Drillers to Wrap up First Half with 8-Game Homestand
June 16, 2016 - Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
Tulsa Drillers Pitcher Trevor Oaks
(Tulsa Drillers, Credit: Rich Crimi)
The Tulsa Drillers return to ONEOK Field for their sixth homestand of the year as they will wrap up the first half of the season and begin the second half, taking on the Springfield Cardinals and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals beginning Sunday, June 19.
The Drillers will host the Cardinals (Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) June 19-22 and the Naturals (Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals) June 23-26 during the 8-game homestand.
The opening game of the homestand on Father's Day, June 19 will have the first pitch thrown at 1:05 PM with gates opening at 11:30 AM. The next 6 games from Monday, June 20 through Saturday, June 25 will each begin at 7:05 PM with gates opening at 6:00 PM. The final game of the homestand on Sunday, June 26 is scheduled to start at 1:05 PM with gates opening at 11:30 AM.
The first half will come to an end following the game against the Cardinals on Monday, June 20 as the Drillers aim to be crowned as the first half winners of the Texas League North Division.
Promotional highlights of the homestand will include:
Father's Day Giveaway on Sunday, June 19
Bark in the Park Night on Wednesday, June 22
Pudge Jersey Giveaway & Drillers Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, June 23
Back-to-Back Postgame Fireworks Shows on Friday and Saturday, June 24-25 The complete promotional list for the homestand is below.
Individual tickets for all games in the homestand are currently available for purchase online at TulsaDrillers.com, in person at the ONEOK Field Ticket Office (201 N. Elgin Avenue) or over the phone at (918) 744-5901.
NOTES OF INTEREST
PUDGE RODRIGUEZ NIGHT: With the 2016 season marking the 40th anniversary of Drillers baseball in Tulsa, the club is celebrating its history and the great players who have come through Tulsa and worn a Drillers uniform. Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez was one of those players and will be at ONEOK Field on Thursday, June 23.
There will be an on-field ceremony beginning at 7:00 PM to officially induct him into the Drillers Hall of Fame and retire his Drillers number 8! Although Pudge will not be signing autographs, he will be available on the concourse behind home plate to take pictures with fans for approximately 30 minutes following his ceremonial first pitch on the field.
In addition, the first 1,000 fans to come through the Arvest and Oil Derrick Entrances with paid admission when gates open at 6:00 PM will receive a special, throwback Pudge Drillers jersey! The giveaway is sponsored by Hard Rock Casino, FOX 23 and 92.1 The Beat.
TEXAS LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME ROSTER FILLED WITH DRILLERS: The Tulsa Drillers will definitely be well-represented in the 2016 Texas League All-Star Game as a total of 10 Drillers have been tabbed to be on the North Division squad.
After initially having 9 players selected, catcher Paul Hoenecke was added to the roster to replace injured teammate Kyle Farmer who will not be able to participate. In addition to Hoenecke and Farmer, the other Drillers voted in as All-Stars by the league managers, coaches and media members were INF Willie Calhoun, OF Alex Verdugo, INF Drew Maggi, OF Jacob Scavuzzo, RHP Brock Stewart, RHP Trevor Oaks, RHP Chase De Jong and RHP Scott Barlow. The game will take place at Springfield's Hammons Field on Tuesday, June 28.
FIRST HALF TITLE IN SIGHT: After trailing the Springfield Cardinals for the top spot in the Texas League North Division by as many as 6.5 games at the start of May, the Drillers have roared back to put themselves in position to clinch a playoff spot. The title chances are possible after the club has gone 28-11 from May 4 through June 15 with 5 games remaining in the first half.
RECORD AGAINST OPPONENTS: The Drillers have traditionally played the Cardinals pretty evenly at home as Tulsa has a 46-48 record when taking on Springfield at ONEOK Field. Against the Naturals, the Drillers hold a 48-35 mark at home over the last 7 seasons, including taking 4 of 5 in their last series at ONEOK Field June 7-10.
TULSA DRILLERS SCHEDULE/PROMOTIONS (June 19 - June 26)
Sunday, June 19 . . . Springfield Cardinals (1:05 PM) - Gates Open at 11:30 AM
2 WORKS FOR YOU KIDS EAT FREE SOUVENIR SUNDAY / FATHER'S DAY BOTTLE OPENER GIVEAWAY
It's a 2 Works for You Kids Eat Free Souvenir Sunday and it's Father's Day! The first 500 men to enter the stadium through the Arvest and Oil Derrick Entrances will receive a free Drillers-themed and custom-made bottle opener!
As if that's not enough motivation for dads to want to come out, all kids, aged 12 and under, will also get a Kids Eat Free Coupon that is redeemable for a free hot dog, milk and fruit. It is all courtesy of the Green Country Chevy Dealers, 2 Works for You and 98.5 KVOO.
PRO-STATE FOUNDATION
As fans head to their seats, ushers will be distributing mini-bat keychains to all fans in attendance courtesy of the Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation. The former Arizona Diamondbacks GM is committed to spreading awareness of the importance of prostate cancer screening and early detection. His foundation's mission is to deliver up-to-date information in an engaging format that allows for a meaningful conversation about healthy habits, early detection and support for those dealing with cancer across the nation.
FATHER AND CHILD CATCH ON THE FIELD
Before the game, all dads and their kids will have the chance to play catch on the field as a special Father's Day celebration! Dads and kids wishing to participate are encouraged to arrive at the stadium at 11:30 AM through the Arvest Entrance and can enter the field from Section 101 of the seating bowl. The memory-making on the field will take place from 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM.
SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE KIDS RUN THE BASES
After the game, kids can circle the bases of ONEOK Field courtesy of Spaghetti Warehouse! The line begins in the first row between Sections 103 and 104. Before or after the game, head over to Spaghetti Warehouse just down the street as they'll be offering free lasagna or spaghetti for all Dads dining in on Father's Day!
Monday, June 20 . . . Springfield Cardinals (7:05 PM) - Gates Open at 6:00 PM
40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON MONDAYS
Come out and enjoy baseball the way it used to be for the final game of the first half. We slow down on the music, the games and the on-field entertainment to throw it back to the good ole days when it was all about baseball. In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Drillers being in Tulsa, the players on the field will be wearing throwback hats as well. The game is presented by McElroy Manufacturing and AM 1430 The Buzz.
Tuesday, June 21 . . . Springfield Cardinals (7:05 PM) - Gates Open at 6:00 PM
2 WORKS FOR YOU $2 TUESDAYS
Speaking of $2 Tuesday, the latest edition of $2 Tuesdays is brought to you by the City of Tulsa: Focus on the Four program, 2 Works For You and 106.1 The Twister! Fans can purchase General Admission Lawn tickets for only $2 each, while all other tickets are discounted $3 off normal prices.
Fans can also buy Mazzio's pizza slices, boxes of popcorn, cotton candy and 21 oz Pepsi fountain drinks for just $2 each. In addition, the popular Dodger Dogs and ice cream sandwiches are being added to the discounted concession items lineup for 2016. Also, come by the Drillers Team Store and take advantage of $2 off blue, Drillers logo T-shirts.
Finally, from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, it's $2 Shock Top Happy Hour! Shock Top bottles will be on sale for only $2 each at the beer carts located next to Siegi's Sausage Shack behind home plate and next to the BBQ Cart on the third base concourse.
RACEWAY PARK DRAGSTERS
The NHRA Junior Dragster vehicles will be on display in and around the ballpark on Sunday both during and before the game. Fans are welcome to come by and check out the race cars and take pictures with their favorite one.
CHANCE TO WIN EXCLUSIVE SEATS
Swing by one of the City of Tulsa: Focus on the Four tables located around the concourse and sign up for your chance to win 4 tickets to a Drillers Field Level Suite at a future game!
Wednesday, June 22 . . . Springfield Cardinals (7:05 PM) - Gates Open at 6:00 PM
BARK IN THE PARK
Wednesday night's game will be the second Bark in the Park Night of the season where fans are welcomed to bring their canine best friend to the ballpark. Your dog will not need to have a ticket, but will need to enter through the Arvest or Oil Derrick gates along with having documentation of updated vaccinations. The dogs are not allowed in the seating bowl, but are welcomed to settle down with their owners anywhere in the grass berms or in the Budweiser Terrace behind the left field fence. Bark in the Park is presented by City of Tulsa: Save our Streams, The City Vet Hospital and 94.1 The Breeze.
Thursday, June 23. . . Northwest Arkansas Naturals (7:05 PM) - Gates Open at 6:00 PM
PUDGE JERSEY GIVEAWAY
It's time for a special edition of the 2016 Anniversary Season Jersey Series! The first 1,000 fans to come through the Arvest and Oil Derrick Entrances with paid admission will receive a special, throwback Pudge Drillers jersey! The giveaway is sponsored by Hard Rock Casino, FOX 23 and 92.1 The Beat.
PUDGE RODRIGUEZ NIGHT / DRILLERS HOF CEREMONY
With the 2016 season marking the 40th anniversary of Drillers baseball in Tulsa, the club is celebrating its history and the great players who have come through Tulsa and worn a Drillers uniform. Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez was one of those players and will be at ONEOK Field Thursday night.
There will be an on-field ceremony beginning at 7:00 PM to officially induct him into the Drillers Hall of Fame and retire his Drillers number 8! Although Pudge will not be signing autographs, he will be available on the concourse behind home plate to take pictures with fans for approximately 30 minutes following his ceremonial first pitch on the field.
FIRST RESPONDERS NIGHT
On a night where Tulsa honors Pudge, the Drillers will also be honoring first responders who serve the local community. There will be special displays for each city department set up along Elgin Avenue and Archer Street for fans to come by and see.
THIRSTY THURSDAY
It's also another Thirsty Thursday! 12 ounce servings of Miller Lite and Coors Light draught beers and 16 ounce servings of Pepsi products will all be on sale for only $1 each.
Friday, June 24. . . Northwest Arkansas Naturals (7:05 PM) - Gates Open at 6:00 PM
NEWS ON 6 FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS
The weekend will get underway with another beautiful News On 6 Friday Night Fireworks display after the game is over! Need we say more? It is presented by Green Country Chevy Dealers, News On 6 and K95.5 FM.
ALL AMERICAN BLOOD DRIVE
Starting at 4pm, right outside ONEOK Field, you can donate blood at the All American Blood Drive benefitting the Oklahoma Blood Institute. Fans can come by until 9:30pm with each fan who donates receiving two tickets to a fireworks game in July, a Tulsa Zoo pass for 2 and a Zoo-themed T-Shirt. Any person participating in the drive will also be entered into a drawing to win free tickets to the exclusive Drillers Party Platform for a future game.
Saturday, June 25. . . Northwest Arkansas Naturals (7:05 PM) - Gates Open at 6:00 PM
TULSA'S CHANNEL 8 GRAND SLAM SATURDAY / FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA
Fans will be treated to another fantastic fireworks show as the skies over ONEOK Field will be lit up yet again following Saturday's game. The night is brought to you by Imperial Fireworks, Tulsa's Channel 8 and 92.9 BOB FM.
Sunday, June 26. . . Northwest Arkansas Naturals (1:05 PM) - Gates Open at 11:30 AM
2 WORKS FOR YOU KIDS EAT FREE SOUVENIR SUNDAY / TEAM POSTER GIVEAWAY
The homestand will conclude with another 2 News Works for You Kids Eat Free Souvenir Sunday. The first 500 kids aged 12 and under, will receive a team poster of the Drillers to hang in their room. All kids, 12 and under, will also get a Kids Eat Free Coupon that is redeemable for a free hot dog, milk and fruit. It is all courtesy of the Green Country Chevy Dealers, 2 Works for You and KVOO 98.5 FM.
FREE KIDS BASEBALL SKILLS CAMP
Before the game, youth baseball and softball players will be allowed onto the field for one final clinic of the summer with Drillers players. The clinic will run from 11:45AM-12:15PM. Kids wishing to participate are encouraged to arrive at the stadium at 11:30AM and enter through the Arvest Gate.
SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE KIDS RUN THE BASES
After the game, kids can circle the bases of ONEOK Field courtesy of Spaghetti Warehouse! The line begins in the first row between Sections 103 and 104. When the kids get done running around the bases, take them over to Spaghetti Warehouse down the street for a free Kid's meal! All kids who participate in the postgame base running can take their game ticket to be redeemed for a free Kid's menu item meal.
Images from this story
 Tulsa Drillers Pitcher Trevor Oaks (Rich Crimi) |
Texas League Stories from June 16, 2016
- Weaver Dominates Through 8.0 Innings, Leading Cards to 2-1 Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Cardinals Edge Naturals for a 2-1 Victory - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Late Homers from Calhoun, Garlick Carry Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
- Deglan's Walk-Off Hit Volts Riders to Victory in Extras - Frisco RoughRiders
- Riders Game Notes - DH at 5:05 p.m. vs. Corpus Christi Hooks - June 16, 2016 - Frisco RoughRiders
- Drillers to Wrap up First Half with 8-Game Homestand - Tulsa Drillers
- Hernandez Blasts Hooks Past RoughRiders - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Toles Finishes 5-For-6 in Drillers Rout - Arkansas Travelers
- Travs Complete Four-Game Sweep of NWA - Arkansas Travelers
- Naturals Top Cardinals to Open Series in Springdale - Springfield Cardinals
- RockHounds 5, Mother Nature 1 (Thunderstorm), San Antonio 0 - Midland RockHounds
- Offense Erupts in Naturals 12-6 Win over Cardinals - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
