The Texas Rangers held a special tribute for former manager Johnny Oates Tuesday afternoon before their game. Officials dedicated Oates Field at the new Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex in West Dallas.
Construction of the new Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex is currently ongoing. As part of the project, the Johnny Oates Youth Ballpark, which opened on the site in 1999, is being renovated and reconfigured as a professional-size field with seating for approximately 750.
It will be renamed Oates Field in honor of the late Rangers manager who guided the club to its first three postseason appearances in 1996, 1998, and 1999. The facility is expected to host signature local baseball events once it opens in the spring of 2017.
Former Rangers Catcher Ivan ''Pudge" Rodriguez who played for Oates says the he would be proud.
