Dodgers, Round Rock Launch Red Dirt Rumble Rivalry Series

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It’s time for a rumble! The Oklahoma City Dodgers and Round Rock Express are excited to announce the Red Dirt Rumble, a new rivalry series between the Triple-A West foes.

Only 371 miles separate Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark from Dell Diamond, making it the shortest distance between the Dodgers and any of their Triple-A opponents.

Oklahoma City and Round Rock will face off 30 times in 2021, with the winner of the overall season series claiming bragging rights and the inaugural Red Dirt Rumble title.

“It’s no secret Oklahoma and Texas like to be competitive with each other,” said Oklahoma City Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “We’re fired up for the season to begin and prove the team that truly reigns supreme on the baseball diamond resides north of the Red River.”

The Red Dirt Rumble moniker is derived from the notorious soil found in northern Texas and across Oklahoma. It is also a nod to the popular music genre so prevalent in the cultures across both states, perfected by Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and many others. The logo for the rivalry series mimics a belt buckle, in homage to the western lifestyle that so many Oklahomans and Texans lay claim.

The Dodgers and Express share a rich history, having been a member of the same league and division since Round Rock joined the ranks of Triple-A in 2005. Oklahoma City holds a 120-102 edge in the overall series between the two clubs, including an impressive 63-48 record in games played at Dell Diamond. The team has also protected its home turf, going 57-54 against the Express at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“We all know that nothing tops Texas when it comes to state pride, and we can’t wait to prove it on the field during the inaugural Red Dirt Rumble,” Round Rock Express General Manager Tim Jackson said. “Round Rock and Oklahoma City have played each other with fierce intensity for over 15 years, so the time has come to formally recognize our rivalry with that team north of the Red River.”

The two franchises have also shared Major League affiliates throughout history. Oklahoma City served as the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Colt .45s/Astros from the team’s inception in 1962 through 1972 before returning to the Astros organization again from 2011-2014. The club also spent 28 seasons as Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers 1983-2010.

Similarly, Round Rock was the Double-A affiliate of the Astros from its founding in 2000 through 2004 before jumping to Houston’s Triple-A affiliate from 2005-2010 and again from 2019-2020. The Express then spent 10 seasons as the Triple-A affiliate of the Rangers from 2011-2018 before reuniting with the club this season.

The Red Dirt Rumble kicks off on Opening Day at Dell Diamond as the Express and Dodgers begin the 2021 season Thursday, May 6 at 7:05 p.m. as part of a six-game series that runs through Tuesday, May 11. The Dodgers return to Round Rock from June 17-22 and again from July 29-Aug. 3 before the series shifts north to Oklahoma City. The foes meet at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark from Aug. 12-17 before closing out the 2021 regular season against each other from Sept. 16-21.

Since tickets for only May and June home games are currently on sale, tickets for Red Dirt Rumble games at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark will not be available until a later date. Tickets to all May and June Oklahoma City Dodgers home games can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For general information or inquiries, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.