Tulsa Drillers
The Tulsa Drillers are in the midst of a season-long celebration to honor the 100th Anniversary of professional baseball in the city of Tulsa.
“The tradition of professional baseball is ingrained into the fabric of America,” says Drillers Executive Vice President Chuck Lamson. He adds, “Nowhere is that history more special than right here in Tulsa. We feel privileged to be able to recognize the people, places and events that not only shaped professional baseball in Tulsa over the last 100 years but also helped shape Tulsa itself.”
Professional baseball in Tulsa first began prior to statehood for Oklahoma with the first team taking the field in 1905. Tulsa has fielded a team every year since except for 1909, 1913 and 1918 and for a few years during the Depression and World War II.
Throughout the 100 years, Tulsa’s baseball teams have been linked with the city’s long oil history. The first teams were aptly nicknamed the Oilers, but a new owner christened the 1914 team the Producers. The Oilers name returned with the 1919 squad, and the nickname remained in place until the Drillers replaced the Oilers prior to the 1977 season.
The Drillers have held a number of activities throughout the year to honor the 100 years of baseball in Tulsa. Baseball historian Wayne McCombs has released a special calendar to commemorate the 100th Anniversary Season. The calendar highlights many of the great events of the first 100 years and includes a number of unique photographs. The calendars are currently available for sale at Drillers Stadium.
Updated 07-25-2005
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