these incredible Oklahomans,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize their amazing and inspiring stories of triumph over significant health challenges.”

Brown, an Enid native, had been traveling for work and had been a licensed practical nurse for five years.

Suddenly, she began experiencing extreme abdominal pain and ended up in the emergency room. What she thought were menstrual cramps turned out to be a mass obstructing her bowels and stage three colon cancer in June 2019.

The diagnosis caught Brown by surprise as she had no family history of cancer.

“It was emotional,” she said. “I’d always been healthy prior.”

Colorectal cancer numbers are rising in young people, but the reason why remains a mystery, said Sumbal Nabi, M.D., with the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute in Enid.

“When someone is diagnosed with cancer at a young age, people automatically suspect genetics, but experts still haven’t been able to use genetics to explain the surge,” Nabi said.

Angered but determined, Brown put her head down and got to work. She attended classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and made trips to OKC for treatment Wednesdays and Fridays.

“Going to school really helped me,” she said. “It gave me motivation to get out of bed.”

What made balancing class and treatment a bit easier for Brown was the care she received at INTEGRIS Health.

“The staff was amazing,” she said. “There’s nowhere else I would’ve rather gone for my treatment.”

To read Brown’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The Dodgers continue a six-game series against the El Paso Chihuahuas at 7:05 p.m. tonight and the teams play nightly through Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Series highlights include:

• Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night presented by Dell: Current and former local military personnel and their families will be honored Friday during Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night presented by Dell. Dodgers players and coaches will take the field for the 7:05 p.m. game in special commemorative camouflage jerseys that will be auctioned online through the MiLB Auctions website to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation. The evening’s festivities are scheduled to include a flyover featuring an E-3 Sentry (AWACS) from the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, static displays of military equipment from Fort Sill and performances from the 77th Army Band. Military personnel will be honored throughout the night and participate in other activities such as an oath of enlistment ceremony and in-game entertainment. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game presented by SpringHill Suites. A special $20 ticket offer that can be purchased here includes a $5 donation to the USO and an OKC Dodgers baseball cap.

• OKC 89ers Night: In addition to Brown being honored before the 7:05 p.m. game, Saturday is also OKC 89ers Night and Dodgers players and coaches will wear special retro OKC 89ers jerseys and hats in a nod to the franchise’s history. The evening’s entertainment will feature throwback themes and the team’s jerseys will auctioned online through the MiLB Auctions website to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation. The 89ers played at All Sports Stadium from 1962-97 before the franchise relocated to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in 1998. Groups of 10 or more can take part in a special ticket offer featuring all-you-can-eat ballpark fare, a terrace-level game ticket and an OKC Dodgers hat for $25 per person.

• Kids Run the Bases: Following Sunday’s 6:05 p.m. series finale, kids can run the bases like the pros.

OKC Dodgers tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For more information, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182. Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Dodgers “Pack the Park Pink;” Lose Sixth Straight Game

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Round Rock Express – 7

Oklahoma City Dodgers – 3

Friday, Aug. 12, 2022 – Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark – Oklahoma City, Okla.

Game Summary: The Round Rock Express scored seven straight runs as they sent the Oklahoma City Dodgers to a 7-3 loss Friday night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The Dodgers took the first lead of the game as Drew Avans led off with his 10th triple of the season and scored on a RBI groundout by Edwin Ríos in the first inning. Round Rock (59-50) took the lead in the fourth inning, scoring runs on a RBI ground-rule double by Josh Sale and a RBI double by Nick Tanielu. The Express added three more runs in the fifth inning with a RBI double by Andy Ibáñez and a two-run homer by Davis Wendzel for a 5-1 advantage. Wendzel hit his second home run of the night in the eighth inning, boosting the Express to a 7-1 lead with another two-run shot. In the bottom of the ninth inning, four straight Dodgers reached base with two outs, including a two-run single by Omar Estévez, but the Dodgers (62-47) fell to 0-4 in the series.

Of Note:

-The Dodgers have now lost six consecutive games for their longest losing streak of the season and have lost six games in a row for the first time since Aug. 20-26, 2019. They are 1-7 in the last eight games overall and have lost the first four games of their six-game series against the Express for their first 0-4 start to a series since May 6-9, 2021 in Round Rock.

-Drew Avans hit his PCL-leading 10th triple of the season in the first inning, which tied the OKC team record for triples in a season during the Bricktown era (since 1998), matching Joaquin Arias’ 10 triples during the 2006 season. Avans went 2-for-5 and scored a run as he extended his on-base streak to 48 games. He owns the longest active on-base streak in the Minors and the longest on-base streak by an OKC player during the MLBAM era (since 2005). He has reached base in 62 of his last 63 games and his 48-game on-base streak is the longest in the PCL since 2018.

-Edwin Ríos extended his hitting streak to nine games, going 1-for-4 with a RBI and a walk as he continued his Major League Rehab Assignment. During the nine-game streak he is 12-for-37 with four doubles and owns the longest active hitting streak by an OKC player. He was initially placed on the Los Angeles Dodgers Injured List June 3 with a right hamstring injury and was transferred to the 60-day IL June 22.

-Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol opened Major League Rehab Assignments Friday with OKC. Treinen pitched a scoreless sixth inning with a strikeout, flyout and groundout, throwing nine pitches (seven strikes). Graterol pitched a scoreless seventh inning with a walk, double play and strikeout, throwing 14 pitches (eight strikes). Treinen was placed on the LAD Injured List April 22 due to right shoulder inflammation and was transferred to the 60-day IL May 17. Graterol was placed on the LAD Injured List with right shoulder inflammation July 11.

-Over the last six losses, the Dodgers have allowed 48 runs, including seven or more runs four times. During the same span, the Dodgers have scored 16 runs, with three runs or fewer in five of the six games.

-The OKC Dodgers took the field in special edition pink jerseys to “Pack the Park Pink” with MidFirst Bank and promote breast cancer awareness. The game-worn jerseys were auctioned to benefit Susan G. Komen Oklahoma.

What’s Next: The series between the Dodgers and Express continues at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on Faith and Family Night. The evening includes a postgame concert by Tauren Wells, presented by Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association and Hobby Lobby. The ZOOperstars! are also set to perform throughout the evening as the fun, inflatable characters dance, perform acrobatics, tricks and comedy on the field between innings.

Tickets are available at okcdodgers.com/tickets. Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.


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OKC Dodgers and ODMHSAS to Honor Reggie Whitten Saturday As He Works to #StrikeOutTheStigma

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Oklahomans working to destigmatize mental health and substance use struggles are being recognized during Dodgers games this season in partnership with Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers are partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) this season to help #StrikeOutTheStigma and increase awareness on the topic of mental health and substance use in our community.

The partnership focuses on education, advocacy and support to help destigmatize the connotations that come with mental health and substance use struggles. Oklahomans who are working to do so will be recognized throughout the 2022 Dodgers baseball season.

The second honoree of 2022 is Reggie Whitten, a practicing lawyer in Oklahoma City who spends his free time advocating about the dangers of substance abuse across the state following the death of his son in 2002. Whitten founded Fighting Addiction Through Education (FATE).

Whitten will be recognized during the Dodgers’ game against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“Through our partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we want to help raise awareness on the topic of mental health by talking openly about the subject and providing educational resources,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “By sharing the personal stories of Oklahomans who have been impacted by, or work to provide, mental health and substance use services in our community, we want to help strike out the stigma and provide support to our fellow Oklahomans.”

Whitten’s son Brandon was a well-loved, popular kid who was homecoming king at Westmoore High School and went on to win a NAIA football championship with Southwestern Oklahoma State.

Unknown to many however, he became addicted to opioids, leading to a deadly motorcycle crash in 2002.

Whitten shares his son’s story through his work with FATE, wanting to change the stigma of how addiction is viewed.

“It is not a shameful thing,” he said. “It is a disease of the brain.”

He emphasizes that those struggling with addiction face a stigma that people afflicted by other diseases don’t.

“There is no stigma associated with cancer, diabetes, asthma or any other disease I can think of,” he said. “When your loved one gets addiction, there’s nobody knocking at the door to bring over food or give you a hug.”

Whitten notes that there are a myriad of resources available through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and that addiction can be treated like any other disease.

He said it’s critical to make the public aware of the dangers of opioids.

“The need for this is greater now than ever,” Whitten said.

To read Whitten’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The Dodgers continue a six-game series against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at 7:05 p.m. tonight and the teams play nightly through Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Friday Night Fireworks are set to follow Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game.

Whitten will be honored during Saturday night’s 7:05 p.m. game. Saturday is also Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night and the Dodgers will wear special edition Marvel-branded jerseys on the field. Special guests Thor and Star-Lord will be in attendance. A Braum’s Friends and Family group offer is available Saturday for groups of 10 or more to receive a game ticket, OKC Dodgers hat and meal voucher to use at any Braum’s location in Oklahoma for a special ticket price.

Following Sunday night’s 6:05 p.m. series finale against the Space Cowboys, kids can run the bases.

OKC Dodgers tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For more information, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

ECMO Treatment at INTEGRIS Health Helped Save Life of Tulsa Man

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The 11th season of the INTEGRIS Health “Home Run for Life” series continues Friday night as Cliff Allison will be recognized prior to the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Allison, 53, suffered acute mitral valve failure during the summer of 2020. However, a buildup of fluid in his lungs made it impossible to operate on his heart. Allison was flown from Tulsa to INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City where he would receive an advanced life-saving treatment called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

“There’s no question that what INTEGRIS Health did was a life-saver,” Allison said.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.

“Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these incredible Oklahomans,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize their amazing and inspiring stories of triumph over significant health challenges.”

Allison was mowing his lawn on a warm June day in 2020 when he suddenly felt overheated and had trouble breathing. His symptoms did not improve and testing at an urgent care revealed the levels of oxygen in his blood were dangerously low. He was rushed to the emergency room in Tulsa.

There, he was diagnosed with acute mitral valve failure, but unfortunately, by the time the cause was discovered, Allison had suffered further complications, including a buildup of fluid in his lungs, which made a heart operation impossible at that time.

After being flown to INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City, Allison started ECMO treatment, which works like a set of heart and lungs for a patient. It is often considered as a “last hope” for patients with hearts in critical condition.

ECMO bought Allison’s body time to heal, and once he was stable, Dr. Marshall Bell, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at INTEGRIS Health, was able to replace Allison’s mitral valve and save his life.

“If it weren’t for the skill and care I got at INTEGRIS Health, I wouldn’t be here today,” Allison said.

To read Allison’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks. Photos of Allison are attached for use (credit: OKC Dodgers).

The Dodgers continue a six-game series against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at 7:05 p.m. tonight and the teams play nightly through Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Allison will be honored prior to Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game and Friday Night Fireworks are set to follow the game.

Saturday is Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night and the Dodgers will wear special edition Marvel-branded jerseys on the field. Special guests Thor and Star-Lord will be in attendance. A Braum’s Friends and Family group offer is available Saturday for groups of 10 or more to receive a game ticket, OKC Dodgers hat and meal voucher to use at any Braum’s location in Oklahoma for a special ticket price.

Following Sunday night’s 6:05 p.m. series finale against the Space Cowboys, kids can run the bases.

OKC Dodgers tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For more information, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

OKC Dodgers Hosting Mid-Season Job Fair June 28

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

*OKLAHOMA CITY – *The Oklahoma City Dodgers will be hosting a mid-season job fair for gameday staff on Tuesday, June 28 from 4-7 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The Dodgers are seeking multi-talented, highly motivated team players. Available positions include customer service, food service, retail operations, grounds crew and much more.

A full list of open positions can be found below.

“Our gameday staff has always been, and will always be, a vital piece of the fan experience at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “We typically have around 250 gameday employees working during our home games, and the people we hire during our job fairs are the ones on the front lines assisting fans and providing the level of unsurpassed customer service we pride ourselves on.”

The job fair will be held in the Legends Lounge at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Interested job seekers should enter the ballpark through the glass doors adjacent to the Team Store located on South Mickey Mantle Drive.

Those applying for any position must be available for all remaining Dodgers home games through the end of September as well as other events held throughout the year. All applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Applicants should be prepared to interview with Oklahoma City Dodgers’ full-time staff during the job fair. Résumés are encouraged but not required.

For more information on the 2022 OKC Dodgers mid-season job fair, visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2185.

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • Gameday Ticket Sellers
  • Ticket Takers
  • Ushers

FOOD SERVICE

  • Line and Prep Cooks
  • Quick Service Expediters & Managers
  • In-Seat Vendors & Servers
  • Premium Level Servers
  • Warehouse Attendants
  • Dishwashers

TEAM STORE

  • Merchandising Sales Associates

OTHER

  • Field Crew Assistants

Multidisciplinary Experts at INTEGRIS Health Guide Jeremiah Harrell Through Spine and Heart Challenges

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health continue the “Home Run For Life” series for an 11th season and will recognize Jeremiah Harrell prior to the Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game Saturday against the Round Rock Express at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

A multidisciplinary team of experts at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center performed life-saving emergency spinal surgery on Harrell while also accommodating his pre-existing heart conditions, including a left ventricular assistance device (LVAD), earlier this year. INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center is the only facility in the state offering a full-service advanced heart failure program including teams of board-certified heart failure, LVAD, heart and lung transplant, anesthesia, cardiothoracic and neurosurgical experts together at one facility.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.

“Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these incredible Oklahomans,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize their amazing and inspiring stories of triumph over significant health challenges.”

Harrell was referred to INTEGRIS Health’s cardiology team when he first moved to Oklahoma. He was born with a genetic heart condition that was deteriorating and he underwent a procedure to implant a left ventricular assistance device (LVAD) at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in December 2021.

Life returned to normal for the Bluejacket, Okla., resident until he started to feel numbness and a burning sensation in his neck around Easter earlier this year.

Harrell’s wife rushed him to INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City where he met with Pal Randhawa, M.D., with INTEGRIS Spine and Neurological Surgery.

The medical team discovered a severe infection that eroded and destabilized his spine, causing it to begin to collapse and damage his spinal cord.

“Had he not come to the hospital that very day, he would have been permanently paralyzed,” Randhawa said.

A team comprised of LVAD, anesthesia, cardiothoracic and neurosurgical experts were all present during the surgery in case they needed to respond quickly to any potential complications.

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center is the only facility in the state capable of offering all these teams together in one place.

The emergency surgery was successful, and Harrell underwent additional staged surgeries to stabilize his neck.

Harrell knows his surgeries were no small feat and is incredibly grateful for his caretakers.

“My doctors are amazing,” Harrell said. “They keep a big smile on my face because without them I wouldn’t be walking around now.”

To read Harrell’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The OKC Dodgers are in the midst of a six-game home series against the Round Rock Express at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark that continues tonight at 7:05 p.m. Upcoming promotional highlights include:

• Friday, June 24 – 7:05 p.m.: Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 1,000 guests will receive an OKC Dodgers water bottle. Braum’s Friends & Family 4-Packs are available for the game that include four tickets, four hats and four Braum’s restaurant vouchers. Friday Night Fireworks are then scheduled to follow the game.

Additionally, the Dodgers are partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to increase awareness on the topic of mental health in the community, focusing on education, advocacy and support to #StrikeOutTheStigma of mental illness. Oklahomans who are working to de-stigmatize the connotations that come with mental health struggles will be recognized throughout the season, including during Friday night’s game.

• Saturday, June 25 – 7:05 p.m.: Harrell will be honored for his INTEGRIS “Health Home Run For Life” prior to Saturday’s game. Also before the game, Oklahoma City Community College President Mautra Staley Jones, Ed.D. is scheduled to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Jones began her tenure March 1, 2022 and is the first woman and also the first person of color to lead OCCC.

Saturday is a Future Dodgers Night and youth baseball and softball teams in uniform are invited to participate in a pregame parade on the field. Game tickets for groups of 10 or more include a souvenir OKC Dodgers hat. Saturday is also a Braum’s Friends and Family Night, allowing groups of 10 or more people to receive a game ticket, OKC Dodgers hat and a Braum’s restaurant voucher that can be redeemed at any Oklahoma Braum’s location, starting at just $13 each.

• Sunday, June 26 – 2:05 p.m.: Following the conclusion of the game, kids can take the field to run the bases like their favorite pros.

Tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For general information or inquiries, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182. Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

OKC Dodgers Aim to #StrikeOutTheStigma with Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers are partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) this season to help #StrikeOutTheStigma and increase awareness on the topic of mental health in our community.

The partnership focuses on education, advocacy and support to help destigmatize the connotations that come with mental health struggles. Oklahomans who are working to do so will be recognized throughout the 2022 Dodgers baseball season.

The first honoree of 2022 is Tony Stelter, director of recovery support for ODMHSAS who leads the organization’s planning, development and administrative aspects of consumer advocacy and recovery support services. He also uses his personal experiences with recovery to help others facing similar battles. Stelter will be recognized during the Dodgers’ game against the Round Rock Express at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“Through our partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we want to help raise awareness on the topic of mental health by talking openly about the subject and providing educational resources,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “By sharing the personal stories of Oklahomans who have been impacted by, or work to provide, mental health services in our community, we want to help strike out the stigma and provide support to our fellow Oklahomans.”

Stelter, who lives in Moore, is a licensed professional counselor who also identifies as a person in recovery.

Stelter holds a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma.

He credits his son Ethan with saving his life.

Before Ethan was born, Stelter became addicted to opiates. He saw it as an escape from encountering unwanted negative feelings that stemmed from major depressive disorder and low self-worth. With Ethan on the way, Stelter tried to quit unsuccessfully on numerous occasions.

The path of self-destruction continued until it reached his lowest point and Stelter attempted to overdose, taking painkillers and some over-the-counter medication. Luckily, he survived. He wanted to be a father for Ethan, but knew he had a way to go.

“When Ethan was born it was one of the best days of my life,” Stelter said. “I loved him oh so much, but I hadn’t learned to love myself.”

He went on to receive intensive outpatient treatment and later started working for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in the Children’s Recovery Center.

“If it wasn’t for the services like we have at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

The OKC Dodgers are in the midst of a six-game home series against the Round Rock Express at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark that continues tonight and Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Upcoming promotional highlights include:

• Friday, June 24 – 7:05 p.m.: Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 1,000 guests will receive an OKC Dodgers water bottle. Stelter will be recognized on the field during the game.

Braum’s Friends & Family 4-Packs are available that include four tickets, four hats and four Braum’s restaurant vouchers. Friday Night Fireworks are then scheduled to follow the game.

• Saturday, June 25 – 7:05 p.m.: The third INTEGRIS “Health Home Run For Life” honoree of the season will be recognized prior to Saturday’s game. Also before the game, Oklahoma City Community College President Mautra Staley Jones, Ed.D., is scheduled to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Jones began her tenure March 1, 2022 and is the first woman and also the first person of color to lead OCCC.

Saturday is a Future Dodgers Night and youth baseball and softball teams in uniform are invited to participate in a pregame parade on the field. Game tickets for groups of 10 or more include a souvenir OKC Dodgers hat. Saturday is also a Braum’s Friends and Family Night, allowing groups of 10 or more people to receive a game ticket, OKC Dodgers hat and a Braum’s restaurant voucher that can be redeemed at any Oklahoma Braum’s location, starting at just $13 each.

• Sunday, June 26 – 2:05 p.m.: Following the conclusion of the game, kids can take the field to run the bases like their favorite pros.

Tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For general information or inquiries, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182. Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Saturday MVP Field Day to Celebrate 2022 OKC Dodgers MVP Program

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – More than 17,000 second-, third- and fourth-grade students from across the state of Oklahoma participated in the sixth year of the Oklahoma City Dodgers MVP Program: Encouraging STEM Education presented by Devon Energy and Olsson.

The free OKC Dodgers MVP Program incentivizes teachers and students to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum, rewarding students for their STEM achievements both inside and outside of the classroom.

“Devon is committed to engaging with students and teachers to promote STEM learning in classrooms across the state,” said Christina Rehkop, Devon’s community relations director. “The MVP Program is a fun and exciting way to bring skills and learning to life through the lens of baseball.”

The program was offered statewide in Oklahoma for a fourth straight year and expanded to include second-grade classrooms for the first time for the 2021-22 school year.

“Olsson is excited to be partnering with the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ MVP Program that celebrates the achievements of young students throughout the state in STEM education,” said Jimmy Sparks, Western Region Leader for Olsson.

The sixth year of the program culminates Saturday with MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark — an exclusive event for participating MVP students and teachers, as well as their families. More than 700 students and teachers from throughout Oklahoma are scheduled to attend.

MVP Field Day will include STEM activities presented by Devon Energy, Olsson, SWOSU/Sage Camp, Women’s Energy Network, Engage Learning, OERB, Science Museum Oklahoma, First Robotics, Mad Science, Rose State College, NASA, Women in Technology and OG&E.

“We are excited to celebrate and reward our MVP Program students and teachers for their hard work during the school year with a day filled with fun STEM activities at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “We have received such positive feedback from teachers and students during the program’s first six years and look forward to continuing to grow the MVP Program.”

The OKC Dodgers MVP Program will resume in August for the 2022-23 school year. Additional information about the OKC Dodgers MVP Program and how to participate can be found at okcdodgers.com/mvp or via email to: [email protected].

The OKC Dodgers play the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at 6:05 p.m. tonight before opening a three-game series against the Salt Lake Bees at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Friday night’s game features Loop Rawlins: One Man Wild West Show presented by H&H Shooting Sports as well as Friday Night Fireworks following the game.

The Dodgers and Bees meet again at 7:05 p.m. Saturday on 89ers Night as the Dodgers will wear retro 89ers jerseys in a nod to the franchise’s history. Saturday is also a Future Dodgers Night as youth baseball and softball teams can participate in a pregame parade on the field.

The series wraps up at 2:05 p.m. Sunday and kids can run the bases following the game.

Tickets are available at okcdodgers.com/tickets. Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Three-Year-Old Casen Hazlewood to celebrate “Home Run For Life” 

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health continue the “Home Run For Life” series for an 11th season and recognize their second honoree of 2022, Casen Hazlewood of Ponca City, during the Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game Friday against the Reno Aces at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Hazlewood weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces at birth, as he was at just 26 weeks gestation, and went on to spend his first 154 days at INTEGRIS Health Children’s.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.

“Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these incredible Oklahomans,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize their amazing and inspiring stories of triumph over significant health challenges.”

Doctors determined Hazlewood had selective intrauterine growth restriction, a condition that stunted his development as his twin brother, Hudson, was getting most of the placental sharing.

Twins Casen and Hudson were born May 6, 2019, after their mother, Kari underwent an emergency cesarean section surgery.

Sadly, Hudson passed away unexpectedly from an infection just 12 days after his birth.

Soon after, Casen came down with the same infection. His parents feared the worst.

“There were multiple times we didn’t know if he was going to make it,” his father Donnie Hazlewood said.

Casen overcame the infection, just as he continues to overcome everything.

“I think he’s the toughest little kid I’ve ever seen,” Donnie said. “He’s been able to conquer and overcome so many things in his short life.

Hazelwood’s immune system is not as strong as an average child his age. Just last August, he was hospitalized with a cold and was there until October.

“We are ready to go at a moment’s notice,” Donnie said. “A cold can put him in the hospital for a long time.”

The Hazlewoods have driven back and forth numerous times from their Ponca City home to Oklahoma City, staying in an RV most nights while their son has been in the hospital.

The family gushes about the loving and welcoming care they received at INTEGRIS Health Children’s.

“We think the world of them,” Donnie said. “We consider them some of our closest friends.”

To read Hazlewood’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The OKC Dodgers are in the midst of a six-game home series against the Reno Aces at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark that continues tonight at 7:05 p.m. Upcoming promotional highlights include:

• Friday, May 27 – 7:05 p.m.: An on-field naturalization ceremony will take place prior to the game as approximately 80 people will be naturalized as United States citizens. Friday Night Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game.

• Saturday, May 28 – 7:05 p.m.: The first Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night of the season presented by Casey’s General Stores takes over Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark as the Dodgers honor the service and dedication of local military members and their families. Dodgers players and coaches will wear special camouflage jerseys and hats during the game.

The first 1,000 fans through the gates, which open at 6 p.m., will receive a camouflage OKC Dodgers hat. A mass swearing-in ceremony for new military recruits will take place pregame, as well as a flyover in conjunction with Vance Air Force Base. Military personnel from Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill will participate in pregame and in-game highlights, including a ceremonial first pitch, and the 395th Army Band from Mustang will perform the national anthem pregame. During an inning break, the band will also perform a rendition of “God Bless America.”

• Sunday, May 29 – 2:05 p.m.: Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench joins retired Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson and acclaimed photographer Jean Fruth Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to promote the non-profit Grassroots Baseball and hold a pregame book signing for “Grassroots Baseball: Route 66.” Copies of the book, in which Bench wrote the introduction and a chapter about Oklahoma, will be available for purchase in the OKC Dodgers Team Store.

­­­Idelson and Fruth founded Grassroots Baseball with the mission of promoting and celebrating the amateur game around the globe, with a focus on growing interest and participation at the youngest levels. The overarching goal of Grassroots Baseball is to give back by providing inspiration, instruction and equipment to help ensure more children have the opportunity to learn, play and enjoy the game.

Bench is also slated to throw out a ceremonial first pitch Sunday.

Additionally on Sunday, OKC Dodgers Rookie League participants ranging in age from 3-10 will take place in a pregame parade on the field to celebrate the conclusion of the 2022 Rookie League season.

The OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, in partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, will host a “They Were All Stars” traveling exhibit along the concourse of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark throughout June and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit will take place during Sunday’s game. The exhibit highlights Negro League players who became Major League All-Stars.

Following the conclusion of the game, kids can take the field to run the bases like their favorite pros.

Tickets for all OKC Dodgers home games through June at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark are on sale now and range in price from $12-33. All tickets are digital and available for purchase online at okcdodgers.com/tickets. For additional information, please call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Bark in the Park, Military Celebration Night and Appearance by Johnny Bench Highlight Promotion-Packed Series

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers’ second annual Bark in the Park presented by Sit Means Sit Dog Training and the first Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night of the season presented by Casey’s General Stores are just two of the special promotions primed for the Dodgers’ jam-packed upcoming home series against the Reno Aces starting at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The series opens on a $2 Tuesday featuring $2 select beer, soda and bottled water from a line of Budweiser and Pepsi products. COOP Ale Works draft beer will also be available at a special rate of $3.

The Dodgers’ second annual Bark in the Park presented by Sit Means Sit Dog Training is also Tuesday night as fans can bring their dog to the game. The first 300 dogs in attendance will receive a special commemorative dog bandana. Water and relief stations will be available throughout the ballpark for Tuesday’s dog guests.

Other promotional highlights for the series that continues through Sunday include:

• Friday, May 27 – 7:05 p.m.: An on-field naturalization ceremony will take place prior to the game as approximately 80 people will be naturalized as United States citizens. Friday Night Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game.

Also on Friday, three-year-old Casen Hazlewood of Ponca City will be recognized during the second INTEGRIS Health “Home Run For Life” of the 2022 season. Hazlewood weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces at birth, as he was at just 26 weeks gestation, and went on to spend his first 154 days at INTEGRIS Health Children’s.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.

• Saturday, May 28 – 7:05 p.m.: The first Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night of the season presented by Casey’s General Stores takes over Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark as the Dodgers honor the service and dedication of local military members and their families. Dodgers players and coaches will wear special camouflage jerseys and hats during the game.

The first 1,000 fans through the gates, which open at 6 p.m., will receive a camouflage OKC Dodgers hat. A mass swearing in ceremony for new military recruits will take place pregame, as well as a flyover in conjunction with Vance Air Force Base.

Military personnel from Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill will participate in pregame and in-game highlights, including a ceremonial first pitch, and the 395th Army Band from Mustang will perform the national anthem pregame. During an inning break, the band will also perform a rendition of “God Bless America.”

Braum’s Friends & Family 4-Packs are available for Saturday’s game that include four tickets, four hats and four Braum’s restaurant vouchers.

• Sunday, May 29 – 2:05 p.m.: Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench joins retired Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson and acclaimed photographer Jean Fruth Sunday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to promote the non-profit Grassroots Baseball and hold a pregame book signing for “Grassroots Baseball: Route 66.” Copies of the book, in which Bench wrote the introduction and a chapter about Oklahoma, will be available for purchase in the OKC Dodgers Team Store.

Idelson and Fruth founded Grassroots Baseball with the mission of promoting and celebrating the amateur game around the globe, with a focus on growing interest and participation at the youngest levels. The overarching goal of Grassroot Baseball is to give back by providing inspiration, instruction and equipment to help ensure more children have the opportunity to learn, play and enjoy the game.

Bench is also slated to throw out a ceremonial first pitch Sunday.

Additionally on Sunday, OKC Dodgers Rookie League participants ranging in age from 3-10 will join a pregame parade on the field to celebrate the conclusion of the 2022 Rookie League season.

The OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, in partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, will host a “They Were All Stars” traveling exhibit along the concourse of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark throughout June and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit will take place during Sunday’s game. The exhibit highlights Negro League players who became Major League All-Stars.

Following the conclusion of the game, kids can take the field to run the bases like their favorite pros.

Tickets for all OKC Dodgers home games through June at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark are on sale now and range in price from $12-33. All tickets are digital and available for purchase online at okcdodgers.com/tickets. For additional information, please call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

“Home Run For Life” Honoree Jack Chappell Received Heart Transplant at INTEGRIS Health

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health continue the “Home Run For Life” series for an 11th season and recognize their first honoree of 2022, Jack Chappell of Edmond, during the Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game Saturday against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Chappell was diagnosed with heart failure in 2013 and was referred to cardiologists at INTEGRIS Health. He underwent placement of a HeartMate 2 Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) twice there before it was recommended that Chappell pursue a heart transplant. He was subsequently placed on the transplant list in 2020.

Just nine months ago, in July 2021, Chappell received his new heart at INTEGRIS Health and will now be honored during National Donate Life Month.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these incredible Oklahomans,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize their amazing and inspiring stories of triumph over significant health challenges.”

While waiting for a heart transplant, Chappell was hospitalized in March 2021 after complications from a bout with asymptomatic COVID-19 in late 2020 that left him with internal bleeding.

He said the doctors put it plainly: “The only way to fix it is to put a new heart in you.”

Chappell, now 58, spent four months in the hospital waiting for his new heart, but he didn’t let that stop him from being productive. He had a desk set up in his hospital room allowing him to work remotely. Chappell didn’t miss a single paycheck

“Why not?” Chappell replied when asked about his desire to work from his room. “I’m not going to sit around here and dwell on being sick.”

Chappell became a regular at INTEGRIS Health, getting acquainted with many of the staff. He raves about the quality of care and company he received at INTEGRIS Health.

They’d been through the journey with me this whole time,” he said. “They’re great caregivers.”

In July 2021, everyone received the good news. Chappell was getting his new heart.

“I’m one of the fortunate ones,” he said.

To read Chappell’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The OKC Dodgers are in the midst of a 12-game homestand at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark that continues tonight at 7:05 p.m. Upcoming promotional highlights include:

• Friday, April 29: Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans receive an OKC Dodgers hat. Friday Night Fireworks presented by Springhill Suites are also scheduled to follow the game, which falls on a Braum’s Friends and Family Night featuring a special offer for groups of 10 or more.

• Saturday, April 30: Girl Scout Night is Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Groups of 10 or more can enjoy a special ticket package and participate in a pregame on-field parade.

• Sunday, May 1: After the conclusion of the 2:05 p.m. game, kids can take the field to run the bases.

• Tuesday, May 3: A Field Trip Day is set for an 11:05 a.m. first pitch and gives students a chance to enjoy a fun class outing before the school year ends. Groups of 10 or more can purchase a special ticket package.

• Friday, May 6: Revel: Speed Painter presented by Courtyard by Marriott will perform. The performance artist creates works of art live, upside down and in less than two minutes. His 2021 performance resulted in the Dodgers winning a coveted Golden Bobblehead for Best In-Game Promotion/Feature during the 2021 Minor League Baseball season. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game. An All-You-Can-Eat ticket offer is also available, providing a terrace level seat and all-you-can-eat food, including hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and soft drinks for $25.

• Saturday, May 7: Braum’s Friends and Family Night features a special offer for groups of 10 or more. Also, Braum’s Friends & Family 4-Packs are available, including four tickets, four hats and four Braum’s restaurant vouchers starting at just $43.99.

• Sunday, May 8: Following the conclusion of the 2:05 p.m. game, kids can take the field to run the bases.

Tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For general information or inquiries, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

OKC Dodgers and LifeShare Encourage Organ Donation with Continued Partnership

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers proudly continue their partnership with LifeShare of Oklahoma to help raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation and encourage Oklahomans to register as LifeShare Everlasting Fans.

The start of the OKC Dodgers baseball season April 5 coincides with National Donate Life Month and guests at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark can sign up during any Dodgers’ game to become LifeShare Everlasting Fans and register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Those who register during games at the promotions kiosk, located on the concourse behind section 109, will receive a limited-edition T-shirt.

During the previous two baseball seasons combined, more than 2,200 people have registered to become an organ donor at OKC Dodgers games and more than 5,000 people have registered to become an organ donor via the partnership since 2016.

“LifeShare is honored to partner with the Oklahoma City Dodgers again to share about the importance of registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeShare. “This year, we hope to see more Dodger fans registering to be donors at the promotions table on the concourse, so together we can save more lives.”

LifeShare of Oklahoma is a nonprofit, federally designated and statewide organ procurement organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. LifeShare, created in 1986, works closely with three transplant centers and 145 health care organizations in Oklahoma to facilitate donation and the organization’s core purpose is save lives, according to its website.

National Donate Life Month began in 2003 and is celebrated in April to “help raise awareness about donation, encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those that have saved lives through the gift of donation,” according to the Donate Life America website.

The OKC Dodgers open the 2022 baseball season at 7:05 p.m. April 5 against the Albuquerque Isotopes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a $2 Tuesday, featuring $2 select beer, soda and bottled water from a line of Budweiser and Pepsi products. COOP Ale Works draft beer will also be available at a special rate of $3. Fireworks are also scheduled to follow the game.

Tickets for all April, May and June OKC Dodgers’ games are available online at okcdodgers.com. Season ticket and group packages are also available for purchase and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is open to host a variety of unique events year-round. Visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182 for more information.

Deadline Approaching for Oklahoma Teachers to Register for Growing OKC Dodgers MVP Program

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.



OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma elementary school teachers have until March 31 to register for the free, statewide Oklahoma City Dodgers MVP Program: Encouraging STEM Education. All second-, third- and fourth-grade teachers and classrooms throughout Oklahoma are eligible to participate in the sixth year of the program thanks to partners Devon Energy and Olsson.

The OKC Dodgers MVP Program incentivizes teachers and students to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum, rewarding students for their STEM achievements both inside and outside of the classroom.

The program is being offered statewide in Oklahoma for a fourth straight year and has expanded to include second-grade classrooms for the first time.

“The OKC Dodgers MVP Program allows us to provide important STEM-based education to our Oklahoma youth in a fun way with unique classroom resources and incentives to learning,” Michael Byrnes, OKC Dodgers President/General Manager, said. “We are grateful to our partners Devon Energy and Olsson for helping us grow the program throughout Oklahoma and we look forward to continuing to reach new classrooms.”

The MVP Program impacted more than 10,000 students during the 2020-21 school year despite having to navigate unique classroom challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a website filled with STEM activities and resources to help accommodate distance learning that remains available for the 2021-22 academic year.

The number of students impacted year-to-date has already grown more than 50 percent from last year with two weeks still remaining to register.

“We’ve already seen a tremendous increase in participation this year and want to ensure eligible teachers don’t miss out on this great opportunity to register their classrooms before the end of the month,” Byrnes said.

Participation in the MVP Program was initially only open to Oklahoma City Public Schools third- and fourth-grade classrooms in 2016-17. After a successful start, the program expanded in 2017-18 to include additional metro-area classrooms in the Mid-Del, Putnam City, Edmond and Norman school districts. The OKC Dodgers MVP Program became available statewide in 2018-19 and added second-grade classrooms for the 2021-22 academic year.

“I use the program to stimulate critical thinking skills in the classroom,” said Kiera Smith, a teacher in Oklahoma City. “The program has also given my students more hands-on moments and a bit of a competitive edge.”

Participating teachers receive all necessary MVP Program materials free of charge, as well as tickets to an OKC Dodgers game honoring MVP participants. All students participating in the MVP Program will receive tickets to an OKC Dodgers game honoring MVP participants and also receive an exclusive MVP baseball hat.

The OKC Dodgers MVP Program culminates each summer with MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark — an exclusive event for participating MVP students and teachers, as well as their families, featuring numerous STEM activities.

During the last four years, participating teachers have integrated the program into their classrooms in a variety of ways.

“We used digital content to test over basic math and science skills, critical thinking and hands-on STEM challenges,” said Krystal Clouse, a teacher in OKC. “The students had to complete most of the work outside of the classroom and show real initiative in order to participate”

“I use it as a motivational tool,” Rita Entwistle, a teacher in OKC, said. “It keeps the students wanting to work hard in all areas of the school day, with behavior and academics.”

“I use the program in a variety of ways,” said Dorothy Ray, a teacher Wewoka, Okla. “Hard work, organization and engagement are big in my classroom, but above anything else, kindness, respect and self-worth come first. The grade doesn’t define a student’s success. Motivation, determination, convictions, valor and gains is how young people become better at what they will accomplish.”

For additional information about the OKC Dodgers MVP Program, or to register by March 31 as a participating teacher for 2021-22, visit okcdodgers.com/mvp or email [email protected].

Single-game tickets for the OKC Dodgers’ April, May and June home games at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark are on sale now and the team’s home opener is scheduled for April 5 against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Season ticket and group packages are also available for purchase and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is open to host a variety of unique events year-round. Visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182 for more information.

Black History Month: Top Players During OKC’s Indians/89ers Era (Part 2)

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

In celebration of Black History Month, teams across Minor League Baseball are honoring some of the best Black players in their respective histories.

This is the final installment of a three-part series tracing through Oklahoma City’s baseball history. Previous installments covered the Bricktown era and the Indians/89ers era between the 1950s through the mid-1960s. The final chapter covers the 89ers from the late-1960s through 1990s.

Players were selected based on a combination of individual season and career achievements while playing for Oklahoma City, as well as their Major League careers. They are presented below in chronological order.

Bob Watson (Provided provided by the Oklahoma City Dodgers archives)

Bob Watson (Outfielder/First Baseman; 1967-69)

Although Watson made his Major League debut with Houston in 1966 with a one-game, one-plate appearance cameo, he spent parts of the next three seasons in Oklahoma City. In his 122 total games with the 89ers, Watson batted .358 to go along with a .414 on-base percentage, 17 home runs and 79 RBI. In 1969, he put up an incredible .408/.462/.601 batting line over 61 games.

Watson played in parts of 19 seasons in the Majors with the Astros, Red Sox, Yankees and Braves. He was a two-time All-Star, making the National League roster in 1973 and 1976. Watson etched his name into the history books when he became the first player ever to hit for the cycle in both the National League (1977) and American League (1979). He was a career .295 hitter and finished just shy of 200 home runs (184) and 1,000 RBI (989).

Once his playing days ended, Watson transition to coaching and then moved on to the front office. He was hired by the Astros as their General Manager in 1993, becoming the second Black GM in MLB history. After joining the Yankees in the same role about two years later, he became the first Black GM to win a World Series in 1996. Watson also spent 10 years (2000-10) as a Vice President for on-field operations with Major League Baseball.

John Mayberry (Photo courtesy of The Oklahoman via “Glory Days of Summer: The History of Baseball in Oklahoma”)

John Mayberry (First Baseman; 1968-71)

Mayberry was barely a year removed from high school when he first played for the 89ers in 1968. During his first full season with the team in 1969 at only 20 years old, Mayberry batted .304/.393/.522 with 21 homers, 29 doubles and 78 RBI. He also played about half of the season with the 89ers in both the 1970 and 1971 campaigns as he went back and forth between OKC and Houston. Over 281 career games with the 89ers, Mayberry hit an impressive .297./405/.507 with 47 home runs and 161 RBI.

The slugging first baseman spent part of 15 seasons in the Majors (1968-82) with the Astros, Royals, Blue Jays and Yankees. The best seasons of his big league career came in Kansas City, making the All-Star Team in 1973 and 1974, and finishing second in American League MVP voting in 1975 when he batted .291 with 34 homers, 38 doubles, 106 RBI and a league-leading 119 walks. He was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 1996.

Mayberry collected 255 home runs and 679 RBI throughout his ML career. He also walked 71 more times than he struck out.

Additionally, Mayberry has the distinction of being part of a rare two-generation tandem to play for Oklahoma City. His son, John Jr., spent nearly the entire 2008 season plying for the RedHawks.

(Photo courtesy of Topps via Vintage Card Prices)

Scipio Spinks (Pitcher; 1969-71)

Spinks started at least 19 games in each of his three seasons with the 89ers, totaling 70 starts – including 22 complete games – and 434.0 innings. After a rocky first season, Spinks posted a 3.28 ERA over his final two seasons with OKC.

He totaled 444 strikeouts, which is the unofficial 89ers career record. His 173 strikeouts in 1971 were the fifth-most in a single season during the 89ers era. In 1969, he threw a no-hitter during a seven-inning game against Omaha, albeit in a 2-1 loss.

Spinks spent parts of five seasons in the Majors with the Astros and Cardinals. His finest season was in 1972 with St. Louis, when he notched a 2.67 ERA over 16 starts. However, that promising season was derailed when he sustained a knee injury during a collision at home plate. It also began an unfortunate series of injuries that curtailed his playing career, and he retired following the 1975 season. Following his playing days, Spinks has served as a pitching coach in the Minors as well as a pro scout in the Astros and Diamondbacks organizations.

J.R. Richard (Photo courtesy of The Oklahoman via “Glory Days of Summer: The History of Baseball in Oklahoma”)

J.R. Richard (Pitcher; 1971-72)

American Association hitters did not prove to be too much of a match for Richard during his two seasons with Oklahoma City. Richard made a total of 43 starts, totaling 301.0 innings and a cumulative 2.69 ERA. He struck out 371 batters while only allowing 210 hits during that time.

He led the American Association with both a 2.45 ERA and 202 strikeouts during the 1971 season. It’s also the second-best single-season ERA by any pitcher during the 89ers era and the third-highest single-season strikeout total.

Richard debuted with the Astros in 1971, spending all 10 years of his Major League career with Houston. He led the National League with a 2.71 ERA in 1979 and paced the circuit in strikeouts in both 1978 and 1979, finishing in the top four of Cy Young Voting each year. Richard made his only All-Star team in 1980 and was the National League’s starting pitcher after going 10-4 with a 1.90 ERA through his first 17 starts.

Sadly, Richard suffered a stroke later that season, effectively ending his playing career just months after turning 30 years old. Richard finished with a career 3.15 ERA, 107 wins and 1,493 strikeouts. He remains third among Astros career record leaders in both strikeouts and ERA, and he was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2019.

Lonnie Smith (Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Dodgers archives)

Lonnie Smith (Outfielder; 1976-79)

Smith spent nearly four full seasons with the 89ers during the club’s affiliation with the Phillies and was nicknamed “Lightnin’ Lonnie.” The speedy outfielder played in 494 career games for OKC, amassing 581 hits, a .307 batting average, 393 runs and 171 stolen bases – the unofficial 89ers career record.

Smith owns three of the top 10 highest single-season steals totals from the 89ers era, including a league-leading 66 in 1978, which also ranks second all-time in team history. In his final season with OKC, Smith batted .330 and led the American Association with 106 runs scored.

He went on to play 17 seasons in the Majors, and during his first full season in 1980, he not only won a World Series with the Phillies, but finished second for NL Rookie of the Year. Smith also captured championships with St. Louis in 1982 and Kansas City in 1985. He made his only All-Star team and finished second in NL MVP voting in 1982. After retiring following the strike of 1994, Smith finished his career with a .288 batting average, 1,488 hits, 909 runs and 370 stolen bases.

Tommy Dunbar (Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Dodgers archives)

Tommy Dunbar (Outfielder; 1983-86)

Similar to Smith, Dunbar spent parts of four seasons patrolling the outfield at All Sports Stadium. He played in 424 games, batting .291 with 443 hits, 82 doubles, and 233 RBI. He also drew 217 career walks and finished his 89ers tenure with more walks than strikeouts.

Dunbar won the league batting title in 1984 when he hit .337 – tied for fourth-best in club history. He also led the league with a .417 on-base percentage that season. During his final season with the 89ers in 1986, he set a career high with 91 RBI and ranked second in the league.

Dunbar’s Major League career spanned only parts of three seasons with the Rangers (1983-85), totaling 91 games and 249 plate appearances. He journeyed around Triple-A for most of his career and played through 1991, finishing his pro career with over 1,300 hits and 700 RBI.

Thank you for reading our series honoring Oklahoma City’s best Black baseball players throughout Black History Month. To learn more about Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine,” <a href=”https://www.milb.com/fans/the-nine” target=”blank”> click here._