The Reno Aces' season gets underway, Thursday, when the team takes on the Isotopes in Albuquerque, New Mexico. But today was the team's first chance to put on their uniforms for media day. The players say they're excited for the baseball season to get underway.
"It's gonna be awesome," Mike Freeman, Aces second baseman said. "We love playing here. The fans always pack it out and make it a really good experience for us. It's one of the best places to play in minor league baseball."
Part of the reason for wearing their game day uniforms was for team pictures.
"It doesn't become real until the players show up and the guys are in uniform," Eric Edelstein, Aces President said. "And you know that there's going to be baseball here. So, this is always a really exciting day."
They also had a chance to sign autographs on baseballs, bats, and jerseys. The items will be donated to local nonprofits.
"Our success is only in servicing the community here and being what northern Nevada is looking for, for entertainment," Edelstein said.
The home opener is just 10 days away. Aces management says fans should expect some new game-time enhancements.
"It's always gonna be a new and different experience with food and entertainment and really the sights and sounds that go around the game," Edelstein said.
2015 marks the Aces' seventh season and the team's veterans say playing in Reno is just as much fun for them as it is for the fans.
"The stadium's great," Nick Evans, Aces first baseman said. "It's a great place to live. The city's nice. The fans are good. It's a good place to hit. I think the pitchers might disagree but it's fun."
"We like coming here and playing," Blake Lalli, Aces catcher said. "We like the support we get and we're looking forward to it."
Players and coaches say fans can expect an exciting team this year. For many, the season can't start soon enough.
"It's great to have people out again," Edelstein said. "It's great to see the interest in baseball. We had a great offseason and now it's just time to play baseball."
The Aces have an exhibition game against the Wolf Pack baseball team, Tuesday at 6:05pm. The home opener is April 17, with a lot of in-game activities planned, including using a parachute to drop the first pitch ball into the ballpark.
