That's a heck of a start. A year ago at this time, I would not have been surprised if the Aces were one and done, leaving Reno after a lone season of poor support. That is definitely not the case and the team's managing partners deserve a lot more credit than I gave them for their vision of a team in Reno and its viability.
"Last year was the inaugural season, so we didn't really know what to expect," said Aces catcher John Hester, one of the few returning players from last year's team. "But I think everyone who played here was very happy with all the support we got from the community at the games and throughout town."
Now, they aren't out of the woods yet. The team was very competitive in Year 1 and put out a competitive, entertaining product. Still, I know how fickle Reno-area fans can be. They couldn't sell out Lawlor Events Center during a four-year stretch with a Top-25 NCAA basketball program. That was sad to me. Even now, with two potential NBA prospects, local hoop fans don't show up on an average of 7,000 per game.
So forgive me if I'm a bit of a pessimist but the long-term support of local sports is traditionally far from stellar. And yet, I was impressed with the support the Aces garnered last summer and there seems to be a positive buzz about Year 2.
Aces manager Brett Butler sure seems to think there is plenty to be excited about with the team's opener set for tonight against the Fresno Grizzlies at Aces Ballpark. First pitch is 6:05 p.m.
"There's always excitement for Opening Day," he said. "There's a lot of new faces and a lot more Major League experience. Collectively, these guys know how to play the game of baseball. ... It will be an exciting year, better than last year."
There's more than just new faces at the stadium this season. The Freight House District, adjacent to the ballpark, has four new dining and nightlife venues. Although it has access to the ballpark’s upper level, the Freight House District is designed to be a self-sufficient entertainment complex that will host concerts, festivals and other events year-round.
Last season Reno fans had to wait to welcome in their team to a new season as the Aces opened on the road in Salt Lake City. That's not the case this year as the home opener is also the season opener.
So how does Butler feel about that?
"It's better than opening on the road, he said. "It's nice to see all the additions the Katzoffs (managing partners) have put in. Last year we brought in a half-million people. I think we averaged 6,500 a night. The enthusiasm the fans brought, we're looking forward to more."
If the Aces win, they'll likely get even better support than they did a year. Reno was 79-64 a year ago, good for the third-best record in the Pacific League but it did not win its division. In fact, the Aces were never really in the hunt for the division crown. If that changes this season, I'd expect a few more fans to plop their fannies into seats this summer.
Butler seems to be the right guy to lead a team to success. There is little doubt the competitive skipper wants to win badly.
"If you show me a good loser, I'll show you a loser," he said. "We're here to win the whole thing. ... There is no doubt that a number of these guys, if not all of them, have a chance to play in the big leagues."
I admit I was a cynic a year ago, but I do genuinely hope the Aces do well and are supported well. Here's to the start of a good season.
Dan Eckles is the Sparks Tribune's sports editor. He can be reached via email at: deckles@dailysparkstribune.com
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