Drillers to Unveil Jackie Robinson Mural

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The Tulsa Drillers, in conjunction with the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, announced plans today to add a 26 ft. by 40 ft. mural beyond the left field concourse at ONEOK Field that will feature Jackie Robinson. The full-color mural will pay tribute to Robinson, the former Brooklyn Dodgers great who broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

The Robinson artwork will be located just steps from the Osage Casino Greenwood Entrance at the northeast corner of ONEOK Field and painted directly onto the brick wall of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce West Building facing into the stadium.

It is the Drillers’ goal to increase traffic through the Greenwood District on game days, as well as when the team is on the road, while also beautifying the space. The mural will be visible throughout ONEOK Field, and will have public access for visitors year-round.

“We are very proud and honored to be able to say that Drillers Baseball and ONEOK Field are located in the Historic Greenwood District,” said Drillers General Manager Mike Melega. “We have always looked for ways to increase our association with the Greenwood Chamber, and we thought a tribute to Mr. Robinson would be a great addition. He did so much for our country and the game of baseball, and with us being an affiliate of the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, it made for a perfect fit.”

Greenwood Chamber of Commerce President Freeman Culver hopes the project will bring wide exposure. “It is important to continue to honor the memories of Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, and others that paved the way for the United States to distance itself from its dark past of racial segregation,” said Culver. “What better place to house the Jackie Robinson mural than the back of the Neeley and Vaden Building also called the Greenwood Chamber – West Building. There are people who live in Tulsa today who have no idea or knowledge of the historical significance of the 100 N. Block of Greenwood Avenue.”

“This mural will expose the Greenwood District to residents and businesses who do not know much about Deep Greenwood. We are excited to partner with the Tulsa Drillers on this endeavor,” added Culver.

Tulsa-born, African American artist Chris “Sker” Rogers and Denver-based artist Thomas “Detour” Evans will collaborate on the project. Both artists come with high credentials.

Sker has been commissioned for professional graffiti artwork by numerous companies, private clients and organizations. He was the project manager for the Black Wall Street in Greenwood Tulsa, and he created the “Welcome to Greenwood” mural. He has also done work for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Guthrie Green, Booker T. Washington High School and the American Idol TV show.

“I’m humbled to do the work that I do, and I’m privileged to play my part in Tulsa’s creative scene,” said Sker. “I want to thank the Drillers organization and the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce for their vision in creating this project. I’m excited to partner with such a talented artist as Detour, working together to create a dynamic new mural for all of Tulsa to enjoy.”

Detour specializes in large-scale public art, portraiture, immersive spaces and creative directing while mixing traditional mediums with new approaches. He previously created the “Tulsa Sound” downtown mural.

The Robinson mural is planned to be completed in time for the start of the Drillers 2021 season and joins other projects being completed in Greenwood this year, including the Greenwood Rising historical center and the Pathway to Hope in this 100-year anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

“This painting is our way of celebrating Jackie Robinson and the Historic Greenwood District, and we feel it will become an iconic part of the district and the ballpark,” said Melega. “We hope that it will increase traffic in the area while also becoming an often-used entrance and exit to and from the stadium. With the addition, we will now offer most giveaway items at the Osage Casino Hotel Greenwood Entrance.”

The final design for the mural will released in the coming weeks.

Tulsa County Election Board Names ONEOK Field Early-Voting Location

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The Tulsa County Election Board has announced that ONEOK Field will be used as the early voting location for the November 3rd election. ONEOK Field is normally home to the Tulsa Drillers, but it will open for three different periods for Tulsa County voters to complete ballots for the November election.

Throughout the country, several stadiums and arenas have been chosen as voting locations to help provide safe facilities for voters during the COVID pandemic.

The Tulsa County Election Board will be conducting in-person, early voting at ONEOK Field on Thursday and Friday October 29 and 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday October 31 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The election board is anticipating record-breaking voter participation for this three-day early voting period.

“We are pleased to announce that we will be partnering with ONEOK Field, home of the Tulsa Drillers in downtown Tulsa, as our chosen location for in-person, early voting,” said Election Board Secretary Gwen Freeman.

“The ONEOK Field location will enable Tulsa County voters to vote at a large, centrally-located venue where our staff and resources can be combined to ensure the success of our early voting teams and to assist in the implementation of CDC guidelines. These guidelines includes adequate room for large crowds and social distancing in a covered but open-air facility that helps prevent the spread of COVID. The venue is ADA compliant, has ample available parking areas, is easily accessible by public transportation and is a well-known and familiar location.”

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to ONEOK Field management and the Tulsa Drillers team for offering the voters of Tulsa County the use of their location for this event,” said Freeman.

The election board is encouraging voters to wear masks and social distance while voting.

Freeman added that since the election board we will be utilizing all available staff members to facilitate early voting at one large site, the Tulsa County Election Board will not be available for early voting but will be open for other business, including in-person absentee ballot drop-off. Absentee ballots cannot be dropped off at ONEOK Field.

It is the first time that ONEOK Field has been utilized as a voting place. It joins other sports venues in large markets that are being used in this election, including Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and the Toyota Center in Houston.

“We are thrilled to be able to make ONEOK Field available for early voting and to help provide a safe, outdoor, polling location for all voters, including those with health concerns,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “It’s a simple, yet impactful, way that the Drillers organization can give back to a Tulsa community that has always been there for us.”

Quick facts for early in-person voting for the November 2020 Presidential Election

Location: ONEOK Field (201 N Elgin Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120)

Dates and times: Thursday, October 29, 2020 8am-6pm
Friday, October 30, 2020 8am-6pm
Saturday, October 31, 2020 9am-2pm

Drillers Bringing the Arts to ONEOK Field

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In a normal year, September at ONEOK Field, which is located in downtown Tulsa in the historic Greenwood District, usually features the sounds of baseball. The familiar sounds of a baseball hitting a leather glove or being struck by a wooden bat. But 2020 has been anything but normal, resulting in the cancellation of the Tulsa Drillers Minor League Baseball season. With no baseball in September, ONEOK Field is being filled with new sounds. The sounds of the performing arts.

The Tulsa Drillers are working with several organizations to bring four unique, outdoor arts events to downtown Tulsa. The events include three symphonies and one opera presentation.

The presentations will begin with A Celebration of Beethoven from the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, September 5.

Two weeks later, on Saturday, September 19, the Signature Symphony at Tulsa Community College will present Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

The Tulsa Opera will come to ONEOK Field on Friday, October 9 with its presentation of Verdi’s Rigoletto in a baseball-themed production directed by James Robinson.

The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra will return for a second performance, a matinee presentation on Sunday, October 18.

“We are thrilled to have found a way to partner with these great Tulsa arts institutions to bring their amazing talents to life here at ONEOK Field,” said Drillers General Manager Mike Melega. “These events are a perfect example of how the Tulsa entertainment community can come together to help each other during these trying times.”

All three performances will take place on the playing field at ONEOK Field with the downtown Tulsa skyline providing the backdrop.

COVID-19 safety standards will be utilized, limiting attendance capacity to approximately 20% of normal.

Tickets are currently available for all three events with links provided below.

PERFORMING ARTS SCHEDULE AT ONEOK FIELD

Tulsa Symphony – A Celebration of Beethoven on September 5

Signature Symphony at TCC – Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on September 19

Tulsa Opera – Verdi’s Rigoletto on October 9

Tulsa Symphony – Triple Play: Brahms 4 on October 18

Tulsa Opera to Perform at ONEOK Field

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The Tulsa Opera will open the company’s 2020-21 season at ONEOK Field on Friday, October 9 with an outdoor presentation of Verdi’s Rigoletto. It will mark Tulsa Opera’s first-ever performance at ONEOK Field. The outdoor semi-staged, baseball-themed production will be directed by James Robinson.

For complete information on Rigoletto, visit the Tulsa Opera by clicking HERE.

Tulsa Symphony Coming to ONEOK Field

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The Tulsa Symphony is coming to ONEOK Field! On Saturday, September 5, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra will go outdoors for its 2020 Opening Night with a powerful, all-Beethoven program in honor of the famed composer’s upcoming 250th birthday. The “Celebration of Beethoven” concert will begin at 8:00 p.m. and will be followed by a brilliant fireworks display.

The unique concert will be the first of its kind at ONEOK Field, which is normally home to the Tulsa Drillers baseball club and to the F.C. Tulsa soccer team.

The performance will spotlight world-renowned pianist Yefim Bronfman who will play the historic Piano Concerto No. 3 in C-Minor that was premiered by Beethoven, as the soloist, in 1803. Daniel Hege, Principal Guest Conductor, will also conduct the turbulent Coriolan Overture and the captivating Symphony No. 7.

Masks will be required for all attendees, and social distancing will be accomplished by limiting stadium capacity to only 19%; therefore, tickets are limited.

The stadium will also employ its disinfecting system and sanitary stations that have been used extensively at recent baseball games.

Tickets for this open-air, socially-distanced performance are available by clicking HERE.

For any questions or concerns, please call the Tulsa Symphony box office at (918) 584-3645.

THE LINEUP FOR CELEBRATION OF BEETHOVEN AT ONEOK FIELD
Beethoven – Coriolan Overture
Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 3
Beethoven – Symphony No. 7

Yefim Bronfman,Piano
Daniel Hege, Principal Guest Conductor

Please note that this performance was initially scheduled for September 12. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6.

2020 LoanMart Scholarship Winners Announced

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RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — For the eighth consecutive year, LoanMart and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes have partnered to award a total of three scholarships to local graduating high school seniors in San Bernardino County.

Each college-bound student will be awarded $1000 and will be officially honored by the Quakes on social media.

This year’s applicants were asked to write an essay on why they felt they deserved the scholarship, as well as submitting other information via application (e.g. intended major, school, class year, etc.). Winners were selected based on the criteria of leadership, community involvement and character.

“LoanMart is proud of this year’s scholarship winners for their commitment, dedication and hard work,” said LoanMart Marketing Manager Justin Cross. “We hope that this scholarship helps give them the support they need to accomplish their dreams!”

“The Quakes are proud to continue to team with LoanMart and reward three deserving students within our local community,” said Quakes Vice President – General Manager Grant Riddle. “The decision-making process this year was a difficult one as we had so many terrific, well-qualified applicants who are doing some great things in and for our community. We’re thrilled for these particular students and are confident all three are going to have a very bright future!”

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners:
Monserrat Landino (Rancho Cucamonga High School)
Alexis Lozoya (Don Lugo High School)
Asna Tabassum (Ayala High School)

Through her high school Accounting class, Landino is an IRS-certified volunteer who helps low-income families with their tax returns. Landino is planning to attend Cal State Fullerton in the Fall while working towards a degree in Accounting.

Tabassum is planning on attending USC while majoring in Biomedical Engineering. The Valedictorian of Ruben S. Ayala High School in Chino Hills had a non-weighted GPA of 4.0 and served more than 500 hours as a volunteer at Pomona Valley Hospital.

Lozoya graduated from Don Antonio Lugo High School in Chino. She has been a member of the Girl Scouts, was a four-year cheerleader and will attend UC San Diego in the Fall.

Keep an eye out on Quakes’ social media as we honor each winner of this year’s LoanMart scholarship.

Fans, Quakes raise $1,600 for MiLB Community First Campaign

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The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, their fans and Minor League Baseball have all teamed up to make a donation to our local Feeding America food bank, as part of the MiLB CommUNITY First Campaign.

A total of $1,660 will be donated to Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino, which is part of a bigger donation of over $50,000, raised by 100 minor league teams throughout the country as part of this MiLB program. In addition, the Quakes will provide 166 tickets to future Quakes games to frontline workers.

The MiLB CommUNITY First Campaign combined to donate more than 548,000 meals across 32 states. Your Quakes, thanks to the best fans in the California League, were one of the top-five teams to contribute.

“The Quakes pride themselves on being part of this community,” said Vice President – General Manager Grant Riddle. “Our fans came to bat with us and helped raise this money for families that need it during this incredibly difficult time. We’re proud to help do our part and look forward to celebrating frontline workers who do so much for this community when it’s safe to return to LoanMart Field and enjoy baseball!”

“Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino is grateful for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes efforts to step up and take action during this unprecedented time,” said Philanthropy Director Carolyn Solar. “This tremendous $1,600 gift will help provide up to 12,800 meals to vulnerable families and children in the Inland Empire this summer. Thank you, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes for supporting your local food bank!”

On behalf of MiLB HQ and MiLB Charities, the Quakes would like to thank the fans and local organizations for your support of this national campaign and your continued charitable work that you do for our community. The success of this campaign once again reinforces the commitment and positive impact that the Quakes and all of minor league baseball has in our communities.

OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Participating in MiLB CommUNITY First Campaign

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball and Feeding America, is participating in the new CommUNITY First campaign, aimed at helping fight hunger while also recognizing frontline workers battling against the COVID-19 pandemic.

From now through May 31, fans can visit milb.com/CommUNITYFirst to donate and select the community they want to support. All proceeds pledged to Oklahoma City will be given to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

For every $10 donated, the Oklahoma City Dodgers and OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation will provide one ticket to a local first responder and/or frontline worker during the 2020 or 2021 baseball season through the team’s Community Night Out program. Between 2018-19, approximately $60,000 was raised through Community Night Out to provide 6,000 tickets to families and individuals in need.

Fans are encouraged to donate on Giving Tuesday, May 5, and use #MILBCommUNITYFirst and tag the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation (@OKCDBFoundation) on social media to show support.

“At this time it’s especially important to recognize community victories, and we see this as a true win-win situation,” said OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Executive Director Carol Herrick. “Not only does this program allow us to provide for those in need, but we can also say ‘thank you’ to those who are doing their best to fight this pandemic.”

Per Feeding America, an estimated additional 17.1 million people will experience food insecurity within the next six months. As a result, Feeding America is projecting a $1.4 billion shortfall during that time.

“In times of uncertainty, coming together to help others is crucial to the health, well-being and stability of our local communities,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “With the support of our fans and through the Feeding America network of food banks, we want to do our part to continue to fight hunger across America during this pandemic. When it is possible to hold games once again, our teams will provide local heroes across the country with unforgettable experiences in our ballparks.”

For more information about the CommUNITY First campaign or the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation, visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2104.

Drillers Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

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National initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

Tulsa, OK, – The Tulsa Drillers today announced that they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America. CommUNITY First has been developed to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drillers fans are encouraged to click HERE from now through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Tulsa Drillers as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Tulsa community. For every $10 donated, the Drillers will donate one ticket to a local hero of the pandemic for a game this season or in 2021.

“The Drillers are proud to participate in Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First program,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “We all currently have neighbors in need of help, and there are so many unsung heroes fighting on the frontlines in this battle.”

“This program is a great way to help those who need it and to say thank you to those working in dangerous situations. Any donations that one can make can affect so many, and we appreciate the efforts of Minor League Baseball to help aid folks in all of our communities during these uncertain times.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Drillers fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Tulsa Drillers at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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About Tulsa Drillers
The Tulsa Drillers are the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the longest-tenured professional sports franchise in the city of Tulsa. Former Drillers players include Walker Buehler, Corey Seager, Will Smith Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon, 2019 Minor League Player of the Year Gavin Lux and 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger.

About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

 

Loons Join MiLB’s CommUNITY First Campaign

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MIDLAND, Mich. — The Great Lakes Loons today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loons fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Loons as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. For every $10 donated, the Loons will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

Since 1981, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan has grown to serve more than 331,000 people annually through a network of over 700 Hunger Relief Partners, including partner agencies, schools, and other community organizations.

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Loons fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Loons at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

The Great Lakes Loons have been the Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team’s inception in 2007. Dow Diamond serves as the team’s home and also houses the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, and ESPN 100.9-FM. For tickets or information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Drillers Join Tulsa Kitchens Unite to Help Feed Those in Need

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The Tulsa Drillers organization will begin to participate in Tulsa Kitchens Unite, a program that has been developed by Hunger Free Oklahoma to help feed families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the program, the Drillers’ food and beverage personnel, who normally work the games at ONEOK Field, will now instead provide a minimum of 250 meals daily that will be distributed free of charge through the program.

In addition, the Drillers have also pledged to donate proceeds from all online merchandise sales during the month of April to Hunger Free Oklahoma. For the remainder of this month, 100% of the proceeds from sales of any items listed under the “COVID-19 Relief” tab in the Drillers online store will be donated to Hunger Free Oklahoma. Also, 20% of the total on purchases of all other items in the Team Store will be donated. The Drillers online store can be accessed by clicking HERE.

Under the Tulsa Kitchens Unite program, Hunger Free Oklahoma is partnering with locally owned restaurants, food trucks, caterers and other local businesses like the Drillers that have the ability to produce pre-prepared and refrigerated to-go style meals. In turn, the meals are provided to families in this time of crisis. The program goals are to keep local kitchens open, keep workers paid and keep local families fed.

The Drillers food and beverage staff will began preparing meals this week using the facilities at ONEOK Field.

The prepared dinners are distributed at sites set up by Hunger Free Oklahoma, including at schools and at nonprofit and faith-based organizations. The meals are provided at no cost to the recipients. Tulsans who are struggling during this unprecedented economic downturn will be able to pick up the free meals and feed their families.

“We are appreciative of the opportunity to partner with Hunger Free Oklahoma in the Tulsa Kitchens Unite program,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “These are difficult and unsure times for so many of us, and we hope that the work of our folks to provide quality meals will be a comfort to local families. It is a just a small part that we can play in a very important program that Hunger Free Oklahoma has developed.”

Hunger Free Oklahoma Executive Director Chris Bernard said, “We are grateful to so many of our community partners who are working at or above capacity to make sure Tulsans in need have access to food.”

“We are also grateful to the Foundations who are supporting so many efforts around the city, including this one.”
Through the generous donations of many individuals and foundations, Tulsa Kitchens Unite has reached nearly 70% of its funding goal. The program has set an initial goal of running the program for 12 weeks, averaging 30,000 meals per week.

 

OKC Dodgers and LifeShare of Oklahoma Encourage Organ Donation Through Continued Partnership in 2020

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and LifeShare of Oklahoma are continuing their partnership throughout 2020 to assist LifeShare’s mission of gaining and educating organ donors across the state of Oklahoma.

With the start of April and National Donate Life Month, the first 250 individuals to register to become an organ donor at okcdodgers.com/everlastingfans will receive an exclusive LifeShare Everlasting Fans T-shirt, plus have a chance to win four Oklahoma Fidelity Bank Club tickets and a VIP experience at a future OKC Dodgers game. Once registered at okcdodgers.com/everlastingfans individuals should screenshot the completed page and email it to [email protected] to secure their T-shirt.

This partnership between the OKC Dodgers and LifeShare will continue throughout 2020, and once baseball season begins, guests to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark will be able to sign up during Dodgers home games to become LifeShare Everlasting Fans. Individuals who register in person will receive an exclusive LifeShare Everlasting Fans T-Shirt by visiting the promotions table located on the concourse behind section 110.

Last season, 1,400 people registered to become an organ donor at OKC Dodgers games, and since the partnership between LifeShare of Oklahoma and the OKC Dodgers began in 2015, more than 4,500 people have registered to become organ donors at Dodgers games.

“LifeShare is honored to partner with the Oklahoma City Dodgers again this season to raise awareness about organ donation,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and CEO of LifeShare. “We have had great success in the past with our Everlasting Fan promotion and we look forward to more Oklahomans making a decision to save lives this year as well.”

LifeShare of Oklahoma was created in 1986 and is a nonprofit, federally designed organ procurement organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. LifeShare works closely with four transplant centers and 145 health care organizations in Oklahoma to facilitate donation. LifeShare of Oklahoma strives “to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation through public education,” according to the organization’s website.

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

To stay current on the latest information regarding the OKC Dodgers’ upcoming season, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

 

Annual OKC Dodgers High School Baseball Series Returns This Week

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers have announced the schedule for their 10th annual High School Baseball Series, beginning later this week at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The series begins Friday, March 6 and will feature a total of 12 games. The High School Baseball Series has an expanded schedule in 2020 after Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark underwent a complete field renovation in 2019.

In addition, the High School Baseball Series will include the OSSAA Class 5A and Class 6A Championship Games on Saturday, May 16.

The OKC Dodgers High School Baseball Series gives teams and their fans a chance to have a “professional” experience complete with the use of batting cages, dugouts and state-of-the-art scoreboards. Both teams have access to the home and visiting clubhouses, normally reserved only for the Oklahoma City Dodgers and visiting Pacific Coast League teams. Also, each school will have a professional team photo taken on the field prior to the game.

“This tradition signals baseball season has returned to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “The High School Baseball Series is now in its 10th year providing long-lasting memories for the players and the communities they represent.”

All games during the High School Baseball Series are free to the public, and there will be complimentary parking in the Joe Carter Lot, located at the northeast corner of Reno and Joe Carter Avenues. Gates open one hour prior to game time. A full schedule of the 2020 High School Baseball Series is available here.

There are remaining opportunities for schools to schedule games during the High School Baseball Series. For more information, please call Dakota Jacobs at (405) 218-2119 or Sage Sunderland at (405) 218-2156.

Media interested in covering any games do not need to request special credentials from the Dodgers.

For general information on the OKC Dodgers High School Baseball Series or 2020 Dodgers ticket packages and group outings, call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

Deadline Approaching for OKC Dodgers Rookie League Registration

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The deadline is quickly approaching for area youth baseball players to sign up to participate in the 2020 season of the Oklahoma City Dodgers Rookie League, as registration concludes Monday for the league’s upcoming third year.

The youth baseball league formed in 2018 in partnership with Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation to increase youth baseball participation in the community, as well as foster an environment that emphasizes leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship. The OKC Dodgers helped provide resources and reduce costs in order to make baseball more accessible to area youth.

The league consists of four baseball divisions to accommodate boys and girls in multiple skill levels and age groups. Teams compete in divisions of 4U T-Ball, 6U T-Ball, 8U Coach Pitch and 10U Kid Pitch.

“Through the Rookie League, we are directly impacting the Oklahoma City community by providing opportunities for area youth to participate in baseball and to help grow the game we know and love,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “We are proud to partner with OKC Parks and Rec to help our youth learn valuable lessons such as teamwork and sportsmanship, while having fun and being active. The Rookie League continues to expand each year and we look forward to opening the 2020 season soon.”

The OKC Dodgers Rookie League has already experienced substantial growth. After starting with more than 200 players in 2018, participation quickly grew by 40 percent in 2019 during the league’s second season. Rookie League players hailed from throughout Oklahoma City last season, representing 52 of the 74 zip codes in the metro area. More than 300 players have already registered for the league’s third season.

Registration fees for 4U and 6U participants are $35 and for 8U and 10U participants are $55 to help cover operation expenses such as umpires and field maintenance. The OKC Dodgers provide jerseys, hats, belts and equipment for each team.

Practices will be held once per week starting March 23. The OKC Dodgers Rookie League season schedule consists of seven games played at Wheeler Park, located at 1120 S. Western Ave. in Oklahoma City. Game play begins April 4 and runs through June 13.

An on-field parade for OKC Dodgers Rookie League participants will be held prior to an OKC Dodgers game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in May and closing ceremonies will take place at the ballpark in June.

April 19, 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and the OKC Dodgers recently announced that the No. 19 will be retired in the OKC Dodgers Rookie League to honor the number of children lost in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing in 1995. No Rookie League participant will ever wear the No. 19 and a memorial display will be placed at Wheeler Park. The OKC Dodgers also recently announced the retirement of the No. 168 to signify the number of total lives lost in the Oklahoma City bombing. The team will place the retired No. 168 next to the currently retired Nos. 1 and 42 along the left field wall at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

For additional information about the OKC Dodgers Rookie League, or to register online to participate this season, please visit okcdodgers.com/rookieleague.
Individuals interested in coaching or volunteering for the OKC Dodgers Rookie League can email [email protected] or call (405) 297-2477.

Season ticket and group packages for the OKC Dodgers’ 2020 season are available now for purchase as the team’s home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 against Nashville. Single-game tickets go on sale March 3. Visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182 for more information.

 

OKC Dodgers Announce Plans to Honor 25th Anniversary of Oklahoma City Bombing

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

Team will retire No. 168 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and No. 19 within OKC Dodgers Rookie League

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers have announced a series of initiatives along with the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the April 19, 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

The Dodgers will retire No. 168 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to signify the number of lives lost during that fateful day. The team will place the new retired number next to the currently retired Nos. 1 and 42 along the left field wall.

Additionally, the team will retire No. 19 in the OKC Dodgers Rookie League to honor the 19 children who were killed as a result of the bombing. No Rookie League participant will ever wear the No. 19, and a memorial display will be placed at Wheeler Park, where Rookie League games are played.

On the field, the Dodgers will wear a special jersey patch on the right sleeve to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the bombing during the entire 2020 season.

“The events that occurred both on and after April 19, 1995 play an indelible role in the story of Oklahoma City and our community,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes.

“By taking these measures, we want to make sure that story is always at the forefront of our minds, and that we can help live up to the Memorial & Museum’s standard of remembering those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever.”

Between April 18-19, 2020, the Oklahoma City Dodgers will honor our first responders who continue to serve our state, as well as those who were instrumental on April 19, 1995. Events include recognizing families and first responders impacted by the bombing, live displays on Mickey Mantle Plaza, the formal unveiling of the No. 168 display in left field and much more.

Other actions include the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation stepping up to the Oklahoma Standard by completing 25 acts of kindness throughout the 2020 season, highlighting the power of community and recognizing the good works of others.

“We are honored to work with the Dodgers on this special commemoration as they join our community in looking back and thinking forward,” said Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Executive Director Kari Watkins. “By doing this they help us tell this story to a new generation and to teach the senselessness of violence.”

The OKC Dodgers open their 23rd season at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Tuesday, April 14. Season ticket packages and group outings for the 2020 season are currently on sale, and single-game tickets will go on sale March 3. For more information, call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.