OKC Dodgers to honor 25th anniversary of Oklahoma City bombing

The Oklahoma City Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes discusses the new retired number that will be displayed at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Alfred P. Murrah building bombing, the Oklahoma City Dodgers has plans to remember the 168 lives lost, celebrate those who helped on that tragic day and continue to tell the story of resilience that has evolved.

The Dodgers will retire No. 168 and No. 19 this year. The No. 168 will be displayed on the left field wall, next to retired Nos. 1 and 42. The No. 168 will be unveiled on April 18 for the Dodgers' First Responders' Weekend. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Executive Director Kari Watkins said many first responders who helped on April 19, 1995 will be in town for the anniversary events, so it will be a great night to unveil the number.

The No. 19 will be retired in the OKC Dodgers Rookie League, honoring the 19 children who died on April 19. The No. 19 plaque will hang at Wheeler Park where the Rookie League games are played.

Oklahoma City Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said putting 19 at Wheeler Park will likely promote an opportunity to speak to the children playing about what the number means and why it's significant. Similarly, displaying the 168 at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark could evoke questions from guests, allowing the ballpark staff the chance to tell the story of the tragic day and the Oklahoma Standard.
"As someone that's been in the community for 10 years, we feel like there's an important responsibility our team can play in the Memorial's efforts to remember the 168 lives lost," Byrnes said. The team will also wear a commemorative patch this season, displaying the message of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.

The fourth way the team will commemorate the anniversary this year is through the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation, which will complete 25 acts of kindness throughout the 2020 season, highlighting the power of community and recognizing the good works of others. The Dodgers worked with the Memorial's Conscientious Committee on all the initiatives. Watkins said the committee was honored that the Dodgers reached out to commemorate the anniversary.

“By doing this they help us tell this story to a new generation and to teach the senselessness of violence," she said.