2013 Triple-A All-Star Game is Coming to Reno

The annual Triple-A All-Star Game–Minor League Baseball’s signature event–will make its way to Reno, Nev. in 2013. At a press conference held this morning, Aces Managing Partner Stuart Katzoff, Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey, International League President Randy Mobley, Reno Mayor Bob Cashell and RSCVA President & CEO Chris Baum spoke to the media about the importance of such a special event coming to our own backyard in 2013.

All photographs are courtesy David Calvert of Calvert Photography.

Rickey, Cashell, Katzoff, Baum, Mobley

Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rickey and Mobley Reveal Triple-A All-Star Logo

Aces Managing Partner Stuart Katzoff

Catching Up with Evan Frey

In the latest edition of “Catching Up With…” we talked to outfielder Evan Frey, who earned a May promotion to Reno last season and became the everyday lead-off hitter in a potent Aces lineup.

Frey made the most of his first taste at the Triple-A level, batting .275 with 25 extra-base hits, 66 runs scored and a .369 on-base percentage.

We asked Frey about roaming the Aces Ballpark outfield, playing winter ball in the Mexican League and learning the art of bunting from one of the game’s greatest bunters–Aces Manager Brett Butler.

Not Just Baseball…Aceball: You struggled in Double-A early in the season, but it seemed like you found your stroke after your promotion. What changed for you?

Evan Frey: To tell you the truth, I felt really good at the plate in Mobile, but the numbers didn’t really reflect that. When I got the chance to come to Reno I looked at it as a fresh start in a new setting, and I think it just made me relax a little bit and start fresh.

NJBA: What is it like playing in a big center field like the one at Aces Ballpark? How does it differ from playing left field here?

EF: I actually like it because there is a lot of room to roam around, and it makes things interesting. It is a challenge every day to know where you need to play certain hitters, but if you aren’t protecting the right-center gap it could be trouble! As far as left field goes, I really like it in Reno for the fact that the huge wall behind me makes things interesting. It increases the opportunity to make some great plays out there.

NJBA: We saw you getting to the park early seemingly every day to work on bunting with manager Brett Butler. How did that extra work improve your game?

EF: Bugsy is a great asset for me for the fact that we are very similar players. I went into a funk there for a little while with bunting and after we got out there and started working on some things I became very comfortable. It is at the point now where I look to bunt every time I step to the plate, looking to get on that way to have the big guys behind me drive me in and get some quick runs.

 

 

 

 

NJBA: You spent about a month in the Mexican League this winter. Tell us a little bit about that experience, and how it compares with playing in the States?

EF: The Mexican League was quite the experience. The fans are very passionate about their teams there and they expect production. That was my first time playing winter ball, and I really enjoyed playing along side those guys in their homeland.  I have a new understanding for how the foreign players feel playing in the United States during our season. I would love to get the chance to play somewhere like that again.

 NJBA:You grew up and went to school in the midwest. How does Reno compare to where you grew up as well as other places you’ve played?

EF: I really enjoy Reno. The weather is amazing, and the ballpark is the best place to play in the minor leagues. From the fan support to the way that the players are treated on a day-to-day basis is unreal. It is truly a first-class set up, and I’m fortunate to be able to be a part of it.

NJBA: There’s a lot of outfield depth in the Arizona system. What are you doing this offseason to help you stand out in spring training?

EF: There is and that is a good situation to be in.  It makes you stay focused all the time knowing that there is plenty of players to do the same job, and you don’t want to be the odd man out. I have been working out and staying in shape to put myself in the best possible shape to have a good spring training and another successful season.

NJBA: Are you doing any exciting non-baseball things this offseason?

EF: After getting home from Mexico, I really have just been sticking around home and spending time with my family and friends.  Being away so long throughout the year it is good to see them as much as possible. I have done a little bit of traveling around to help with baseball camps at a few places. But really nothing all that exciting.

NJBA: How did you enjoy the experience of participating in the PCL playoffs?

EF: The playoffs were awesome! I had a lot of fun with that. I wish that things could have turned out a little bit different obviously, but thats just the way that the game works.  I hope we are in that situation again next year and have the chance to change the outcome.

Catching Up with David Winfree

In the latest edition of “Catching Up With…” we caught up with outfielder David Winfree, who put up big numbers in limited action for the Aces last season. Winfree was a key cog in Reno’s potent lineup before injuries sidelined him for much of the season.

Winfree finished 2011–his first in the Diamondbacks organization–with a .321 batting average, nine home runs and 37 RBIs in just 39 games. In October, the D-backs added the Virginia Beach native to the 40-man roster.

We talked to Winfree about his first season in Reno, Duke basketball and reaching the big leagues.

 

Not Just Baseball…Aceball: You were having a great 2011 season before injuries really set you back. How tough was that for you to deal with, both physically and mentally?

David Winfree: It was definitely a long year. I think I was more mentally tired after the 2011 season more than any other season. There was just a lot of sitting around watching games and being frustrated that I wasn’t out there. Nobody likes not playing, and when you’re hurt, you feel like you’re not very important to the team. Physically I felt great after my injuries were healed. I didn’t play a whole lot of games so my body felt pretty fresh. To me, my injuries and rehab were minor compared to what so many players face. I just tried to use the time to study the game and watch how other guys handle themselves in situations and go about their business.

 

NJBA: Do you approach your offseason differently after having an injury-plagued 2011?

DW: To a certain extent I think it has. I haven’t made any major changes to my workout routines or anything. I am just really eager for next year so I think that makes me get after things a little more. The injuries that happened to me were out of my hands; it wasn’t like I could stretch better or take care of my body better for them to be avoided. I’m just really looking looking forward to staying healthy this year, and seeing what this year has to bring.

 

NJBA: What did you think of Reno in your limited time here?

DW: I loved Reno. I liked it when I was with Tacoma in 2010 and we came there to play. From the city, to the field, the staff, it is all first class. It is a great atmosphere to play in no matter if its a week day and a weekend. The park is one of the best you will find in the minor leagues. Probably the best field crew also–the field is by far the best playing surface in the PCL. When it comes to how you are treated as a player, there isn’t a better place. Like I said, everything is first class in Reno.

Winfree registered 15 extra-base hits in just 39 games for Reno in 2011.

NJBA: The D-backs are your fourth organization, and third in the last two seasons. How do the D-backs compare to other organizations you’ve played for?

DW: I have enjoyed and am thankful for my time with all of the teams that I have played for, because they gave me an opportunity just as the D-backs did. The D-backs organization is second to none. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the D-backs and was very excited when I learned that I was going to be back with them this year. From the time that I spent in big league camp, to minor league camp, to my time in Reno. The attitude and goals were all the same. They expect to win and they expect you to play the game the right way. It may sound cliche but they didn’t leave anything on the field this year. Watching the games, I don’t think there was a team that played harder and for whole nine innings night in and night out like the D-backs did. With me being injured the whole year, I was rehabbing a lot and the staff down there was awesome. They wanted to get you back on the field and worked hard every day to do that. I couldn’t ask for a better organization to be with. I’m really looking forward to the 2012 season.

 

NJBA: You’re only 26, and were so close to breaking through in the big leagues this season before getting hurt. Is 2012 the year you get your shot at the next level?

DW: Obviously, I am hoping it is. All I can do is prepare myself the best that I can mentally and physically and go out and play hard, and the rest will take care of itself. I can only worry about the stuff that I can control. You get yourself in trouble when you start to worry about the all the moves and stuff that happen throughout the season.  I’m not going to look at this year any differently. I am going to prepare myself and play like I always have, and the rest is out of my hands. If that time comes, I know I will be at a loss for words, but would be very excited to do whatever they need me to up there.

 

NJBA: What kind of non-baseball activities are you involved with this offseason?

DW: In the off-season I work for my dad for a couple of months. He is in the solid surface business, granite and corian countertops. My brother law and I normally go to a couple mud bogs, which our wives aren’t too thrilled about attending. A lot of college basketball is watched in my house. I am a huge Duke Basketball fan. My wife and I try to go down to a couple games a year. I am very close with my family so mainly the offseason for me consists of a lot of family time. No matter what we are doing, if we are all together it’s going to be fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pitchers and Catchers Set to Report Feb. 20

The Arizona Diamondbacks, Major League parent club of the Triple-A Reno Aces, announced today that pitchers and catchers will report to Spring Training on Monday, Feb. 20, with the first work out set for Tuesday, Feb. 21. Position players report on Saturday, Feb. 25, with full squad workouts to commence the following day.

The D-backs have invited 20 non-roster players to Major League camp, including former Aces RHP Mike DeMark, C Ed Easley, INF Cody Ransom and INF Rusty Ryal.

Including 40-man roster players and non-roster invitees, 16 players in 2012 D-backs Major League camp have appeared for the Aces over the club’s first three seasons (excluding Major League rehabilitation assignees).

 

Pitchers (9): Charles Brewer, Patrick Corbin, Mike DeMark, Chris Jakubauskas, Jason Lane, Jensen Lewis, Evan Marshall, Kevin Munson, Tyler Skaggs

 

Catchers (3): Ryan Budde, Ed Easley, Rossmel Perez

 

Infielders (5): Matt Davidson, Chris Owings, Cody Ransom, Rusty Ryal, Ryan Wheeler

 

Outfielders (3): Adam Eaton, Marc Krauss, A.J. Pollock

 

 

Former Aces on the 40-man Roster (excluding Major League Rehabilitation Assignments):

RHP Josh Collmenter

RHP Sam Demel

RHP Barry Enright

LHP Zach Kroenke

LHP Wade Miley

RHP Bryan Shaw

C Konrad Schmidt

INF Ryan Roberts

OF Cole Gillespie

OF Gerardo Parra

OF David Winfree

OF Chris Young

Catching up with Josh Collmenter

In our latest “Catching Up With…” post, we found 2010-11 Reno Ace and current D-backs RHP Josh Collmenter.

The Homer, Mich. native with the now-famous over-the-top delivery began the 2011 campaign in Reno, but was promoted to the D-backs after just one Triple-A start. He proceeded to win 10 games for Arizona and finished fifth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.

Here’s what Josh had to say about his terrific rookie season, his time in Reno, and what it’s like to come from a small northern city and “make it” in the bigs.

Not Just Baseball…Aceball: You started the year in Reno, making one start, before getting called up. What was your mentality coming into this season at the Triple-A level?

Josh Collmenter: My focus was on putting together a great season in Triple-A and trying to prove that I deserved a call-up in September. I wanted to improve on how I had performed there last season and to help the team get to the playoffs. I knew we would have the potential to be a great team based on the players on the roster.

NJBA: You continue to silence your critics, who say that you’re only successful because of your unique delivery. What do you have to say to them after proving them wrong for the second-straight season?

JC: That has never been my main goal. In the back of my mind, it is nice to be able to prove people wrong who may not believe in what you do or say you won’t have success. I’ve just always wanted to take advantage of all the opportunities I’ve been given and continue to help our teams win and try to move up each year. I’ve always believed in what I could do on the field and wanted the chance to prove it to myself at the major league level and to everyone else.

Josh Collmenter won 10 games for the D-backs after spending parts of 2010 and 2011 with Reno.

NJBA: You finished 5th in the NL Rookie of the Year vote. Although you didn’t win, how did that recognition make you feel?

JC: Just to be included in that group of talented athletes was a tremendous honor. To not only make an impact for our team, but also to be recognized by the writers and voters of that award makes you feel good about what you were able to do. Ultimately, if you do what you can to help the team win, and give your best each time, individual accolades will follow.

NJBA: How did growing up and playing college ball in Michigan affect your chances to make the bigs? Do you think it was tougher for you than players who grew up in warm-weather cities?

JC: Growing up in a small town does make it harder to get your name out in the right baseball circles for recruiting purposes. However, playing travel baseball and being on successful teams helped me to get recognized by coaches at the collegiate level.  From there, if you have talent, scouts will find it. There are stories of people from all different levels of collegiate athletics or high school that make it. Those who have the opportunity to play year round do have an advantage, but it’s not nearly as skewed as it used to be. There is good baseball played all over the midwest and Michigan and the Mid-American Conference are no exception.

NJBA: Speaking of Michigan, tell us a little about your experience at Comerica Park this past season, when it seemed like half of Michigan came out to support you.

JC: When I was called up, the only thing that seemed to be on everyone from my hometown’s mind was that we were eventually going to be playing in Detroit. As the date approached and it became clear that I was going to start one of the games, I think the entire town [of Homer, Mich.] bought tickets. With it falling on a Saturday, it allowed more people to come. Just taking the field and walking to the bullpen and seeing and hearing people cheering from all corners of the stadium gave me goosebumps. Then seeing everyone lined up above the bullpen while I warmed up was special because it was just like they did in high school. The support from my hometown and surrounding areas and from my friends and family especially, has been and always will be exceptional. I’m never lacking encouragement or support and even when I’m down or haven’t played well, they’re always behind me. That night will always be one of my favorite experiences on a baseball diamond.

NJBA: How have your personal expectations changed after experiencing so much success last season?

JC: My goal is to always improve from season to season and never settle or be satisfied with successes in the past. Unless you continue to have success, there are always people behind you who are working just as hard for your spot. I want to make sure that I earn every opportunity that I’m given and that I take advantage of it. My goal going in to this season is to improve on what I did last year and do all that I can to help our team win and get back to the playoffs.

NJBA: How about the team? What are the D-backs’ expectations for 2012 after winning the NL West in 2011?

JC: Our expectations, both as a team and an organization, are to win a World Series title. Everything we work on in spring training and the mentality we have, is geared towards that goal. Having a taste of the playoffs last year, will just increase the hunger and passion to get back there again. That’s what the people on the field everyday will be focusing on, one game at a time.

NJBA: What kinds of non-baseball activities have you been involved with this offseason?

JC: Growing up in Michigan, I grew up as a hunter and fisher. I’ve been doing some deer hunting and when it gets colder, some ice fishing. I’ve also spent time with my family and friends that are still back in the Homer area and with my girlfriend as well. I’ve visited some friends from high school, catching up with them and people from the community. Of course, there have been numerous questions about what this season was like and stories of those experiences. I also had the chance to be in a Christmas Parade and talk to middle school students about my life and spread a message about the importance of school and education. In addition, I’m a huge Michigan Wolverine fan, so I made sure I made it to Ann Arbor for a few games.

Catching up with Cole Gillespie

For our second edition of our “Catching Up With” series, we tracked down Aces and D-backs outfielder Cole Gillespie.

Gillespie came to the D-backs organization in a 2009 trade with Milwaukee, and has split time between Reno and Arizona since then. In parts of three seasons with the Aces, he hit a combined .297 with 25 home runs and 155 RBIs. He also set a D-backs Triple-A record with 16 triples in 2011.

In 50 games with the D-backs in the 2010 and 2011 seasons, Gillespie hit a respectable .236 with three homers and 16 RBIs. He capped his 2011 big-league stint with a ninth-inning grand slam against the Dodgers on Sept. 28 at Chase Field.

We caught up with Cole and asked him about the fans in Reno, his time in the Mexican winter league, and his plans for this offseason.

Not Just Baseball…Aceball: You’ve spent parts of three seasons here. How do the fans in Reno compare with other minor league towns?

Cole Gillespie: The fans in Reno are great. You can see their enthusiasm and excitement throughout the games. We’re lucky to have their support  and I would put them right up there with the top fans around the league.

Gillespie drove in 155 runs over parts of three seasons with the Aces (2009-11).

NJBA: Who’s the nastiest big league pitcher you’ve faced? How about the nastiest single pitch?

CG:I would put Clayton Kershaw right up there at the top. His curveball is nasty.

NJBA: You hit a grand slam in your final at-bat with the D-backs this year. How did that feel?

CG: Unreal. I wish it would have given us the lead or helped clinch homefield in the playoffs, but it was still very special and something I’ll remember forever. Hopefully there’ll be more to come.

NJBA: What was your reaction to being named to the Rawlings Gold Glove team for all of the minor leagues? Is your defense something you work on throughout the season?

CG: I was shocked at first. I didn’t even know Rawlings offered that award at the minor league level. But to be one of three outfielders in all the minors chosen for this award is quite an honor.

NJBA: Tell the fans a little about what it was like to play in Mexico this winter.

CG: My experience in Mexico was a lot of fun. Every game felt like a playoff type atmoshpere. I remember walking up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth with the winning run at third and the whole stadium chanting,”USA, USA.” I didnt want to let them down so I battled 0-2 to hit the always-exciting walk-off sac-fly.

NJBA: What else do you have planned for the offseason (baseball or non-baseball)?

CG: Since returning home from Mexico I took some time off around Thanksgiving to hang out with family and friends. I’m still trying to find my golf swing that I had so polished at a younger age. (2nd place trophy in a tournament when I was about 12). Other then that I’ve been training at Gonzalez Sports Acadamy in Chula Vista with a bunch of guys.

NJBA: You and Brandon Allen were both traded to the D-backs around the same time in 2009, and spent a lot of time together in Reno. Do you still keep in touch with BA?

CG: Yeah, we still stay in touch. Sometimes it’s tough to avoid him when I always see him online playing Call of Duty. Step your game up BA!

NJBA: What is your favorite PCL city to travel to and why?

CG: Nashville. Although I haven’t actually traveled there as a Reno Ace, I played there in ’09 before being traded to the D-backs and always thought Nashville was a fun city. The ballpark itself isn’t the greatest but the city makes up for it. From what I hear of course…

Catching up with Barry Enright

Throughout the winter, we’ll do our best to keep you updated on some of our favorite former players, starting with 2011 right-handed pitcher Barry Enright.

Barry split time between Reno and Arizona in 2011, finishing with a 9-5 record and a very respectable (for Aces Ballpark) 5.21 ERA. Of the six Aces pitchers with at least 10 starts in 2011, Enright was tops in ERA and strikeouts (86).

Perhaps as importantly, Enright delighted fans with his positive demeanor and approachability. He’s also active on Twitter; you can follow him on Twitter here.

Without further ado, here’s the first installment of our offseason “Catching Up With” series.

Not Just Baseball…Aceball: How did Reno compare to other minor league cities you’ve played in?

Barry Enright: Reno was an amazing place to play. Tough as a pitcher sometimes, but the all-around experience with the fans, the beautiful ballpark, and the way we are treated it is at the top of the list for places I’ve ever played.

NJBA: What was your favorite memory of your time here?

BE: My favorite memory was probably seeing how hard our team played towards the end of the year and our experience in playoffs. The fans and Aces personnel embraced us each and everyday and I really had fun with that.

Barry Enright went 9-5 with 86 strikeouts for Reno in 2011, spitting time between Triple-A and the Major Leagues.

NJBA: While clearly different than the MLB playoffs, how did you enjoy pitching at Aces Ballpark in Game 2 of the PCL playoffs?

BE: Pitching in the playoffs at anytime anywhere is a adrenaline rush and amazing experience. Walking off the mound to a standing ovation from the Reno fans in game 2 was a time I’ll never forget.

NJBA: Do you have a different approach pitching in high altitude cities opposed to those parks that are at sea level?

BE: This biggest challenge pitching in a high altitude ballpark like Reno is not changing who you are. Going through a year in Reno with the pitching difficulties is just as much a mental challenge as it is physical. It makes you a stronger person and player. I know my time in Reno will help me in my journey in baseball. People don’t realize the challenge it is until they go through it themselves, but like I’ve always told people if you can pitch in Reno and have success you can pitch and have success in the big leagues. Sometimes the tough days just gotta pick yourself up and dust those shoulders off!

NJBA: Tell us a little bit about your time in the Venezuelan Winter League.

BE: It sure was an experience during my time in Venezuela. Scary at times because it is dangerous but I was well taken care of. My team La Guaira was a blast. Our fans were the best and embraced me every time out on the mound. It’s different because there are drums playing, whistles and horns being blown. It is such a different culture down there. They love baseball very much and are die hard fans! I have been very blessed that baseball has allowed me to travel all over the world to play.

NJBA: Do you have any big non-baseball plans for this offseason?

BE: I always like to travel. I usually like to take at least one trip during the offseason after a long year. This year I guess we could count Venezuela haha. Also just got my backyard all done its time to start inviting people over to enjoy it with me! Other than that there are a few things on the agenda but can’t spoil those! People will see soon!

NJBA: How about baseball. Can you tell us a little bit about how you get in shape for spring training after a long season and then a winter ball season as well?

BE: Last year was a tough year for me. First year where there were a lot of highs and lows. It was a roller coaster ride at times but makes me work that much harder this offseason. Nothing comes easy and during the off season I train hard mentally and physically to put myself in the best position going into next season. This year I’m excited about because it’s going to be a big challenge for me, and I’ve never backed down from a challenge! Love to Compete. Big year in 2012!

NJBA: Are you rolling out any new Twitter contests for next season?

BE: As we all know I sure do love twitter. It’s been fun because all my followers are always so responsive and are very supportive. I like to share with people who I am as a person not always as a baseball player, which helps me to connect with people and share my interests. As for twitter contests, I plan on doing one once I reach 10,000 followers. I’m getting really close, so hopefully soon. Gonna give away some cool stuff! Hopefully get some people out to Salt River (the D-backs spring training complex) for some games and a full D-backs experience. We will have to wait and see!

We love Reno, part five…

This week, the blog has taken a look back at the Reno Aces’ community involvement during the 2011 season. The Aces have been active throughout Northern Nevada communities since coming to the Biggest Little City in 2009, and remain committed to giving back to the community that we call home.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t take the chance to give back to the community that we’re perhaps the closest to: the local baseball community.

This season, we partnered with three different groups of baseball and softball players to help showcase their talents, teach young players what it’s like to be a professional, and raise funds for their organizations. Here’s what we did:

• High School Baseball: Eight local high schools played regular season games at Aces Ballpark. Each school purchased 500 ticket vouchers that were good for games throughout the Aces regular season and sold them to local community supporters.  Admission to the high school games was free for all spectators, and the video board and sound system were used during each game to give the high school athletes the experience of playing in a professional park

• April 6, 2011 – South Tahoe vs. Truckee
• April 9, 2011 – Wooster vs. North Valleys
• April 25, 2011 – North Tahoe vs. Virginia City
• May 6, 2011 – McQueen vs. Spanish Springs

Aces GM Rick Parr (right) presents a $15,000 check to University of Nevada Senior Associate Athletic Director Keith Hackett.

• University of Nevada Dugout Club: The Reno Aces and the University of Nevada baseball team played an exhibition game prior to the first game of the 2011 season, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the University of Nevada Dugout Club, which benefits the Wolf Pack baseball program. The game was played in an exhibition format, with Aces pitchers and catchers playing for both squads for the second year in a row. The Aces presented the Dugout Club with a check for $15,000 during the game.

•  Youth Softball and Baseball Days: On three dates during the 2011 season (May 1, May 15, June 5), youth baseball and softball teams from all over Northern Nevada converged on the ballpark for our annual Youth Baseball and Softball Days. All of the attendees were provided with an early entry so they could take advantage of a “chalk talk.” They had the opportunity to listen to players speak about their experiences while they were in the beginning stages of their baseball careers and they had the opportunity to ask questions of the players. The attendees also participated in a pre-game parade around the warning track in which each team was announced. Between all three days, we had more than 4,500 youth baseball and softball players participate in the activities.Well, that’s a wrap for our 2011 community wrap-up. Thanks for your support and participation during the 2011 season, our third year here in the Biggest Little City. We’re going to hit the ground running in 2012, and hope you’ll be right there with us!

  As always, you can send us an email at blog@renoaces.com with your questions, comments and suggestions. We’ll hear from you soon!

   

We love Reno, part four…

This week, the blog will take a look back at the Reno Aces’ community involvement during the 2011 season. The Aces have been active throughout Northern Nevada communities since coming to the Biggest Little City in 2009, and remain committed to giving back to the community that we call home.

Day four of our series takes a look at some of the specialty auctions that the Aces hosted this season. Specialty auctions are a fun way for fans to give to charities they love while taking home one-of-a-kind collectibles from Aces Ballpark. Here’s what we did this season:

• Big League Memorabilia: The Reno Aces looked to their Major League parent club, the Arizona Diamondbacks, to help raise money for the Reno Aces Foundation on the Arizona Diamondbacks Affiliate Night. One autograph baseball bat from National League All-Star Justin Upton and three baseballs autographed by Upton, manager Kirk Gibson and 2010 All-Star and former Reno Ace Chris Young were auctioned off throughout the game.

• Mystery Balls: The Reno Aces presented the third annual Mystery Ball Auction in 2011, with proceeds benefiting the Reno Aces Foundation. The Mystery Ball event featured more than 200 baseballs for sale signed by current and former Reno Aces players, as well as Arizona Diamondback stars. Featured players included Collin Cowgill, Willy Mo Peña, Josh Collmenter  and Sean Burroughs.

• Reno Aces Special Baseball Cap Auction: On August 5, Aces players wore special camouflage baseball caps that we auctioned off online. Proceeds from the auction benefited the Sergeants Major Fund, a charity that provides financial assistance to soldiers in times of personal or family crisis.

Armando Galarraga displays his jersey from Johnny Cash Night at Aces Ballpark.

• Reno Aces Special Jersey Auctions:

• 1) Irish Night - On May 12, Aces players wore special Irish-themed jerseys, which were auctioned during the game and participants received the jersey from the player after the game. All proceeds from the auction benefited the Reno Aces Foundation.
• 2) Johnny Cash Night - During the week of July 14-16, Aces players wore special “Men in Black”-themed jerseys, which were auctioned during the game, and participants received the jersey from the player after the game. Proceeds were split among the Reno Aces Foundation and Cash’s estate. However, Cash’s estate donated its portion of the proceeds back to the Aces Foundation.
• 3) Ks for Cancer Night - On August 31, Aces players wore special purple ribbon-themed jerseys, which were auctioned during the game, and participants received the jersey from the player after the game. All proceeds from the auction benefited the American Cancer Society.

We can’t wait for 2012, and we know you’re excited to see the jerseys, hats and other memorabilia that we’re going to roll out next year. Stay tuned…

We love Reno, part three…

This week, the blog will take a look back at the Reno Aces’ community involvement during the 2011 season. The Aces have been active throughout Northern Nevada communities since coming to the Biggest Little City in 2009, and remain committed to giving back to the community that we call home.

Day three of our series focused on group and theme nights, which not only help raise funds for some great causes and help get some fantastic messages to a greater audience, but are a ton of fun as well.

Here’s what we’re talking about:

• American Red Cross: The American Red Cross came to the ballpark with the goal of teaching people how to do hands-only CPR, a new technique that is now being recommended people performing CPR before emergency crews arrive. ARC instructors provided several demonstrations in front of the ballpark prior to the game, and spectators had the chance to try their hand at this new technique free of charge.  In addition, an American Red Cross truck came to the ballpark, giving patrons the opportunity to see what supplies go to a site that has been impacted by a tragedy.

• Boy Scouts: Numerous Boy Scouts of America troops from the Reno area participated in a one-of-a-kind event at Aces Ballpark for their second annual event. Boy Scouts entered the stadium early to hear from Aces players and received a special 2011 Aces Boy Scout Day patch to put on their uniform. Just before the start of the game, more than 400 Boy Scouts presented the colors on the field as part of the pregame ceremonies.

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center: On June 23, the DHHARC threw out the first pitch and did the National Anthem in sign language while an instrumental version of the song was played in the background. There were 85 people in attendance at the game that had a hearing loss of some form. While they could not hear the game, they enjoyed the game using their other senses. On August 11, camp children came to the ballpark for an in-depth tour of the stadium. They were able to take pictures and ask questions to the Aces staff. Participants were accompanied by a translator, ensuring that all parties could have an enjoyable experience.

• Education Days: For the Reno Aces Education Days, local elementary, junior high and high school students were invited to participate in special events at the ballpark—designed for students to learn how baseball relates to lessons in the classroom curriculum. The students were able to participate in a pre-game assembly, which revolved around the theme of Triple- A: Attendance, Academics and Attitude.  More than 2,700 students from public, private and charter schools attended the event.

• Nevada Colon Cancer Partnership: Dr. Poo and the Buttkickers made their second appearance at Aces Ballpark in an effort to raise awareness of colon cancer. On game day, their performance kicked off the game while they also threw out the ceremonial first pitch and presented a number of colon cancer survivors. In addition, the Nevada Colon Cancer Partnership had a concourse table to educate our fans on colon cancer.

• Reno Aces and Children’s Cabinet Back-to-School Drive: The Children’s Cabinet held their annual Back-to-School Drive drive at the ballpark for the second-consecutive year. With donations from the community, 2.5 trashcans were filled with everything from backpacks to pencils and paper.

A great shot of the Safe Embrace event at Aces Ballpark.

• Safe Embrace: Safe Embrace is a local non-profit that provides shelter for battered women and children. At the game, they held their second annual “Run the Bases with the Aces,” event. Ten men, all Reno-Sparks dignitaries, ran on the warning track in high heels. The winner received a trophy topped with a high heel and earned bragging rights for the next year. In addition, the organization had a concourse table to educate fans on the organization as well as volunteer opportunities.