YES!!!

Lieutenant governor talking to MLB team

The Oklahoman

With the success of the NBA basketball, could Major League Baseball be in Oklahoma's future?
Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin thinks so. She has been in discussions with officials from the Florida Marlins, who are looking to relocate their team.

Jeff Loria, the owner of the Marlins, is the former owner of the Triple-A Oklahoma City 89ers.
Fallin first wrote to Marlin president David Samson last November and has spoken with Marlins vice chairman Joel Mael.

"It's all very preliminary, but I have received some good feedback from the Marlins," Fallin said.

"The Marlins have asked for some more detailed information and we are working to put that together for them," she said.

"Obviously one strong sales point has been the tremendous success of the NBA Hornets in Oklahoma City this season. We are suddenly on the map for big league sports."

The Marlins are looking for a new stadium deal in Miami and voters may ultimately decide the issue this fall. Until then, the team has been granted permission from Major League Baseball to explore relocation.

"They are looking at several cities, but I think we are in the mix," Fallin said.

"I thought, Why not Oklahoma City? We're filling the Ford Center for the Hornets and we ought to be able to convert that enthusiasm to welcome baseball, too."

The Marlins have already met with officials from San Antonio, Portland, Ore. and Norfolk, Va.
The Marlins' lease agreement to play at Dolphins Stadium expires after the 2010 season.

Oklahoma City is currently home to the Oklahoma RedHawks, the Triple-A team of the Texas Rangers. The team plays at the Bricktown Ballpark, considered one of the best stadiums in the minor leagues. Last year, the stadium hosted a pair of games between the St. Louis Cardinals and Baltimore Orioles.