Oklahoma City Redhawks

The Oklahoma 89ers began play at All Sports Stadium at the state fairgrounds way back in 1962 as a minor-league affiliate of the Houston Colt .45's. In the early 70's, all new players came in as a connection with the Cleveland Indians was established, then with the Philadelphia Phillies that lasted into the 80's.

In 1983, the Texas Rangers became the parent club, a relationship that would continue as the 89ers adopted all new colors and uniforms along with the nickname "Redhawks" in 1997 in the move to the Bricktown Ballpark. The crowds are consistently large at one of the better minor-league ballparks in the nation, and the Oklahoma City Redhawks have been very competitive with exception of a couple of seasons.

Play begins on Thursday, April 9th and ends September 7th in Memphis. The final home game is September 3rd to conclude a 4-game series with New Orleans.
Any postseason games begin immediately following the close of the regular season.

AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in downtown Oklahoma City: Built in 1998, "The Brick" is a beautiful minor-league park constructed in the tradition of the older playing fields. Unique and charming, the park seats just over 13,000 fans and features private suites and restaurant seating.

See pictures of the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark.

Prices range from $7 to $15 for single game tickets while season tickets can be purchased for as little as $425 and up to $890. All-You-Can-Eat seats (which come with unlimited popcorn, nachos, soda, peanuts, hot dogs and cotton candy) are available for $22 or 4 for $80. Call (405) 218-1000 for suite pricing and availability.

The Redhawks had an outstanding 2008, finishing 76-68 in 1st place in the Pacific Coast League. In the playoffs, the Redhawks fell 3 games to 1 in a 5-game series to the Sacramento River Cats.

Manager: Bobby Jones
3rd time as Manager (93-94 & 02-05) Pitching Coach: Terry Clark
Batting Coach: Scott Coolbaugh

Roster as of Opening Day 2009:
Pitchers

41 Michael Ballard
29 Thomas Diamond
54 Neftali Feliz
30 Kason Gabbard
22 Brian Gordon
32 Derek Holland
— Warner Madrigal
49 Doug Mathis
46 Luis Mendoza
37 Elizardo Ramirez
24 Pedro Strop
50 Derrick Turnbow
26 Beau Vaughan

Catchers

3 Emerson Frostad
9 Max Ramirez
— Kevin Richardson

Infielders

13 Joaquin Arias
17 Casey Benjamin
12 German Duran
4 Esteban German
7 Royce Huffman
20 Scott Thorman

Outfielders

5 Brandon Boggs
6 Julio Borbon
2 Greg Golson
43 Ben Harrison

2009 Season Outlook:

The Oklahoma Redhawks become the Oklahoma City Redhawks for 2009, sporting newly designed uniforms featuring a red, navy blue and white color scheme with "OKC" in the logo. But despite the new look, many in Oklahoma City are hoping to see many of the same things they saw in 2008, a very good season for the club that saw them in the postseason again.

As always at the beginning of the season, there is great optimism. The coaching staff is a bit different from 2008, but Bobby Jones returns at the helm. As for the roster, there are plenty of changes for opening day 2009, not surprising in minor-league baseball. One of the strengths this year is expected to be the pitching.

Also not surprising in the minor leagues is that the team's success will depend in many ways on the fortunes of the Rangers. While many consider the Texas lineup fairly solid, it's a team that has had starting pitching problems for years, so don't be surprised if the pitching for Oklahoma is fluid as guys move around.

Nevertheless, taking into account the naturally dynamic nature of a minor-league team, fans visiting "The Brick" in the near future can expect to see a solid team on the field. After all, Baseball America has named the Rangers' farm system the best in baseball. Keep an eye on several top prospects such as outfielder Julio Borbon, quite a basestealer, pitcher Derek Holland, a top 50 prospect, and pitcher Netfali Perez, the top prospect in the Rangers' organization.

Nearby Hotels and Lodging:

• Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel
  One N Broadway Ave.
  Less than 1 mile from AT&T Bricktown Ballpark
  Check Rates
  
  
• Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel
  10 N Broadway Ave.
  Less than 1 mile from AT&T Bricktown Ballpark
  Check Rates
  
  
• Courtyard by Marriott
  2 West Reno Ave.
  Less than 1 mile from AT&T Bricktown Ballpark
  Check Rates