Umpires May Fear Quirky ONEOK Layout

The ground rules at the Drillers' new stadium are unique to Tulsa's field.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:38 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Apr 8, 2010 8:0 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

TULSA, Oklahoma – As beautiful and dynamic as ONEOK Field is, umpires at Drillers’ home games this season may find Tulsa’s new baseball sanctuary a bit of a headache. The field is anything but a normal ‘cookie cutter’ shape, meaning tricky new ground rules to deal with.

The right field corner will present some possible ricochet issues, and the bullpens in right centerfield will also leave umpires doing a double take. The fence is knee-height, which means plenty of ground rule doubles or homeruns.

Left field has an oddly shaped angle that could cast shadows on the warning track. That wall could deflect balls up over the fence for a ground rule double, or kick to the right and send outfielders chasing after live baseballs.

Above the outfield fence is another fence.

Drillers’ general manager Mike Melega takes Oklahoma Sports around the park for an in depth look at the new rules you’ll need to know when you head out to the ballpark this summer.