By Coyt Wisdom and Nina Castillo
Reporters
Baseball is one of America’s favorite pastimes. The sport is known for its famous players such as Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Albert Pujols. Baseball has inspired future players for decades now. And it seems it will continue to do so.
In many ways, baseball can have a massive impact for those who follow the sport. But one of the most important things about baseball, are the memories it can create for people.
For many, they can remember what their first experience was watching their first baseball game. Maybe they saw a player hit a homerun, or watching a player get struck out by the pitcher to win the game. That is one of the examples of what makes baseball special.
Attending a baseball game may create more memories, and perhaps a different experience than watching a baseball team on television. But being able to run the bases at a ballpark can be even more memorable. On April 30, kids 12 and under were able to run the bases at L. Dale Mitchell Park. And memories were made for some.
Alison Swanson, a parent of one of the participants watched her son run the bases.
“It’s been a really fun memory and I think it will be something he will remember for a long time,” Swanson said.
According to OU baseball’s website, L. Dale Mitchell Park opened in 1982 and has been renovated since then.
Last season, OU’s baseball team made the trip to Omaha, Nebraska to play in the NCAA Men’s College Baseball World Series. Some might say last year’s team was special due to their postseason success. And that team helped produce some pro talent as well.
After losing 11 players to the MLB draft, this season the OU baseball team has made it their mission to not let that get in the way. Their motto this season is “COMPLETE CHAOUS” and they certainly have done just that on and off the field. The OU baseball team currently has a 26-21 record and are 14-10 at home.
Rob Patterson, the associate director of fan engagement and fan marketing oversees all baseball related events. This year he and his team partnered with the baseball team to plan events and challenges for the games.
Patterson says the marketing team has focused heavily on the “COMPLETE CHAOUS” motto.
“We have rallied with the team and seeing what their motto is; especially ‘CHAOUS’. We have leaned into that really hard, and we have some ‘CHAOUS’ banners, we made a club ‘CHAOUS’ a lot of club music, our promotions have been around that same attitude,” Patterson said.
OU baseball fan can expect more fun events this season during the last two home games against the UT Arlington Mavericks May 16 and the Oklahoma State Cowboys May 18, 19 and 20.