Drillers Tulsa Day 2 (Hansel)

Since we drove about 120 miles after the first game we spent the night with Craig and Darla near Sulphur. As always Darla fixed us breakfast AND Lunch. It was a leisurely morning since Tulsa was only 2.5 hrs away. Craig and Darla's guest bathroom is a baseball museum! The life-size Cal Ripken is awesome, but I have almost had more than one "accident" thinking there is some one walking in through the bathroom door unexpectedly!

We got to Tulsa ONEOK park after an unplanned, but typical , "tour" of  Tulsa and the old Drillers' ball park! We arrived at the new field about 1.5 hours before game time. We were hoping to "catch" some BP however they didnt open the park until one hour prior so all we saw was the grounds crew spraying the dirt.

So we cruised the concourse, found guest services, and got Nolan on the list for a chance to do one of the on-field promotional events, telling the lady our story of the roadtrip. Then we found the footlong Brat and Dog stand! We found our seats on the 1st base side about 1/2 way out the outfield about 12 rows up. This park is nicely situated with an view of the city sky line past outfield. The concourse had a nice variety of food and the hospitality got better as the evening went on. Craig, Nolan and I settled in to watch some baseball. We were joined by a college friend I had not seen sine 1988, so lots of stories were told!

During the 1st inning two interns came over and asked Nolan if he wanted to participate in the "Jeopardy" game between the 8th and 9th inning. About the 6th inning Nolan and I went looking for a treat and found a grilled pretzel with sugar and cinnamon. We stopped at the guest services to make sure what time we needed to be ready for the Jeopardy. We were a bit early but decided to hang around behind homeplate because there was a nice breeze. While I was standing on the concourse watching the game, Nolan was talking to the lady at guess services. She was asking Nolan about our plans and where we had been. After an inning, I walked back over to check up on Nolan. Nolan had endeared himself to guest services and she had told the on-site management of our trip. The next thing you know they gave Nolan a Drillers Hat, Drillers Landyard, a Promo T shirt, and a Bobblehead seat with Hall of Famers who had played for Tulsa in the past!!

Once again Nolan is broadcasted on the Jumbo screen! We watch the rest of the game which the Drillers win 6 to 5. Darla, who went shopping instead of the game, picked up Craig and headed back to Sulphur. Nolan and I headed to David's house where David and I talked of life, salvation, politics, Inspired Word of God, and being stupid in college. Thanks to Craig and Darla, and David for allowing us to have a place to stay on the road and share old memories and make new!