More coverage of the World Series begins
Bricktown was painted in Dodger blue, but before that it had an Astros flare.
When the World Series opens Tuesday in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City will have heavy rooting interest for either side. Fans can choose between the Astros, OKC’s major league affiliate from 2011-2014, or the Dodgers, the city’s current affiliate.
It’s the first World Series since 1970 to feature two teams with 100 or more wins. Oklahoma City had a huge hand in producing the teams. A total of 19 players between the two teams played in Oklahoma City. Another played with Double-A Tulsa.
Here is a breakdown of the World Series and the Oklahoma City connection.
Star power
Some of the biggest stars for both teams in the World Series called OKC home.
Cody Bellinger, 1B, Dodgers: OKC barely got to know Bellinger, the heavy favorite to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award. He spent just 18 games in OKC this season. In 2016, he played just three games in Triple-A. He still hit eight home runs and batted .371.
Dallas Keuchel, LHP, Astros: Before he had a Cy Young Award, three Gold Glove Awards and a glorious beard, Keuchel spent the better part of three seasons with the RedHawks. In 2011, the Tulsa Kelley graduate made seven starts with a 7.50 ERA. He was better in 2012 — he had a 3.90 ERA in 16 starts. In 2013, Keuchel made just one start with OKC and 22 for Houston.
Corey Seager, SS, Dodgers: Last season’s N.L. Rookie of the Year missed the NLCS with an injury but is expected back for Game 1. He spent the majority of 2015 with OKC and batted .278 with 13 home runs and 61 RBI. Seager turned heads early in his tenure with a 6-for-6 performance in Salt Lake City.
George Springer, OF, Astros: He quickly became a fan favorite with the RedHawks in 2013 and 2014, when he batted better than .300 and showed off the athleticism that made him an All-Star and powerful leadoff hitter for Houston.
The heroes
Three NLCS heroes for the Dodgers weren’t exactly national household names until last week, but they were in OKC. Meet the three players.
Charlie Culberson, SS, Dodgers: With Seager left off the NLCS roster, Culberson took his spot and started three of the five games. He doubled twice, drove in a run and scored twice. He was previously known for hitting the walk-off homer last season to clinch the NL West Division title. With OKC the past two years, the 28-year-old played in 178 games.
Kikè Hernandez, Util., Dodgers: Hernandez, the life of the Dodgers’ party, played for the RedHawks and Dodgers in OKC. A jack-ofall-trades, he can play just about anywhere on the diamond. And he can hit lefties, which is why he played in Game 5 last week and hit three homers to clinch the series.
Chris Taylor, Util., Dodgers: The 27-year-old spent little time in OKC — 25 games to be exact the past two seasons — but showed some signs of the ability that led to him sharing NLCS MVP honors with Justin Turner. Last season, he batted .368. This season, he struggled in April with a .233 average in 10 games.
A rehab star
Let’s not forget to look back on a key rehab appearance in August.
Dodgers star pitcher Clayton Kershaw, Tuesday’s starter, pitched five dominant innings in front of 13,106 fans Aug. 26, at The Brick. It was the city’s first look at the three-time Cy Young Award winner. It was easily the most memorable night of the Dodgers’ tenure in OKC.
Puig your friend
Dodgers star Yasiel Puig was OKC’s friend in 2016.
The wild Cuban star outfielder was in trouble with the organization, which led to him spending 19 games with OKC. He batted .348 and hit four homers, all while showing off the smile, speed and strength that makes him so dangerous.
There wasn’t bat licking or tongue wagging like now, but it was pure entertainment.
The other guys
Here is a quick look at the remaining players who stopped by the past seven seasons: ASTROS
Marwin Gonzalez, IF: In parts of 2012 and 2013, Gonzalez played 57 games with OKC. Now, he’s a versatile infielder known for ruining Yu Darvish’s perfect-game bid in 2013.
Will Harris, RHP: He didn’t actually pitch in OKC, but he made 31 appearances in 2012 for Tulsa. He had a 2-1 record with a 2.62 ERA.
Collin McHugh, RHP: The 30-year-old made five appearances with the RedHawks in 2014, allowing eight runs in 19 innings.
Brad Peacock, RHP: Now a bullpen piece, Peacock made 15 starts in 2013 and 2014 for the RedHawks, winning seven.
DODGERS
Austin Barnes, C: Once L.A.’s backup catcher, he’s taken over starting duties in his first full season. Spent two seasons in OKC, playing in 166 games, hitting 15 homers and batting better than .300.
Andre Ethier, OF: The veteran outfielder played in two rehab games this season and recorded two hits.
Kyle Farmer, C/IF: A converted shortstop, he opened in Tulsa and finished in L.A. With OKC, he batted .339 in 33 games.
Josh Fields, RHP: Acquired from the Astros last season, Fields has shuttled back and forth from L.A. to OKC. He’s a reliable righty in Dave Roberts’ bullpen.
Brandon Morrow, RHP: The 33-year-old opened in OKC looking to revive his career, but struggled to a 7.20 ERA in 20 appearances. Then he somehow became a lockdown reliever throwing 99 mph.
Joc Pederson, OF: Pederson had a rehab assignment in OKC in June, but was optioned back in August to retool his swing under hitting coach Shawn Wooten.
Ross Stripling, RHP: He nearly threw a no-hitter in his MLB debut last season and then pitched in five Triple-A games. He made one appearance this season with OKC.