One of the starting quarterbacks in this year’s Super Bowl used to run around Cashman Field in 2005, when his father pitched for the Las Vegas 51s.
Aviators
The four-year-old facility, home to the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, saw its first rainout as a vicious monsoonal storm pounded the Summerlin area.
A Hall of Famer and a two-time Cy Young award winner lead the list of the best MLB players who came up through the minor league system and played Triple-A baseball in Las Vegas.
Tyler Soderstrom, the Oakland A’s top prospect, is tied for third in the Pacific Coast League with 20 home runs and will participate in the MLB Futures Game on Saturday.
Aviators outfielder Cody Thomas leads the minor leagues in RBIs and total bases. He’s from the same Texas town that produced Raiders star Maxx Crosby.
Chance has stolen the hearts of Golden Knights fans, but does he even make the list of the best sports mascots that have called the city home?
Aviators president Don Logan has kept the minor league baseball team afloat while competing with Las Vegas’ other expanding sports and entertainment options.
Although not common in MLB, Oakland A’s general manager David Forst said having a club’s Triple-A and major league teams in the same market makes a lot of sense.
“When the Knights came here, they were born here. They’re like a little baby,” Jeff Evtushek said. “These other teams who come here, it’s like adopting a 50-year-old man.”
Rob Manfred also said the Oakland Athletics would field a competitive team if the franchise were to relocate to Las Vegas.
Aviators president Don Logan said the natural grass field at Las Vegas Ballpark couldn’t take the beating of more than 150 games a season if the Athletics also played there.
One of the most frequently asked questions is about the fate of the Aviators — the A’s Triple-A affiliate. A’s President Dave Kaval noted the two teams would coexist in the valley.
Mason Miller’s meteoric rise to the majors was completed after a brief but impressive showing with the Aviators. Miller made his MLB debut Wednesday against the Cubs.
Aviators fans discussed the possible relocation of the Oakland A’s to Las Vegas at the Triple-A team’s home opener Tuesday.
The Aviators will have a mix of players with MLB experience and prospects in the Oakland A’s organization when they open the PCL season Friday at the Reno Aces.