RENO - The Reno Aces and the University of Nevada baseball team announced
Thursday that the clubs would face in an exhibition game April 6 at Aces
Ballpark.
"I've seen these games before and when those players from the university
come out, they see themselves five years in advance and they go, 'This is
what I aspire to,'" said Rick Parr, Aces general manager.
The venture is something that has been more than year in the making. Parr
said the two teams had to find a date that works for both and get approval
from the Aces' parent club, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Aside from getting Major League exposure for the players, a portion of the
proceeds will go to the University of Nevada Dugout Club, which benefits the
baseball program.
"The financial part of it is huge for us, and we're so appreciative," Nevada
athletic director Cary Groth said. "But to be able to have an event like
this for our community, for our student-athletes and for the Reno Aces and
to really show people we all are partnering is probably worth much more. And
I think in the long run it will be of more financial benefit at our park and
hopefully at their park."
The rules for exhibition, which will be the first of what the teams hope are
a yearly matchup, will be quite different than what baseball fans are used
to.
Considering the Wolf Pack (5-3) is in the midst of its season already
and will open Western Athletic Conference play the week of the exhibition,
only Aces pitchers will throw. Also, the format will be similar to Major
League Baseball Spring Training in which pitchers are held to a pitch count.
If the pitcher reaches the count number, which has yet to be determined, the
inning will end no matter the situation.
Both teams also will use wood bats, which the Aces will provide to the Wolf
Pack which uses aluminum bats during its season.
"It's an unbelievable opportunity for them to get a measuring stick as to
where they stand and what it really looks like to have to face guys that
have been in the big leagues, because there will be a number of them that
have," Nevada baseball coach Gary Powers said.
Tickets for the game will be $7 and $13. Students will receive a discounted
rate that has yet to be named. Tickets go on sale March 11 at Aces Ballpark
or on the Web at renoaces.com.
The Aces will begin their season two days later on April 8 when they host
the Fresno Grizzlies at Aces Ballpark.