Drillers Name New Broadcaster

Tulsa Drillers fans will have a new radio voice to keep them entertained and updated this season. Oxnard, California native Dennis Higgins has been hired to fill the role held the past 14 seasons by Mark Neely. Neely has departed for the major leagues to become the lead announcer on the TV broadcasts of the San Diego Padres.

Higgins will bring his own major league experience to Tulsa listeners, having previously served as a radio broadcaster with the San Francisco Giants where he partnered with the popular Jon Miller. Miller currently partners with Hall of Famer Joe Morgan on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.

In addition to his major league work, Higgins has 13 years experience of calling action in the minor leagues, including five seasons in the Texas League with the Wichita Wranglers.

Higgins will sound familiar to some listeners in Tulsa, as during the past three seasons, he has occasionally filled in for Neely on the Drillers' broadcasts.

"We are fortunate to have an announcer with the experience of Dennis Higgins to take over our broadcasts," said Drillers Director of Public Relations Brian Carroll. "Listeners used to hearing Mark Neely will appreciate Dennis. Like Mark, he will bring an informed and entertaining broadcast to our great fans."

In addition to his work with San Francisco and Wichita, Higgins has also been the play-by-play broadcaster for the Fresno Grizzlies, Eugene Emeralds and Helena Brewers.

This winter, he has served as the football and basketball radio voice for Butler College in El Dorado, Kansas.

"Since coming to the Texas League in 1995, Tulsa has always caught my eye," said Higgins. "I would not have taken a job with just any team, but Tulsa and the Drillers have always been attractive to me. Mark Neely says great things about the fans, and I look forward to entertaining and getting to know many of them this summer."

The hiring of Higgins comes after a three-month nationwide search that included nearly 200 applicants.

Higgins will make his Drillers debut when Tulsa opens the 2009 season at Corpus Christi on April 9. Drillers' games will once again air on AM 1430 The Buzz this season.

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The Drillers also announced two additions to the team's front office staff. Shane Lokken has joined the staff as Operations Assistant, while Kiko Magana has been hired as a Tickets Sales Assistant.