OKC Dodgers Hosting Annual Job Fair This Week

 

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)

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._)

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

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.

Bike Donation Helps Area Families During Holiday Season

 

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

 

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_.

Dodgers, USA Softball to Host PLAY BALL Event Oct. 24

 

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Dodgers, USA Softball and OKC Parks and Recreation, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, will host a free PLAY BALL event for all children 18 and under at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City Sunday, October 24 from 4-5:30 p.m.

Participants will take part in a series of basic drills in order to further development of the game and promote awareness for the upcoming OKC Dodgers Rookie League in Spring 2022. All participants will receive a free Franklin bat and ball set, T-shirt and bracelet.

Registration for participants is highly encouraged. Click here to register.

In addition to USA Softball, instruction will also be provided by Turiya Coleman of the University of Oklahoma softball team, as well as members of the Oklahoma Christian University softball team.

In partnership with Major League Baseball and USA Baseball, USA Softball launched the “PLAY BALL” initiative in 2015. Together, PLAY BALL events are conducted across the United States, offering opportunity for youth athletes to get involved in the game. PLAY BALL encourages widespread participation in all forms of softball and baseball among all age groups – especially youth – whether at the championship or recreational level. The initiative also provides players, parents and coaches with information and resources to help with proper play and instruction.

For more information, please contact USA Softball at (405) 424-5266.

Each OKC Dodgers Homer Hit During Final Stretch to Benefit Cleats For Kids

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Each home run hit by the Oklahoma City Dodgers during Triple-A’s Final Stretch will benefit Cleats For Kids in Oklahoma City thanks to a Minor League Baseball™ initiative called “Homers That Help.”

All 30 Triple-A clubs close their 2021 seasons with a 10-game Final Stretch, including the OKC Dodgers who play five road games against the Las Vegas Aviators starting tonight, and five home games against the El Paso Chihuahuas Wednesday, Sept. 29-Sunday, Oct. 3 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

For each home run hit by Triple-A teams (both at home and on the road) during the Final Stretch, Minor League Baseball will donate $50 per home run to a local 501(c)3 charity selected by the team. The team with the most home runs hit during the 10-game span will generate an extra $5,000 donation for its charity of choice.

“Minor League Baseball teams have long been great community partners, and we are pleased to make a donation to each of these local charities on behalf of our Triple-A teams for their performance during the Triple-A Final Stretch,” Major League Baseball’s Vice President, Minor League Operations and Development, Peter Woodfork said. “These charities provide a variety of valuable services to their community, and it is our honor to recognize their efforts.”

The OKC Dodgers chose to benefit Cleats for Kids (C4K), which provides new and used sports equipment free of charge to youth in need, gathering equipment through community drives and drop-off donation sites. The organization began in 2011 in Oklahoma City and has impacted more than 150,000 kids, partnering with 55 youth organizations and 220 Oklahoma school districts, according to the C4K website.

“Cleats for Kids provides opportunity for our Oklahoma youth to benefit from the transformational power of sport,” Oklahoma City Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Purchasing sports gear can be a prohibitive factor that keeps children from participating in youth sports, and Cleats for Kids helps remove that obstacle. We’re hoping for numerous OKC Dodgers home runs over the next 10 games to help further Cleats for Kids’ charitable cause.”

The OKC Dodgers open the 10-game Final Stretch tonight with a five-game road series starting at 9:05 p.m. CT against the Las Vegas Aviators at Las Vegas Ballpark. The Dodgers then close out their 2021 schedule with a five-game home series against the El Paso Chihuahuas starting at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The Dodgers play at 7:05 p.m. next Wednesday-Saturday, wrapping up the Final Stretch as well as the 2021 season at 1:05 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3 in OKC.

Tickets for OKC Dodgers’ home games are available by visiting okcdodgers.com/tickets. For additional information about the OKC Dodgers, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182. For more information about Cleats For Kids, please visit cleatsforkids.org.

Timothy Stone to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” with INTEGRIS and OKC Dodgers Friday

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health conclude the 2021 “Home Run For Life” series Friday by honoring Timothy Stone of Jenks, Okla., during the Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! game against Round Rock at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Stone had a physically demanding job working on cars and was in excellent shape traveling the country as a competitive bare-knuckle fighter for 20 years. He rarely slowed down, even for several years after being diagnosed at the age of 40 with cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart that makes pumping blood throughout the body difficult. Then at the age of 49, Stone collapsed while mowing his backyard in Jenks, Okla., and his health quickly spiraled downward starting in March 2015.

Stone would endure multiple surgeries, including five open heart surgeries and a heart transplant at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. He would spend about four months in the hospital in Oklahoma City.

Now almost six years later at the age of 55, Stone is back living life with vigor and new perspective with the goal of helping others facing similar difficult journeys thanks to the care he received at INTEGRIS Health.

“I owe them everything,” Stone said of the staff at INTEGRIS Health.

“Life is precious. We have all heard that a million times, but I think we look at it a little differently now.”

“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 prerecorded home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

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

After collapsing in his yard in the spring of 2015, Stone’s wife Leslie took him to the hospital in Tulsa. A series of serious health setbacks followed throughout the next five months. Eventually with the right side of his heart shutting down, he was brought to INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City in August 2015.

When he arrived, he faced seemingly insurmountable odds with a prognosis of a five to 10 percent chance of survival without a heart transplant.

He had 12 surgeries, including five open heart surgeries.

He typically weighed around 175 pounds, but in October 2015 was down to about 118 pounds and then came the devastating news that he had about eight days to live.

With three days left and his organs shutting down, he said his goodbyes to his wife and children telling then how much he loved them.

Everything changed on Oct. 29, 2015 when they found a heart that was a perfect match.

The sixth anniversary of his heart transplant is soon approaching and Stone now mentors others going through transplants.

He was fortunate to have the unending support of the INTEGRIS Health staff, his wife Leslie, daughter, son and family throughout his journey back to health, but knows not everyone is so lucky.

“We were blessed to have a lot of great people and a lot of loving people help us along the way,” he said.

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

The Oklahoma City Dodgers will take the field as Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City for their upcoming home series against Los Chupacabras de Round Rock starting Thursday. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday night’s games have a scheduled 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and on Friday, a mystery bobblehead, presented by Lime, will be given out to the first 1,000 fans in attendance. Fireworks are also scheduled to follow Friday’s game. During the game, the Clubhouse Collectibles silent auction for game-used OKC Dodgers memorabilia will also take place.

Following Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. game, kids can run the bases. Tuesday’s 12:05 p.m. series finale falls 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.

Tickets are available by visiting okcdodgers.com/tickets. For additional information about Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City and the OKC Dodgers’ 2021 season, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

Join the OKC Dodgers for Military Celebration Night Friday

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers will honor the service and dedication of local military members and their families Friday during Military Celebration Night when the Dodgers play the Albuquerque Isotopes at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Dodgers players and coaches will take the field wearing special commemorative green, camouflage and gold jerseys as well as camouflage hats. Their game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off via the DASH Auction app, which is available for free via the App Store and Google Play Store. Proceeds from the jersey auction will benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation.

Special festivities throughout the game will culminate with postgame fireworks presented by SpringHill Suites.

“We are proud to honor the sacrifices and commitments made by our local service members and their families and show how appreciative the Oklahoma City community is for their service,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “We look forward to celebrating them with this special evening Friday.”

Area service members are scheduled to participate in several pregame events, including the presentation of colors with a large flag in the outfield, the singing of the national anthem and a ceremonial first pitch. The VFW, American Legion, Army and Marines will have information about their organizations available throughout the concourse.

The OKC Dodgers continue their homestand and open a six-game series tonight against the Albuquerque Isotopes at 7:05 p.m. before Friday’s Military Celebration Night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game is the third and final OKC 89ers Night of the season, presented by Courtyard Marriott. The Dodgers will take the field as the Oklahoma City 89ers in a nod to the franchise’s history.

Kids can run the bases following Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. game and Monday’s game will have a special 12:05 p.m. first pitch on Labor Day. The series then wraps up with a 7:05 p.m. game 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.

Tickets are available by visiting okcdodgers.com/tickets. For additional information, please call the Dodgers front office at (405) 218-2182.

Adrianne Ayers to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” with OKC Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health Saturday

 

Oklahoma City — The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health continue the “Home Run For Life” series Saturday by honoring Adrianne Ayers of Midwest City, Okla., during the Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game against the Las Vegas Aviators at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Ayers, a registered nurse, fell ill with the flu in February 2018. Several days later her health spiraled to the point where one of her children had to call 911 and Ayers was taken to the hospital.

“They told us had he not called 911, I might not have made it through the night,” Ayers recalled.

In addition to flu, Ayers had developed pneumonia and strep throat so severe that her body went septic. She developed necrotizing pneumonia, a severe complication from a bacterial lung infection that can cause lung tissue damage. Her lungs, heart and kidneys were all shutting down.

It was determined that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, known as ECMO, was necessary for Ayers’ survival and she was transferred to INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, which specializes in ECMO, to receive the last-resort, lifesaving treatment. ECMO provides both cardiac and respiratory support to patients whose heart and/or lungs are so severely diseased or damaged that they can no longer serve their function. The goal is to allow the heart or lungs to rest and recover while the machine does all the work.

“What it does is takes the blood out of the body on one side and puts oxygen into it and then flows back into your body through different tubes,” Ayers said. “It’s almost like dialysis — in one side and out the other.”

Ayers ended up on ECMO for an INTEGRIS Health record 119 days — just one piece of the extensive multi-disciplinary care she received during her five months in the hospital.

“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 prerecorded home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

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

Throughout her five months at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, Ayers was also on a ventilator, had a tracheostomy and was on dialysis in addition to ECMO. There was talk of potential double kidney and lung transplants for her.

Ayers was enrolled in the ATHOS 3 Expanded Access Protocol for Giapreza clinical trial for a medication that regulates blood pressure, becoming one of 10 patients in the world to have received the therapy while on ECMO at the time. She also became the first patient in the OKC area to benefit from an off-label use of Olympus Spiration endobronchial valves, which were inserted into her lungs, opening breathing passageways like they would an artery during a cardiac procedure.

One special moment especially stands out in Ayers’ mind to describe the depth and range of care she received at INTEGRIS Health.

“The doctors and nurses at INTEGRIS are amazing. They are saints,” she said. “There was one point where I was tired and I was tired of fighting and I was tired of everything going on and (one of the doctors) took me outside just to get some vitamin D. Anytime they took me anywhere in the hospital it was a huge ordeal because I had the ECMO machine and dialysis and the vent and the chair, so it was like a small parade going down the hallway.

“Just for a doctor to do that, I can’t say enough good things about them…They are just amazing people.”

Ayers was released from the hospital in July 2018 and still undergoes frequent checkups. There is a possibility in the future she will need a lung transplant, but says she is doing well now. Ayers, 44, returned to work as a RN at St. Anthony in April 2021 and said she brings a new perspective with her to work after all she has been through.

“I have always been a patient person with patients and am even more so now,” she said. “I can’t even explain it. It’s like you walk into a room and see both points of view at the same time. You can empathize even small things, like tape coming off an IV. After it’s done 100 times, that hurts.

“It’s weird, but I am thankful for everything I have been through because I think it makes me relate to patients better.”

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

Tonight, the OKC Dodgers return home to open a 12-game homestand as well as a six-game home series against the Las Vegas Aviators at 7:05 p.m. The series continues at 7:05 p.m. Friday when Dodgers players and coaches will wear special pink jerseys and hats that will be auctioned off to benefit Susan G. Komen Oklahoma as the Dodgers and MidFirst Bank team up to “Pack the Park Pink.” A pink fireworks show will follow the game.

Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game falls on Marvel Super Hero Night, presented by Courtyard by Marriott, and Star-Lord and Black Widow will make special appearances throughout the night. Ayers’ “Home Run For Life” will also be recognized during Saturday’s game. Kids can run the bases following Sunday’s 6:05 p.m. game. The series against Las Vegas then wraps up at 7:05 p.m. Monday and at 7:05 p.m. 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 OKC Dodgers then remain home for a six-game series against the Albuquerque Isotopes Thursday, Sept. 2 – Tuesday, Sept. 7 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

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 to “Pack the Park Pink” with MidFirst Bank Friday

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Dodgers players and coaches will wear special pink jerseys and hats that will be auctioned off to benefit Susan G. Komen Oklahoma as the Dodgers and MidFirst Bank team up to “Pack the Park Pink” Friday night.

The Dodgers will take the field at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark at 7:05 p.m. Friday against the Las Vegas Aviators and fans can bid on their game-worn pink jerseys and hats via the DASH Auction app, which is available for free via the App Store and Google Play Store.

Unique events to promote breast cancer awareness will be held throughout the evening at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and “Pack the Park Pink” will culminate with a pink fireworks show following the game, presented by MidFirst Bank.

Fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of the cause and representatives from Susan G. Komen Oklahoma will be on the concourse throughout the night to provide information about the organization. The mission of Susan G. Komen Oklahoma is “to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.”

Oklahoma City-area breast cancer survivors will take the field pregame during the announcement of the starting lineup, sing the national anthem and deliver a ceremonial first pitch. A unique and fun photo opportunity featuring a balloon arch, backdrop and light-up “OKC” marquee letters will be on display on the concourse for fans to use throughout the game. A breast cancer awareness quiz in Friday night’s digital PlayBall! game program can be completed and redeemed for an exclusive OKC Dodgers color-changing cup.

The OKC Dodgers return home to open a 12-game homestand as well as a six-game home series against the Las Vegas Aviators at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. The series then continues with Friday night’s “Pack the Park Pink” game.

Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game between the team falls on Marvel Super Hero Night, and Star-Lord and Black Widow will make special appearances throughout the game. Kids can run the bases following Sunday’s 6:05 p.m. game. The series against Las Vegas wraps up with 7:05 p.m. games Monday and 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 Tuesday. The OKC Dodgers then remain home for a six-game series against the Albuquerque Isotopes Thursday, Sept. 2 – Tuesday, Sept. 7 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Tickets are available by visiting 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. For additional information, please call the Dodgers front office at (405) 218-2182.

OKC Dodgers and OHSO Aim to ENDUI and Educate via “Road to the Show” Promotion

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers are partnering with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office on the “Road to the Show” promotion, offering fans the chance to become an OKC Dodger for a day by encouraging them to share why they want to ENDUI.

From now through early September, fans can register for the opportunity to become a Dodger for a day with one lucky winner being invited to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in September for an ultimate OKC Dodgers experience. The winner receives a customized Dodgers jersey, additional Dodger swag, gets to spend time on the field, throw out the first pitch and enjoy that night’s baseball game with exclusive club seats and access to the Oklahoma Fidelity Bank Club for food and drinks.

To register, fans can visit okcdodgers.com/roadtotheshow and fill out the online form, including why they think it is important to end impaired driving. Fans can also enter via social media by posting on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook about why they would like to end impaired driving using the hashtag #ENDUIOK. Fans also have the option to register in person by visiting the promotions kiosk located on the concourse behind section 109. Only one entry per person will be accepted.

ENDUI is a statewide campaign to end impaired driving. The mission of the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO) is to combat the number and severity of traffic crashes by developing and supporting education, enforcement and engineering programs.

The Dodgers wrap up their current six-game series against the Sugar Land Skeeters at 7:05 p.m. 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.

Tickets are available by visiting 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.

Brandy Warehime to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” 

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health continue the “Home Run For Life” series Saturday by honoring Brandy Warehime of Weatherford, Okla., during the Dodgers’ 6:05 p.m. game against the Sugar Land Skeeters at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

While driving on the John Kilpatrick Turnpike in March 2018, Warehime lost control of her car and spun three times before her car rolled four times. The then-24-year-old was ejected from the vehicle and thrown about 70 feet, suffering extensive injuries.

Her journey to recovery involved almost three months in hospitals and care centers, concluding with three weeks at INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation where she started to resume everyday activities before finally returning home.

“My learning and starting to live life normal were all done at Jim Thorpe,” she said. “I remember my first therapist helping me put on a pair of pants, which seems so small, but at the time it was such a big thing because I hadn’t had pants on in a long time. I remember getting to stand up and getting to learn how to walk and start doing all the things that were normal and I wanted to be back to myself as soon as possible.

“The words thank you can never be enough to every single therapist that helped me along the way.”

“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 prerecorded home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

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

Warehime was driving westbound on the John Kilpatrick Turnpike and went to take the May Avenue exit in north Oklahoma City when she lost control of her car and spun three times before her car rolled four times

She was ejected from the vehicle and thrown about 70 feet, breaking her clavicle, scapula, pelvis, 12 ribs and her femur. She shattered her back and thoracic spine. She suffered a stroke, coma and a traumatic brain injury.

During surgery, doctors learned she had a stroke. Then following the surgery she didn’t wake up for eight days.

“I have two rods and four screws in my leg and I have two rods and 12 screws in my back holding me together now,” she said.

At INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation, she re-learned how to do everyday activities like put on clothes and shower.

Warehime said she never wanted to stop trying. She never missed a therapy session and persevered.

“I just kept going and kept trying,” she said. “All of my therapists, we’re still friends to this day. They were incredible people and that’s why I get to be where I am right now.”

Now more than three years later, Warehime is enjoying life with a new perspective thanks to the care she received at INTEGRIS Health. She married her husband Jake in June 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the couple is now expecting their first child.

“Life has changed a lot since my accident,” Warehime said. “You enjoy the little things, so I take life a little bit slower…Find time to (do things) because you are not promised tomorrow…Now we are so excited because we will be welcoming our sweet little baby in February.”

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

The OKC Dodgers continue their homestand and open a six-game series tonight against the Sugar Land Skeeters at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Promotional highlights of the series, include:

• Friday: Loop Rawlins will perform his one-man Wild West show, presented by Heartland Flyer. The trick roper, whip cracker and gun spinner will perform a variety of jaw-dropping feats throughout the night. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the 7:05 p.m. game.

• Saturday: Enjoy the OKC Dodgers’ 6:05 p.m. game before taking in a postgame concert by Crowder presented by Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association on Faith and Family Night. Groups of 10 or more will receive a special rate and an OKC Dodgers hat in addition to the postgame concert. Also during the game, the INTEGRIS Home Run For Life series continues, featuring July’s honoree Warehime.

• Sunday: Kids can run the bases following each Sunday home game throughout the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ season. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

• Tuesday: Throughout the season, $2 Tuesdays feature $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. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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.

Students, Teachers Celebrate STEM Achievements at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Hundreds of third- and fourth-grade students across the state of Oklahoma celebrated the culmination of the fifth year of the Oklahoma City Dodgers MVP Program: Encouraging STEM Education Saturday morning at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The program is free to all participants thanks to partners Devon Energy and Olsson and rewards area elementary students’ achievements in science and math while incentivizing students as well as their teachers to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum. Top-performing MVP students received tickets to an OKC Dodgers game as well as a commemorative MVP baseball hat.

The fifth year of the program wrapped up on Saturday with MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark — an exclusive event for participating MVP students and teachers, as well as their families.

Attendees enjoyed participating in a variety of STEM activities and demonstrations presented by Devon Energy, Olsson, NASA, COSTEMA (Central Oklahoma Regional STEM Alliance), Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum as well as Mad Science of Central Oklahoma.

“MVP Field Day allows us to reward MVP Program students, teachers and their families with a day filled with fun STEM activities and learning opportunities at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “STEM education is so important for our youth and we thank all who participated this school year for their hard work and efforts throughout Oklahoma.”

Participation in the MVP Program was initially open only to Oklahoma City Public Schools in 2017. After a successful start, the program expanded in 2018 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 2019.

The program was offered throughout Oklahoma for the third straight year in 2021 and has experienced increases of more than 1,000 percent in both participating classrooms and total students impacted since the program’s inaugural year in 2017. The 2020 and 2021 programs each impacted more than 10,000 students per school year, even in the midst of the unique challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The OKC Dodgers MVP Program will resume in September for the 2021-22 school year, which will be the program’s sixth year. For additional information about the OKC Dodgers MVP Program, or to register as a participating teacher, visit okcdodgers.com/mvp or email [email protected].

The Dodgers opened a 12-game homestand earlier this week with a six-game series against the Reno Aces. Highlights for the Dodgers’ remaining July home schedule during the 12-game span include:

• Sunday, July 18 vs. Reno Aces and Sunday, July 25 vs. Sugar Land Skeeters: Kids can run the bases following each Sunday home game throughout the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ season.

• Tuesday, July 20 vs. Reno Aces and Tuesday, July 27 vs. Sugar Land Skeeters: Throughout the season, $2 Tuesdays feature $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. First pitch for both games is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

• Friday, July 23 vs. Sugar Land Skeeters: Loop Rawlins will perform his one-man Wild West show, presented by Heartland Flyer. The trick roper, whip cracker and gun spinner will perform a variety of jaw-dropping feats throughout the night. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the 7:05 p.m. game.

• Saturday, July 24 vs. Sugar Land Skeeters: Enjoy the OKC Dodgers’ 6:05 p.m. game before taking in a postgame concert by Crowder presented by Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association on Faith and Family Night. Groups of 10 or more will receive a special rate and an OKC Dodgers hat in addition to the postgame concert. Also during the game, the INTEGRIS Home Run For Life series continues, featuring July’s honoree.

OKC Dodgers single-game tickets are available by visiting okcdodgers.com/tickets.

Tickets for the OKC Dodgers’ 2021 season are digital and will be scanned at a touchless scanner upon entry. Additionally, the new clear bag policy will continue to be enforced at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and face masks are encouraged­. A full list of ballpark health and safety regulations can be found at okcdodgers.com/safety.

For more information, please call (405) 218-2182 or visit okcdodgers.com.

OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Participating in MiLB CommUNITY First Campaign

 

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.