Tulsa Drillers Make Improvements To ONEOK Field, Prepare For New Rules For 2022 Season

After a long winter away, it's almost time to "play ball" in Tulsa.

"We're ready to go, can't wait," said Mike Melega, President and General Manager of the Tulsa Drillers.

The Tulsa Drillers are making final preparations for the start of their 2022 season. It's a season that may look a little brighter for fans. This offseason, the team installed a new LED lighting system at OneOk Field, complete with a light show capability.

"The field is going to be tremendous,” said Melega. “The lighting on the field for the players is going to be safer. From corner to corner, we had some dark spots. Fans are going to recognize that. There's up-lighting on the poles."

Melega says the team also renovated both home and away locker rooms with new dining spaces and built a locker room for women.

"We've had female coaches, we've had a female trainer here for several years, there are female umpires in the game now,” said Melega. “And we really didn't have a space just for them, so we're excited about that."

 On the field, Melega says fans will also notice some rule changes. Major League Baseball is testing out several new ideas at the minor league level. That includes an enhanced pitch clock and bigger bases, moving from 15 inches to 18 inches.

"Fans aren't going to recognize it aesthetically on the field but it does bring the bases closer together, which we hope will enhance the number of stolen base attempts and the success rate of stolen bases which are some of the most exciting plays in the game," said Melega.

There will also be new restrictions on defensive shifts. Melega hopes all of it will mean more fun for fans.

"We can't wait for April 12th," he said.