Drillers to host Rockies in 2011.

TULSA, OK–The Tulsa Drillers announced recently that the Colorado Rockies, their Major League parent club, will play an exhibition game on March 30, 2011 at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa.

It will be the second-ever appearance for the Rockies in Tulsa, but their first at ONEOK Field. Colorado faced the Drillers prior to the start of the ’03 season to mark the beginning of the affiliation between the two teams.

The exhibition will feature the full Rockies squad, including National League MVP candidate Carlos Gonzalez, Todd Helton and several former Drillers stars such as Troy Tulowitzki, Ian Stewart, Seth Smith, Dexter Fowler, Ryan Spilborghs, Ubaldo Jimenez and Jeff Francis. It will mark the final spring training game for the Rockies prior to their 2011 regular season opener at Coors Field on Friday, April 1 against Arizona.

"We are thrilled to be able to host the Rockies at ONEOK Field," said Drillers General Manager Mike Melega. "Colorado is one of the most exciting and entertaining teams in Major League Baseball, and we are proud of the fact that so many former Drillers are on the team’s roster. This game presents a convenient opportunity for fans to watch major league stars in action."

The contest will mark the tenth time that the Drillers have hosted their major league parent club in an exhibition. Tulsa met the Texas Rangers eight times during its affiliation with the American League club prior to the Rockies’ visit in 2003.

2011 Drillers’ season ticket holders will have the first option to purchase tickets for the game. Tickets will also be included with any Fireworks Plan that is purchased, as long as they are available.

Individual tickets will go on sale to the general public before the end of the year.

Drillers GM awarded Texas League Executive Of The Year.

Tulsa Drillers President Chuck Lamson has been named the recipient of the 2010 Bill Valentine Texas League Executive of the Year. The announcement was made by Texas League President Tom Kayser.

The TL Award is presented annually, with the winner determined by voting from club directors throughout the eight-team league. It is the third time that Lamson has received the honor. He also won the award in 1996 and 1998. The award is named Arkansas’ long-time executive Bill Valentine.

"I am honored to be recognized by my peers in the Texas League, where there are so many good operators," said Lamson. "An award like this is definitely not just about the individual. I would like to thank the Drillers front office staff and game day associates, the Colorado Rockies, Manhattan Construction, the Tulsa Stadium Trust and the wonderful fans of Tulsa Drillers Baseball. All of these folks contributed greatly to our success in 2010. I am also honored to receive an award named for Bill Valentine, whom I consider to be one of my mentors."