OKC Dodgers Rookie League Announced
Team’s partnership with Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation to reduce participation costs for area youth baseball players
Michael Byrnes stepped up to the podium and scanned the crowd of students, teachers, city employees and parents gathered in front of him inside the gymnasium of Eugene Field Elementary School Wednesday morning in Oklahoma City.
“We see a lot of future Dodgers in the audience today,” said the Oklahoma City Dodgers President/General Manager.
That baseball vision may come to fruition as soon as April for elementary students in Oklahoma’s capital city.
Byrnes took the stage at The Plaza District-area school this week to announce the formation of the OKC Dodgers Rookie League as part of the Triple-A baseball team’s new partnership with the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department.
Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation was forced to cancel its baseball league last year due to low participation numbers.
Byrnes and the OKC Dodgers set out to change that for 2018.
In order to reduce participation costs for players and make the sport more accessible for local youth, the OKC Dodgers will provide Dodgers-branded jerseys and hats for all Rookie League players, as well as select equipment for team practices and games.
“Our goal with developing this relationship with the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department is to become a resource — to enhance the quality of life for Oklahoma City,” Byrnes told the audience.
“We expect that the outcomes of greater engagement in youth baseball in our community will have lasting effects on our families. Coordinated activities for youth and engaged volunteers will lead to further passion, not just in baseball, but also building confidence and social skills in our community members that present itself in their academic life, personal life and social life.”
The OKC Dodgers Rookie League will consist of four baseball divisions to accommodate boys and girls in multiple skill levels and age groups.
A goal of six to eight teams will compete in each division: 4-and-under T-Ball, 6-and-under T-Ball, 8-and-under Coach Pitch and 10-and-under Kid Pitch.
“Our expectations in this partnership are right in line with the OKC Dodgers,” said Douglas Kupper, Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Director. “We want this to happen because we know kids that participate in a sport — whether it’s actively participate or on the sidelines — they learn confidence. And a more confident student is a better participating student.”
Registration is now open for the OKC Dodgers Rookie League and the deadline to sign up is March 19.
OKC Dodgers Rookie League practices will be held once per week starting the week of March 26.
Game play starts April 7 and runs through May 26.
The season schedule consists of eight games played at either Wheeler Park (1120 S. Western Ave.) or Stars and Stripes Park (3701 Lake Hefner Dr.).
Those interested in having their children participate can visit okc.gov/parksignup and use the event code 13205. Registration is also available by calling (405) 297–3882 or at a March 10 registration event at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
The cost is $55 per child and is necessary for operation expenses, such as umpires and field maintenance.
“With this help that we’re getting from the OKC Dodgers and the overall Dodger organization, we can keep the cost of programming low,” Kupper said. “We have the responsibility through this partnership to give outstanding quality baseball diamonds for these kids to play on. We can’t do that for free. We do have to charge a fee to participate in our program, but with this Dodgers partnership that fee can be reduced drastically so that all kids can participate.”
The OKC Dodgers Rookie League is also seeking coaches and volunteers. To volunteer, or for more information, please call (405) 297–1489 or email christopher.lucas@okc.gov.
OKC DODGERS ROOKIE LEAGUE MISSION STATEMENT:
The OKC Dodgers Rookie League is committed to enriching the lives of our youth and fostering a love of the game. The league provides a developmental, fun and safe environment for the enjoyment of the game of baseball. The OKC Dodgers Rookie League intends to help youth to set and work towards common goals, and to build the citizens of tomorrow though character, leadership ability and confidence.
Additionally, the OKC Dodgers Rookie League emphasizes four core values through P.L.A.Y.:
Participation
Leadership
Accessibility
Youth Education
