Drillers Release Details on 2022 Community Programs and Activities

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

The Tulsa Drillers are partnering with a number of local organizations this season on several important and fun activities at ONEOK Field. Some of the partnerships will highlight a few of the many individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our community better, while others will provide unique opportunities for young fans. Lastly, some of the partnerships will bring much-needed funds to organizations that provide valuable resources to so many.

Below is a listing and explanation of all of these great and worthwhile activities.

Williams Make-a-Difference Wednesdays

The Williams Make-a-Difference Wednesdays program strives to serve the underprivileged. This program works to provide a night of entertainment to those in the Tulsa Community whose resources are limited.

“Experiencing an evening at the ballpark is something many of us take for granted, but for some, it’s a rare and treasured outing,” says Sara Delgado, Director of Brand and Corporate Social Responsibility for Williams. “The Williams’ Make-a-Difference Wednesdays program gives young people the chance to be a kid and get outdoors and make memories to last a lifetime.”

McElroy Manufacturing Community Spotlight

Select organizations can receive complimentary Wednesday night tickets and meal coupons. If your organization would like to help the Make-a-Difference program, click here.

The McElroy Manufacturing Community Spotlight is a unique opportunity for local, non-profit organizations to engage with the citizens of DrillVille at no cost. It also is a great way to educate communities, recruit volunteers, and share the resources that these nonprofits can provide to our community.

“McElroy Manufacturing is proud to partner with The Tulsa Drillers in their Community Spotlight program for the 2022 season,” said McElroy Manufacturing Executive VP, Finance & Treasury Donna M. Dutton. “There are many worthwhile nonprofits in Tulsa. These organizations continually work to make a difference in the lives for many of our neighbors. We are excited to recognize and celebrate all of the work the nonprofits and their volunteers do to make Tulsa a better community for us all.”

To apply, click here.

Ferguson KIA Field of Dreams

The Ferguson KIA Field of Dreams program is a once in a lifetime opportunity for future baseball and softball stars to share the field with the Drillers of today and the Los Angeles Dodgers of the future! This FREE package includes 20 tickets for the team, a team photo, an appearance on the ONEOK Field videoboard and the opportunity to be on the field for the National Anthem.

“Ferguson KIA is proud to launch our Field of Dreams partnership with the Drillers,” said Stephen Hill General Sales Manager of Ferguson Superstore. “Youth sports can be a pivotal piece of shaping the future of Tulsa, and this program offers our kids the chance to watch those who play their sport on an elite level up close.”

To nominate your youth team to participate in the free Ferguson KIA Field of Dreams program click here.

South Pointe Auto Group Hometown Hero

South Pointe Auto Group Hometown Hero is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on Tulsans who have achieved outstanding accomplishments, both home and abroad. Past Heroes have included military veterans, teachers, first responders, essential workers and many others!

“South Pointe Auto Group is proud to sponsor the Tulsa Drillers Hometown Hero program,” said Chris Cox, South Pointe Auto Group General Manager. “South Pointe supports the community, and honoring local heroes is a great way for us to show our appreciation to these outstanding individuals.”

To nominate a South Pointe Auto Group Hometown Hero click here.

Whataburger Whata Team

Throughout the 2022 season, Whataburger will provide FREE tickets for youth baseball or softball teams to enjoy a game at ONEOK Field and to have a unique, on-field experience. One lucky member of the team will be able to go onto the field during a break in play and try to throw a strike to win their team $300 and free Whataburger in the Whataburger Whata Team Experience!

For a chance to be selected for this one-of-a-kind contest click here.

The People of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas Teacher of the Game

During the season, the people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas (OERB) will honor a Teacher of the Month at selected Drillers’ games. Each teacher will be brought onto the field and presented with a personal check for $5,000, while a $2,000 donation will be made to their school.

Also, if a Drillers player during the 2022 season “drills” the OERB “Hit it Here” sign, located beyond the ONEOK Field centerfield fence, the people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas will donate $5,000 to a local school to benefit its Science & Math Department.**

Hornsby’s Bullpen Kids Club Presented by TulsaKids Magazine

Family FUNday Sunday at ONEOK Field just got even better! Kids, ages 14 and under, who sign up for the Hornsby’s Bullpen Kids Club will receive FREE tickets on the Ferguson KIA Lawn for all seven 2022 Sunday day games, a birthday card from Hornsby and #SoMuchMore!

“We are excited to team up with Hornsby’s Bullpen Kids Club and to provide young fans with so many fun opportunities this season. We hope that you can join in on the fun,” said Tulsa Kids Editor Betty Casey.

To sign up your child, click here.

Spot of Historic Baseball Stadium to be marked with Monument

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For decades, the Tulsa County Fairgrounds served as the home for Tulsa professional baseball. Thanks to the work of Tulsa baseball historian Wayne McCombs and others, the spot of home plate in the original baseball stadium at the Fairgrounds will be marked with a monument to preserve its history as the former Home of Tulsa Professional Baseball.

Expo Center, the Tulsa County commissioners, the Tulsa Drillers and former players will dedicate the home plate plaque at the site on Thursday, March 31 at 2:00 p.m.

“The baseball park was a Tulsa landmark for six decades,” said Tulsa County Commissioner, Stan Sallee. “Baseball has a long history here, and Tulsa County is happy to be a part of this dedication.”

Tulsa County Stadium was a W.P.A. project and opened on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds near 15th and Sandusky on July 11, 1934. It was home for the Tulsa Oilers of the Texas League and was the longest-serving stadium in the history of professional baseball in Tulsa. The University of Tulsa baseball team also occasionally used the stadium for home games.

Its name was changed in 1935 to Texas League Park and then again to Oiler Park in 1961. After the team moved to New Orleans in 1977, the name was changed to Driller Park when Tulsa secured the Drillers franchise to replace the Oilers.

The final game in the stadium was played in September of 1980 as the new Sutton Stadium was opened in April of 1981 just a few hundred yards east of the original stadium.

Several former players who played in the stadium will be on hand for the dedication.

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The public and media members are invited to attend this ceremony. Attendees can use the Tulsa County Fairgrounds Entrance at 15th and Sandusky for access.

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

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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.

Loons Hosting Seasonal Job Fair This Saturday

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MIDLAND, Mich. – The Great Lakes Loons and Professional Sports Catering will be hosting a seasonal job fair from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 19th to fill roles needed during Loons games. The Loons are seeking outgoing, enthusiastic individuals with a passion for delivering excellent service in a fun, unique, and fast-paced environment to be a valuable part of their game-day team. The event will take place on the main concourse at Dow Diamond. Staff members will be present to meet and talk with interested candidates looking for seasonal work during the 2022 season. On-the-spot interviews and immediate hirings will take place, with work shifts available to begin as soon as March 21st and wages as high as $16.00 per hour, depending on the role.

Job seekers must be at least 16 years of age, have a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport), and be able to provide valid identification to prove eligibility to work in the United States. Minors must present a work permit completed by their parents. Updated resumes are required to receive an on-the-spot interview.

Potential candidates are encouraged to bring their social security card and banking information (canceled check or statement with account and routing numbers) with them to the job fair to complete new hire paperwork if hired on the spot.

The following opportunities are available and can be applied for at the event:

• Bartender

• Bat Boy/Girl

• Box Office Ticket Seller

• Catering Attendant

• Concessions Cashier

• Concessions Lead

• Fun Flock (Promo Team)

• Gameday Assistant

• Grill Cook

• Grounds Crew Lead

• Grounds Maintenance Worker

• Janitorial/Custodial Worker

• Loon Loft Retail Associate

• Parking Attendant

• Playground Assistant

• Post-Event Cleaning Crew

• Prep Cook

• Section Leader

• Security Guard

• Stats and Scoreboard Crew

• Suite Servers

• Ticket Taker

“Our game day staff play such an important role in creating the total game experience for our fans,” stated Chris Mundhenk, President and General Manager. “Dow Diamond is truly a unique place to work and our game day roles are a great way to engage with the community, develop lasting relationships with staff and fans while being part of the Loons organization.”

Standout Black Players in Quakes History

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

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at four of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

Howie Kendrick

A fan-favorite in Rancho in 2005, Kendrick appeared in 63 games for the Quakes and then made his big-league debut the following year, cracking the Angels’ roster in 2006. Kendrick made multiple rehab appearances in Rancho while with the Angels, then returned to LoanMart Field as a Dodger, rehabbing again over four games in 2016, becoming one of only two Quakes (Adam Kennedy) to appear in a Rancho uniform for two different MLB organizations. The Jacksonville, Florida native played in more than 1600 games over a 15-year big-league career and was a career .294 hitter. He was named NLCS MVP in 2019 and later helped lead the Washington Nationals to their first championship, defeating the Houston Astros in the 2019 World Series.

Gary Matthews, Jr

A member of the Quakes in both 1996 and 1997 while coming up through the Padres’ organization, Matthews appeared in 192 total games with the Quakes. The son of former Major League slugger Gary Matthews, Sr., the San Francisco, California native debuted with the Padres in 1999 and wore the uniform of seven different major league teams, appearing in 1281 games. He was an American League All-Star in 2006 with the Rangers, before signing a free-agent contract and enjoying three years with the Angels here in southern California towards the back-end of his 12-year big-league career.

Derrek Lee

One of the most popular Quakes of all time, Lee totaled 274 games in a Rancho uniform over parts of three different seasons (1993-1995). In 2002, Lee appeared in a league-high 162 games, leading the Florida Marlins in home runs (27), while helping them to a World Series win over the New York Yankees. The two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner went on to play for six major league teams over a 15-year career. The Sacramento, California native returned to Rancho Cucamonga to celebrate the Quakes’ 25 anniversary season in 2017, throwing out a ceremonial first pitch on Opening Night at LoanMart Field to kick off the year.

Chris Jacobs

The Quakes’ all-time franchise leader in home runs (56) and RBIs (183), Jacobs played for the Quakes over three seasons (2012-2014) and was a huge fan-favorite thanks to his ability to hit long and majestic home runs. “Big Jake” played ten seasons of minor league baseball for three different organizations, but none longer than the eight he played while a Los Angeles Dodgers farmhand. The Winston-Salem, North Carolina native’s franchise records still stand today, as he’s also among the Quakes’ top-five in games played (286) and hits (273).

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._

OKC Dodgers Hosting Annual Job Fair This Week

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers will host the team’s annual job fair for 2022 gameday staff on Thursday, Feb. 24 from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The Dodgers are seeking multi-talented, highly motivated team players. Available positions include ushers, gate attendants, ticket window attendants, field crew, cashiers, cooks, quick service managers, in-seat servers, team store staff and much more.

A full list of open positions can be found here.

“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 fair 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 on both days. Interested job seekers should enter the ballpark through the glass doors adjacent to the team store located on South Mickey Mantle Drive.

The 2022 baseball season begins April 5, with gameday employee training sessions throughout March. Those applying for any position must be available for all 75 Dodgers home games 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. Bringing résumés are encouraged but not required.

For more information on the 2022 OKC Dodgers job fair, visit click here or call (405) 218-1000.

Black History Month: Top Players During OKC’s Indians/89ers Era (Part 1)

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.

The retrospective for Oklahoma City originally was supposed to be a two-part series, but it soon became apparent there were several players worth recognizing and has been expanded to three parts. After covering the top players of the team’s Bricktown era, it’s time to explore the notable Black players of the Oklahoma City Indians and 89ers eras over the course of two installments.

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.

Bill Greason (Pitcher; 1952–53)

Greason is the most significant player on this list, as he was the first Black athlete to ever play for an Oklahoma City team. He previously played in the Negro Leagues, and in 1948, played for the Birmingham Black Barons alongside Willie Mays.

Greason was signed by the Indians when the franchise was part of the Texas League and he played for Oklahoma City across two seasons in 1952 and 1953. He made a total of 48 appearances, including 44 starts, going 25–14 with a 3.26 ERA.

Greason’s success with the Indians led him to being signed by the St. Louis Cardinals, and in 1954, he became the Cardinals’ second-ever Black player and first-ever Black pitcher. He did not return to the Major Leagues after a three-game stint in that 1954 season, but he continued to play professionally through 1959.

In 2017, Greason was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.

Dave Roberts (Outfielder/First Baseman; 1962–65)

Not to be mistaken for the current manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Roberts played in parts of each of the first four seasons for the 89ers between 1962–65, winning Pacific Coast League titles in 1963 and 1965. During the team’s inaugural 1962 campaign, Roberts led the team in nearly every offensive category, batting .322 with 15 home runs, 96 RBI, 86 runs scored and a league-leading 38 doubles.

His 1965 season is arguably the greatest ever by an Oklahoma City player. Roberts was named the PCL’s MVP that season, compiling a batting line of .319/.428/.615 while belting a league-best and team-record 38 home runs, with 114 RBI, 102 runs, 64 extra-base hits and 94 walks.

During his Oklahoma City career, Roberts played in 466 games and batted .309 with 74 homers, 99 doubles and 326 RBI.

He only appeared in a total of 91 games in the Majors with Houston and Pittsburgh, unfortunately unable to replicate his Triple-A success. Roberts spent the final seven seasons of his playing career in Japan, totaling 183 home runs and 492 RBI. The entirety of his professional career spanned 22 seasons between 1952–73, and he retired with 433 home runs and over 1,500 RBI.

Jimmy Wynn (Outfielder; 1964)

Affectionately known as “The Toy Cannon” due to his small stature but big power and strong throwing arm, Wynn played one season for Oklahoma City in 1964, batting .273 with 10 home runs, 40 RBI and 13 steals across 82 games. It would be the last time he ever played in the Minor Leagues.

Wynn played 15 seasons in the Majors, including 11 seasons with Houston. Wynn is a member of the Astros Hall of Fame, and his No. 24 was retired by the club in 2005. Wynn was named a National All-Star three times, including twice as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1974–75. During his first season in Dodger Blue in 1974, Wynn set the team single-season home run record with 32.

Throughout this MLB career, Wynn racked up 1,665 hits, 1,105 runs scored, 291 home runs and 964 RBI.

Sonny Jackson (Infielder; 1965)

Jackson spent 1965 with the 89ers and was the regular starting shortstop for a team that went 91–54 in the regular season — still the best record in OKC’s Triple-A history — and eventually won the PCL Championship.

His 193 hits led the league and remains one of the highest single-season outputs in team history. Jackson also ranked second in the league with 104 runs while batting .331 with a .382 on-base percentage. He also stole 52 bases, placing second in the PCL.

Jackson played parts of 12 seasons in the Majors between 1963–74 with Houston and Atlanta. In 1966, he led the Astros with a .292 batting average and 174 hits while setting a then-National League rookie record with 49 stolen bases.

Nate Colbert (Outfielder/First Baseman; 1967–68)

Colbert briefly played two games for the 89ers in 1967 before returning for 92 games in 1968. He batted .264 with 14 home runs and 44 RBI while also appearing in 20 games for Houston throughout the season. He provided a memorable home opener at All Sports Stadium that year, knocking a walk-off RBI single in the 10th inning against Phoenix.

Prior to the 1969 season, Colbert was selected by San Diego in the expansion draft. He rose to become one of the faces of the Padres’ nascent franchise, hitting 163 home runs over his six seasons with the club, including two campaigns with 38 homers. Through 2021, he still holds San Diego’s career home run record. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Padres Hall of Fame in 1999.

Colbert made the NL All-Star Team in three straight seasons from 1971–73 and played in a total of 10 seasons in the Majors, also seeing time with Houston, Montreal, Detroit and Oakland.

_____

Remember, this series is not complete yet, with six more players yet to be recognized. The final installment will be published the week of Feb. 21.

(_All photos used in this article are courtesy of the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ archives._)

Attend the 2022 Tulsa Drillers Job Fair

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

 

Do you know someone who is looking for a fun, part-time summer job? Would you like to earn some extra money by working evenings and weekends at one of the coolest places in Tulsa?

If so, come out and bring a friend to ONEOK Field on Tuesday, February 15 or Thursday, February 17 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. for the 2022 Tulsa Drillers Job Fair.

We are looking to hire over 100 candidates for a variety of Game Day positions. On-site interviews will be conducted to fill all openings. Attendees are encouraged to bring a completed Gameday Application to the Job Fair to save time.

Interviews will be conducted for a number of part-time positions including:

· Ushers

· Merchandise

· Suites Attendants & Servers

· Promo Team Members

· Bat Boys

· Porters

· Ticket Takers

· Parking

· Cleanup

· Cooks

· Food/Beverage Hawkers

· Servers

· Concession Stand Leads

· Concession Stand Attendants

· Concession Support/Maintenance Warehouse

Applicants need to be eligible to work most Drillers home games and other special events at ONEOK Field, beginning in March.

Again, please bring a completed Gameday Application for this event and we look forward to seeing you at our Job Fairs!

Black History Month: Top 5 Black Players During OKC’s Bricktown Era

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.

The retrospective for Oklahoma City will be a two-part series, first looking at the top five Black players during the team’s Bricktown era (since 1998) as well as the top five Black players during the team’s post-war Indians and 89ers era (1946-97).

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 alphabetical order.

Part 1: Bricktown Era (1998-Present)

**Willie Calhoun (Infielder)**

Calhoun first appeared for the Oklahoma City Dodgers during the 2016 playoffs and returned in 2017. In 99 games that season, Calhoun slashed .298/.357/.574 with 23 home runs, 52 extra-base hits and 67 RBI en route to being named a Pacific Coast League Mid-Season All-Star.

He was traded July 31, 2017 to the Texas Rangers as part of a package in exchange for Yu Darvish. Following the trade, Calhoun continued to rake with Round Rock and finished in the top five of the Pacific Coast League with 31 homers and 93 RBI, earning a spot on the league’s Post-Season All-Star Team.

Calhoun made his Major League debut later in 2017 with Texas and has appeared in 235 games with the Rangers since then.

**O’Koyea Dickson (Outfielder/Infielder)**

Dickson spent three seasons with OKC between 2015-17 and was a significant contributor each year, helping the team to division titles in 2015 and 2016. Among players during the team’s Bricktown era, Dickson ranks third in both career home runs (55) and career doubles (77). He is also in the top eight in hits (308) and RBI (190).

His finest of the three seasons was in 2016, when he slashed .328/.398/.596 over 101 games. During that season’s playoffs, he hit a dramatic, go-ahead three-run homer in eighth inning of a winner-take-all Game 5 of the American Conference Finals in Nashville.

Dickson’s Major League career was brief, with only seven career at-bats with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017. He also played in Mexico and Japan during his pro career.

Craig Monroe (Outfielder)

Monroe had a brief taste of Triple-A in 1999 and returned to play for the RedHawks in earnest in 2001. Over 114 games that season, Monroe batted .281 with 20 homers and 75 RBI while putting up a then career-best .512 slugging percentage and was selected to the Triple-A All-Star Game.

He made his Major League debut with the Texas Rangers that season and even homered in his first game July 29. Over his nine-year Major League career, he also suited up for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins and Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2006, he led the Tigers with 28 home runs and 92 RBI as Detroit won the American League. The outfielder finished his big league career with 115 home runs, including three seasons with at least 20 homers.

Chuck Smith (Pitcher)

Smith filled a variety of roles over his two seasons with RedHawks (1999-2000). He made a total of 43 appearances, which included 15 starts, three complete games, 13 games finished and four saves. During his OKC career, he posted a 3.32 ERA with 149 strikeouts in 151.2 innings.

In 1999, Smith was named to the Triple-A All-Star Game. On June 23 of that season against Memphis, Smith set the team’s single-game strikeout record with 14. The record stood until 2017, but Smith remains as just one two players with 14 or more strikeouts in a game during the team’s Bricktown era.

Smith’s pro career spanned 16 seasons (1991-2006), including two seasons with the Florida Marlins (2000-01).

**George Springer (Outfielder)**

Springer first joined OKC in the middle of the 2013 season. Combined with his numbers from Double-A Corpus Christi, Springer put together a 30/30 season and nearly a 40/40 season, as he finished with 37 home runs and 45 stolen bases across the two levels. In his 62 contests with the RedHawks that year, Springer put up an incredible .311/.425/.626 line with 18 homers, 53 RBI and 22 steals.

He returned to Bricktown to begin 2014, and after mashing for the first 13 games of the season, he was called up to Houston and has stayed in the Majors ever since. The dynamic outfielder is a three-time All-Star (2017-19) and a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2017, 2019). He helped the Astros win the American League in both 2017 and 2019, and he was named MVP of the 2017 World Series.

This past season with the Blue Jays, Springer eclipsed the 500 RBI barrier for his career and he now sits just four home runs shy of 200 for his career.

Tulsa Drillers Search for On-Field Emcee for Upcoming Season

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

 

The Tulsa Drillers are searching for an outgoing personality to serve as their on-field host for the 2022 season. The game-day “voice” and face of the Drillers will engage fans at ONEOK Field before, during, and after each game, including between-inning sponsorships and contests. Candidates must be available for a majority of the Drillers’ home games and any playoff games throughout the 2022 season. The auditions are invitation-only and will be held on Thursday, February 24. Those interested in auditioning must submit a resume by Friday, February 18. Qualified candidates will be asked to interview with team officials prior to the February 24 audition date.

Application Process

Submissions will be accepted via email ONLY

E-mail: Alex Kossakoski, Director of Promotions: [email protected]

All submissions must include full contact information including e-mail address and cell phone number.

Required Qualifications

To be given consideration, applicants must meet the following criteria:

– Must be available for a majority of home games:

– ALL Thursday – Saturday games, holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th weekend & Labor Day) & the Bedlam Game

– Have an enthusiastic demeanor and the ability to naturally entertain large crowds
– A team player with a flexible, can-do attitude
– Possess improvisational skills and the ability to quickly adapt to situations

– The ability to take and follow given directions

– Represent the Drillers in a first-class and professional manner

Additional qualifications preferred: In-depth knowledge of baseball; understanding of promotions, marketing, and sponsorship initiatives.

Bike Donation Helps Area Families During Holiday Season

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

 

Dozens of children’s bicycles sat lined up all shiny and new outside of the Academy Sports + Outdoors location on South Walker Avenue in Oklahoma City on a recent chilly December morning.

Inside the store, a dozen more bikes surrounded a festive holiday display with balloons and a sign reading “Merry Christmas.”

In the middle of the display, Oklahoma City Dodgers mascot Brooklyn joined members of the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, Academy Sports + Outdoors and the Latino Community Development Agency for a donation presentation.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, in partnership with the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, donated 100 children’s bikes and helmets to the LCDA earlier this month in preparation for the holiday season. The bikes were then gifted to families in need identified through the LCDA.

Click here to read the rest of this article on the digital publication “Beyond the Bricks.“

OKC Dodgers Give Back

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

 

From sorting holiday gift donations to playing with puppies waiting for a home, and from preparing meals for those in need to organizing donated sports equipment, members of the Oklahoma City Dodgers front office staff dispersed throughout the metro area earlier this month to assist several non-profit organizations during a day of service.

The OKC Dodgers Foundation set up a variety of volunteer opportunities that allowed Dodgers staff to give back to the community that generously supports the Triple-A baseball team. The Dodgers and OKC Dodgers Foundation provide support to 150 Oklahoma non-profit organizations throughout the year and each December, four are selected to benefit from a staff day a service.

About 30 front office staff members from the Dodgers and Professional Sports Catering recently split into small groups to assist OK City Center, City Rescue Mission, Oklahoma Humane Society and Cleats For Kids.

Click here to read the rest of this article on the digital publication _Beyond the Bricks_.

TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO PRESENT “WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS: A DECADE IN CONCERT”

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Concert will Feature Iconic Musical Moments Performed Live by a Symphony

Tulsa Symphony Orchestra presents Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “A Decade in Concert” on May 20, 2022 at ONEOK Field. Celebrating iconic musical moments from favorite films released over the last decade, this melodic journey explores Disney Animation’s latest stories through unforgettable film clips and scores performed live by a symphony orchestra. Tickets are now available at TulsaSymphony.org.

This thrilling performance includes music from “Moana” (2016), Academy Award®-winning “Zootopia” (2016), Academy Award-winning “Big Hero 6” (2014), Academy Award-winning “Frozen” (2013), “Wreck-It Ralph “(2012), “Winnie the Pooh” (2011), “Tangled” (2010), “Princess and the Frog” (2009), and “Bolt” (2008).

Once again filling Tulsa’s ONEOK Field with the magic of live music, this performance will feature the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra playing the music from Disney’s past decade while film clips play on the ballpark’s large video board. Children of all ages can experience entertaining family-oriented activities before the concert and enjoy special seating on the field. The evening will close with a brilliant fireworks display against the Tulsa skyline. Luxury boxes will also be available for purchase for an even more magical experience.

Keith C. Elder, Executive Director of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, said, “We are thrilled to bring live music back to the ballpark with this spectacular performance. We are honored to serve this wonderful community, and to bring this city together through the power of live music.”

ABOUT DISNEY CONCERTS

Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live to picture” film concerts and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts and range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choir. Numerous new concert packages and touring productions from Disney’s portfolio of studios, including Disney’s feature animation and live action studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm and Marvel, are currently in development. Current titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series (Episodes IV-VIII), Toy Story, Aladdin, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Disney Princess – The Concert, Coco, The Lion King, Up and The Nightmare Before Christmas, which in 2019 accounted for over 900 performances in many of the world’s top concert venues.

About the Tulsa Symphony_
The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra is proud to celebrate 15 years as a vital community service organization that entertains, advocates, heals and inspires through musical excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Serving as the cornerstone of the arts in Tulsa, the TSO partners and collaborates with Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Chorale, Philbrook Museum, Gilcrease Museum and Oklahoma Aquarium. A leader in classical music and music education, TSO presents over 30 major performances per season, which touch over 55,000 people in the Northeast Oklahoma region. At the forefront of the Orchestra is artistic integrity, collaborating with renowned artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Bell, Amy Grant, Eric Whitacre, Yefim Bronfman, and Hanson. For additional information about TSO, please visit our website at_ www.TulsaSymphony.org.

Michigan Baseball Foundation Grant Application Available December 1st

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

 

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Foundation (MBF) is proud to announce the opening of the 2022 Grant Application on December 1st, 2021. Grants are available for registered 501c3 organizations that focus on youth-related activities or economic development. Applications must be for specific projects or initiatives the organization is undertaking in 2022 and not for general operations. Primary consideration will be given to organizations in the Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Genesee, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Arenac, Ogemaw, Sanilac, and Iosco counties. The application will close on February 18th, 2022.

This is the first time the Michigan Baseball Foundation is soliciting grant requests since the 2019 grant cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants are funded by ticket sales to Great Lakes Loons games, 50/50 raffle sales during Loons games, and direct contributions to the foundation. Grants for the 2022 cycle have been made possible by the Great Lakes Bay Region’s strong support of the Loons in their return to the field in 2021 following the cancelation of the 2020 season.

Grant applications can be completed online: http://michiganbaseballfoundation.org/grants/. All applications must be received by the Michigan Baseball Foundation via the website, before Feb. 18**th**, 2022.

MBF has awarded 327 grants totaling $1,224,647 to non-profit organizations across 14 counties of the Great Lakes Bay Region over the past twelve grant cycles. Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April 2022. Recipients will also be asked to respond to the Michigan Baseball Foundation Board of Directors on the success of the project for which the grant was used.

“We’re incredibly excited to be able to offer grants from the Michigan Baseball Foundation once again in 2022,” stated Mike Hayes, Chair of the MBF Grants Committee. “MBF and the Great Lakes Loons were established in 2006 with goals of supporting youth-focused non-profits in the Great Lakes Bay Region and promoting economic development and prosperity in the region. We’re grateful for the support the Loons received in their return to play last summer and we’re excited to support the region in return through the grant process. These grants are a significant step forward in achieving our goals of leaving our region a better place than we found it.”

For more information contact Jessica Gillespie at 989.837.6144 or [email protected].

The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.