RenoAces.com Interview with Brett Butler
In the fourth installment of our series, we talked with the skipper about his 17-year Major League career, managing in Reno and how he earned the moniker "Bugsy."
Reno Aces: You quickly became of the most celebrated sports figures in this city. What were your thoughts on the fans of Reno and managing at Aces Ballpark?
Brett Butler: We did not know what to expect with the fans in the inaugural season, but the turnout was great! The energy and enthusiasm was better than we could have hoped for, and it really helped our team during the games. As the manager, I could not have had a better time! If you can not be in the big leagues, there is not a better place to be than in Reno!
RA: Aces groundskeeper Eric Blanton was named PCL Turf Manager of the Year in the first season at Aces Ballpark. What did you think of Eric's work and the playing surface at the ballpark?
BB: Eric did an outstanding job for us this past year. He surely deserved the PCL Turf Manager of the Year award. It will not be too long before he will have a job at the Major League level. The players loved to play on our field, and I heard the same from some of the opposing players who came into town. He is truly a blessing to have around, and we are looking forward to having him back next year.
RA: As a Triple-A manager, what's it like to have the opportunity to tell a kid that he's been called-up to the big leagues?
BB: Telling a player that he is going to the big leagues is one of the high points for a manager. Especially when that player is going up for the first time! To see the look on his face, and the excitement that is on his face is priceless! To realize that their dream to play in the big leagues has finally come true, it is a very special moment.
RA: Tell us a little bit about the role of a Minor League manager. How do you balance winning ballgames with developing players for the next level? What kind of role does the Major League club have in your decision-making every day?
BB: There is a little bit of a juggling act in regard to developing and winning at the Triple-A level. Your main role is to equip the players to be ready to play at the big-league level when the call comes. Preparation meets opportunity is the way to be ready. If they have the talent, and they are prepared the right way, then they will play in the big leagues, and that is the goal. Now, I believe that at the Triple-A level, you play to win the ball game. But there are times when players at the big league level get hurt, and you might have to hold a player out of the game. The reason being, that there is a real possibility that he might go to the big leagues that night! They also might have a trade in the works, or something else, and there are times when you find that out at the last moment.
RA: You're known around the clubhouse as "Bugsy." How did you get that nickname?
BB: I got my nickname "Bugsy" from a teammate in San Francisco. At the beginning of my playing days in S.F.('88), I liked to wear hats. I would have a nice suit, with a Fedora hat. One day I got on the bus, and Mike Krukow said, "Look at Bugsy Malone". He was a gangster from the early 20s or 30s. From that day I on, I was called "Bugsy."
RA: Can you tell us a little bit about your experience playing with the Dodgers and the Giants? Who were some of your favorite teammates?
BB: Every player's dream is to play in the Major Leagues. I enjoyed playing in both cities. The fans are great, and they love their home town team. The World Series in '89 was great, and playing with guys like Robby Thompson, Will Clark, and Kevin Mitchell was great! But having the starting pitchers like Mike Krukow, Donnie Robinson, and Rick Reuschel was the best because they protected the little guys like me. If I was hit by a pitch, those guys took care of the situation by hitting their guys. I also had a great time in L.A. One of my favorite guys was Eric Karros. Mike Piazza was one of the best hitters I ever saw, and Eddie Murray was the best overall player I ever played with. It was a dream-come-true every time I stepped on the field. It is something that I will never forget!
RA: As a player, did you envision yourself becoming a manager in the future?
BB: When I was playing, I loved following every aspect of the game. All the moves that were made, and the cat and mouse strategies each night. I always thought that after my playing days, that it would be fun to manage at the big league level.
RA: What team did you root for as a kid?
BB: I grew up in my early years in Fremont, CA, and I would go to both Giant and Oakland A's games. Willie Mays is my favorite player of all time, but I loved watching Reggie Jackson swing the bat!
RA: Many young fans wanted to seek your guidance on becoming a Major League player someday. What advice would you give to the young kids out there who are dreaming to reach the level at which you played.
BB: The advice that I would give to any young person wanting to play Major League Baseball, is that if you have that dream, do not let anyone tell you that you cannot do it. If you do not believe in yourself, then nobody else will believe in you! Go for it!
Next week we'll talk with Aces announcer Ryan Radtke, who will return to the broadcast booth in 2010. You can send in your questions for Ryan by:
1. Posting to the RenoAces.com message board
2. Becoming a friend of the Reno Aces on Facebook
3. Submitting questions on Twitter (be sure to either address them to @Aceball, or tag them with #aceball)
4. Sending an e-mail to
[email protected]