Tulsa Drillers Announce Ownership Change

Went Hubbard has reacquired the Tulsa based Texas League Franchise team.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:06 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa Drillers Announce Ownership Change

Originally Published: Dec 23, 2010 8:32 AM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

TULSA-Oklahoma— The Tulsa Drillers announced an ownership change Thursday morning as Went Hubbard is now the majority owner of the team.

Hubbard who owned the Drillers from 1986 to 2006 has “repurchased 100 percent” interest in the team, by buying former majority owner Chuck Lamson’s shares of the team.

The Drillers say the transaction has been approved by the Texas League, Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball.

Hubbard's two sons, Dale and Jeff Hubbard, will replace Lamson and serve as co-chairmen of the club. Jeff is a former minor league player and coach who played for the Drillers in 1987 and was the team's hitting coach in 1991.

"Jeff and I and our staff will continue to strive to give our fans a great place to come for relaxation and enjoyment. Our father set a good example for us to follow, and we intend to carry on his legacy." Dale Hubbard said in a statement on the team's website.

"I knew this day would eventually come, but it has arrived a little quicker than I imagined," Chuck Lamson said. "It is a bittersweet day for me as I have loved my 30-plus years with the Drillers, but I am excited about the new challenges that await me."

"I hope that my own legacy is that of helping to secure the future of the great game of professional baseball in the city of Tulsa with the opening and success of ONEOK Field," Lamson added. "My family and I love Tulsa, and we will continue to be great fans of the Drillers."

The team's General Manager Mike Melega, as well as the front office staff, will remain intact.

Chairman of the Stadium Trust, Stan Lybarger said, “we are looking forward to working with the Hubbards and Mike Melega, and building upon the outstanding success the Drillers have enjoyed at ONEOK Field."

The Drillers are the AA minor league club of the Colorado Rockies.