We have another affiliation shift for 2015-2016: The Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) and the Los Angeles Dodgers signed a two-year player development contract, through the 2016 season. Not unexpected, and it’s a situation that should work well for the Dodgers, whose top two farm teams are now located within 150 miles of each […]
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Affiliation news: Tulsa to announce Dodgers PDC today
Another big move in the 2015-2016 affiliation world comes today when the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) will announce a new Los Angeles Dodgers player development contract (PDC) at an afternoon press conference. It’s one of three press conferences set to announce new PDCs today. Also scheduled: an Oklahoma City RedHawks (Class AAA; Pacific […]
Drillers affiliation in play?
We may have another affiliation in play, with Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) GM Mike Melega saying the team won’t address its MLB affiliate until after the season — which may mean a change from current parent Colorado Rockies. The two have a history of announcing player-development contracts before the end of the season […]
Tulsa Drillers, Hoppel score Texas League awards
The Tulsa Drillers were named the Class AA Texas League Organization of the Year for 2013, while Midland RockHounds GM Monty Hoppel was named executive of the year. “To be awarded the 2013 Texas League Organization of the Year is a tremendous honor for the entire Tulsa Drillers organization,” said general manager Mike Melega. “It […]
Big 12 baseball tourney shifting to Tulsa in 2015
Big hit for Oklahoma City: The Big 12 is moving its annual baseball tournament from Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to Tulsa’s ONEOK Field for 2015. The tournament will return to Oklahoma City for 2016; the 2017 and 2018 tourneys are up for bid. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, home of the Oklahoma City RedHawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast […]
Player development vs. winning on display in Springfield
The seemingly eternal debate over player development vs. winning was on display last night in Springfield, when a doubleheader determining a first-half title was scrapped after a manager pulled the plug on the game. The Springfield Cardinals (33-35) and Tulsa Drillers (34-34) came into Sunday’s game with the Drillers up one but the Cardinals set […]
Success rolls on in Tulsa
As the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) open their fourth season at ONEOK Field, things have never been better for the Hubbards, as the team may once again set an attendance record. Attendance records are made to be broken, and it’s no coincidence that the three previous best seasons for the Drillers have been […]
Attempt to refinance Tulsa ballpark debt thwarted by foes
An attempt to refinances ONEOK Field debt has been blocked by opponents of the downtown assessment district paying down debt on the home of the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League). It is a unique situation, one that requires a little backstory. When it came time to pay for ONEOK Field, city officials set up […]
In memoriam: Went Hubbard
Went Hubbard, the former and current owner of the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League), passed away yesterday after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83. Hubbard bought the Drillers in December 1986 from the Texas Rangers. Under his ownership attendance increased from 162,000 in 1986 to a then franchise record 351,929 in 1999. […]
PSC introduces branded food stands for minor-league clients
Professional Sports Catering (PSC) has introduced eight new proprietary branded food stands in minor-league ballparks across the United States. “PSC and our partners have taken a huge step with the introduction of these branded concepts,” said Tom Dickson, CEO of PSC. “We believe these brands are fundamentally a better way to buy food in a […]
Drillers cool down ONEOK Field with ballpark improvements
The Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) are hoping to move past a ONEOK Field sophomore slump with some new ballpark features, including a splash pad, and some clever promotions. The clever promotions begin Sunday (no offense to Myron Noodleman, who was there last night at the season opener) with a grow your own bat […]
Tulsa Drillers land 2012 Texas League All-Star Game
The Tulsa Drillers will host the 2012 Texas League All-Star Game at ONEOK Field, the team announced today. “We are excited to have the opportunity to host the Texas League’s marquee event next summer,” said General Manager Mike Melega. “We think downtown Tulsa and ONEOK Field will provide the perfect settings for this great game.” […]
Judge dismisses suit challenging ONEOK Field funding
Well, that didn’t take long: Tulsa County Associate Judge Dana Kuehn ended a lawsuit challenging assessments against downtown businesses used to pay for ONEOK Field, the home of the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League). True, it was a pretty low threshold to victory: all the city (the defendent in the case, not the Drillers) […]