Sunday, January 25, 2009

Bugsy



Last week I photographed the Reno Aces "Meet The Manager Banquet" for the team. This was the first chance for more than 400 Reno baseball junkies to greet skipper Brett Butler* in person. The charismatic Bulter had a 17-year Major League playing career, amassing 2,375 hits, 558 stolen bases and a .290 career batting average. Most Aces fans will remember Bugsy's time with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers but he also played for the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians and New York Mets.


In 1996, while playing for the Dodgers, Butler was diagnosed with throat cancer. After surgery and intensive treatment, he returned to the Los Angeles line-up in September—the very same season. Butler is an experienced baseball mind and a genuine person. I'm thrilled with the hire.

At the banquet, Butler was joined by Pacific Coast League President Branch B. Rickey and Aces General Manager Rick Parr.

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