Quite the Prospective: Jake McCarthy
RENO, Nev. – Imagine being on first base, standing inches away from your role model and best friend that the small talk turns into playful banter. “I’m going,” he said. For Arizona Diamondbacks’ No. 19 ranked prospect Jake McCarthy, those exact words have had so much meaning over the last
RENO, Nev. – Imagine being on first base, standing inches away from your role model and best friend that the small talk turns into playful banter.
“I’m going,” he said.
For Arizona Diamondbacks’ No. 19 ranked prospect Jake McCarthy, those exact words have had so much meaning over the last week since being promoted to Triple-A.
The Scranton, Pa., native has battled since being the Diamondbacks’ first-round selection in the 2018 Draft, rolling through Low-A, High-A and a global pandemic in order to crack the 2021 Opening Day roster for Double-A Amarillo.
McCarthy was trekking along with the Sod Poodles, registering a base knock in three of his last four Double-A contests and hitting .241 with 23 RBIs and 25 runs scored in 35 games played.
The D-Backs’ prospect was unaware of the promotion and was getting some looks from former Triple-A guys in the clubhouse following their Father’s Day game against Midland, all of who had the insider knowledge that he was going to Reno, waiting for the 23-year-old to receive official word from his manager.
“I remember walking into [Shawn] Roof’s office and him asking if I called my dad for Father’s Day,” McCarthy said. “I had called before the game and they asked if he and my mom were going to watch [brother] Joe in Sacramento this week and that made me think that I was getting the call.”
After receiving congratulations texts and phone calls from his parents, Joe and friends, the “I guess I’ll see you in Sacramento” message between siblings would soon arrive.
With his bags already packed for a road trip to Corpus Christi, McCarthy was going to the next level. He repacked a few more baseball needs before hopping in a car at 4 a.m. and arriving in Nevada by noon.
The Scranton, Pa., native landed 2,600 miles from his childhood home in the Biggest Little City on June 21 and cracked the starting lineup on his first night in Reno.
While the nerves were kicking around, they did not phase McCarthy as he prepared the same way for every game he had before.
“The game is the same no matter where I go,” McCarthy said. “I just have to trust myself and stay within myself to not stray from what keeps me grounded.”
And he certainly remained calm, cool and collected in his debut.
McCarthy stepped in for his first at-bat against Albuquerque and delivered a single up the middle for his first hit. It did not take more than two batters for the speedy outfielder to swipe his first bag, going second during Seth Beer’s plate appearance. Three innings later, McCarthy avoided grounding into a double play by beating a throw over to first and knocking in his first run in the process. Before game’s end, the former Virginia Cavalier walked to complete his inaugural game at the highest level of Minor League Baseball. The following day, the Aces’ newcomer crossed home plate on a Henry Ramos single to knock one more first off the list.
But just when he thought all the firsts were all done, the most important inaugural event had finally arrived: Jake facing older brother Joe for the first time in his professional career.
Joe McCarthy is in his third year with the San Francisco Giants organization after being traded from the Tampa Bay Rays and has been a Triple-A mainstay since Jake entered the league in 2018, with a brief stint in the Bay Area in 2020.
The pair have grown up to be “very good friends,” having made annual trips to see their favorite team, the New York Giants, and combining friend groups from the University of Virginia. For Jake, Joe has been very influential in navigating professional baseball.
“It’s always nice having someone to bounce questions off of because it seems like whatever I’m dealing with, he’s also experienced at some point in his career,” Jake said. “His actions and being able to observe him, being a guy who has been traded and been injured, he’s been the same guy throughout. I appreciate and try to take after his even-keel personality throughout his career and I think that’s what you want out of anyone. He’s been a pretty good role model for me.”
With the sun glaring down on Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, the day has finally come.
“This is pretty weird,” Jake said with a laugh upon seeing his brother at batting practice on June 24.
The McCarthy brothers took the field with Jake slotted fifth in the lineup and Joe received the starting nod in the seventh spot.
Much like his first Triple-A at-bat, Jake singled, this time sending a hard grounder through the right side. But as he rounded first, there stood his best friend and role model.
“I’m going,” Jake said.
Mancini Goes Yard in his Aces Debut, Reno Falls Short in Season Opener to Las Vegas
Reno Aces (0-1) 2, Las Vegas Aviators (1-0) 3 W: Ginn (1-0) L: Diaz (0-1) S: Alvarado (1) First pitch: 7:08 p.m. PST | Attendance: 9,167 | Time: 2:21 Las Vegas, Nevada – Las Vegas Ballpark Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Las Vegas 3/29/25 at 7:05
Breaking Down Reno's Opening Day Roster
Play ball! The Reno Aces announced their Opening Day roster for the 2025 season. Let’s analyze the group before Reno takes the field for Friday night’s opener at Las Vegas Ballpark. Italics - on 40-man roster Catchers: Aramis Garcia, Drake Osborn Reno will carry just two catchers on Opening Day
Reno Aces Announce 2025 Opening Day Roster
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces embark on the 2025 Pacific Coast League season today with the announcement of the club's opening day roster. The roster features a mixture of familiar faces, including 15 returning Aces, and a handful of newcomers. The BLC-Nine will begin the season tonight in Sin
Reno Aces Announce Jersey Set for 2025 Season
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces have announced their jersey lineup for the 2025 season featuring a new off-white (sail) uniform set to serve as the team’s primary home jersey. The new navy and red jerseys are available for purchase in the team store now while the sail jerseys are
Greater Nevada Field Set to Host Three Vitalant Blood Drives This Season
RENO, Nev. – Throughout the 2025 season, the Reno Aces and Vitalant will host three blood drives at Greater Nevada Field beginning on Tuesday, April 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be two additional days of blood drives at the ballpark on August 19-20 before the Aces’
Reno Aces Announce Promotional Schedule for April 2025
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces announced the club's April promotional schedule today for all 18 home games during the 2025 season's opening month today. Individual Game tickets are currently on sale HERE and at Reno Aces Fan Fest this Saturday from 11am - 2pm at Greater Nevada Field. Special
Reno's Rotation Projects to be Deep and Dominant
Limiting runs is a difficult task in the hitting friendly confines of the PCL and Greater Nevada Field, but the Reno Aces are more equipped than ever to keep their foes at bay this season. Let’s predict and project the 2025 pitching staff as we near Opening Day. The Diamondbacks
Greater Nevada Field To Host Reno Philharmonic Concert
RENO, Nev. – Following a fantastic audio and visual experience at Greater Nevada Field in 2024, the Reno Philharmonic will return to the ballpark for Patriotic Pops at the Field, set for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025. This star-spangled celebration is once again led by fan-favorite Conductor Jason Altieri, and will
Reno Has Historic Offensive Potential in 2025
Despite constant shuffling with promotions, demotions, and trades, Reno has led the Pacific Coast League in batting average and posted the lowest strikeout rate in each of the last two seasons. The Diamondbacks organization remains loaded on the hitting front, with Keith Law at The Athletic recently ranking it as
Reno Aces Announce Aceball All Access Pass
RENO, Nev. – The best deal in Reno Aces history is here! Aces fans can enjoy Aceball all season long at Greater Nevada Field with the club’s Aceball All Access Pass, announced by the team on Monday. Aceball All Access Pass will give fans access to all home games (excluding
Standout Starter Yilber Diaz Set to Begin Season with Reno
The 2025 Opening Day roster is starting to take shape. The Diamondbacks optioned electric righty Yilber Diaz, promising starter Cristian Mena, and slugger Tim Tawa to Reno on Monday. Diaz’s return in particular is a significant development for the early outlook of the club. Diaz is one of the best
Reno Aces 2025 Roster Preview
The Reno Aces rode a resurgent bullpen, a stellar starting rotation, and a dynamic lineup to 44 second half wins and a league championship appearance in 2024. Reno has won 252 games since 2022, trailing only Oklahoma City (253) in the PCL. Keith Law at The Athletic recently ranked Arizona’s
Reno Aces Foundation’s Inaugural Grant Class of 12 Local Charities Receives Over $55,000 to Benefit Northern Nevada Communities
RENO, Nev. – Following a successful first season for the Reno Aces Foundation, the Reno Aces have announced the donation of over $55,000 to the inaugural grant class of 12 Northern Nevada charities on Tuesday. Following a grant process that saw over 50 applicants, the Reno Aces Foundation board of
FREE Reno Aces 2025 Fan Fest at Greater Nevada Field Set for March 8th
RENO, Nev. – With the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Spring Training underway and the 2025 Reno Aces regular season right around the corner, Reno Aces Fan Fest presented by News 4 NBC, Fox 11, and Nevada Sports Net, the club is excited to announce on Tuesday. Set for Saturday, March 8th. The
Chris Ellis on his Unexpected Call to Reno: "I Wondered If He Butt-dialed Me or Something"
RENO, Nev. -- Chris Ellis was preparing to grub some pasta in his Talking Stick hotel room in Scottsdale when his phone buzzed. The effervescent 31-year-old from Alabama knew the Diamondbacks were interested in his services, but it hadn’t yet clicked why his former battery mate Blake Lalli called. He
Greater Nevada Field to Host Job Fairs for Upcoming Reno Aces Season on January 25th and February 6th
WHAT: The Reno Aces are hiring! And will be hosting in-person job fairs for positions in multiple departments. WHO: Local residents with enthusiasm and want to be a part of the Reno Aces season. WHEN: Saturday, January 25th, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM PST and Thursday, February 6th,
Aces’ Manager Blake Lalli Gets the Call to the Show, Set to Become the Miami Marlins Third-Base Coach in 2025
RENO, Nev. – Blake Lalli's tenure as manager of the Reno Aces has come to an end after successfully leading the team to a Pacific Coast League postseason berth last year. The Miami Marlins announced on Friday that Lalli will serve as their third-base coach for the 2025 season. During
Jeff Gardner Named Reno Aces Seventh Manager in Franchise History as 2025 Coaching Staff is Announced
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces will have a new skipper in the dugout at Greater Nevada Field for the 2025 season. Jeff Gardner was named the club's seventh manager in franchise history, as announced by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday. Gardner replaces Blake Lalli, who managed the Aces for
Austin Pope Reflects on his New Year's Miracle, 2024 Resurgence
It was well after 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, and Aces reliever Austin Pope was ready to call it a night. Just before his buddy Jack headed home, Austin gave him a bear hug goodbye. “Something in my side popped,” Pope said, “and it sounded like a gunshot.” Months
Aces All-Time Hits Leader, Ildemaro Vargas, Resigns with the Diamondbacks for the 2025 Season
RENO, Nev. -- A familiar smiling face has a chance to return to Greater Nevada Field in 2025, with the announcement of the signing of infielder Ildemaro Vargas by the Arizona Diamondbacks to a minor league deal, with an invitation to spring training on December 17. The Caripito, Venezuela, native
Raftery Returns to Reno as the Aces' New Chief Revenue Officer
RENO, Nev. – After three years working on the East Coast, Doug Raftery is returning to the Biggest Little City as the Reno Aces' new Chief Revenue Officer, as announced by the club on Tuesday. Raftery rejoins the Aces organization after serving as Executive Business Officer for the USL Championship
Tim Tawa Embraces Diamondbacks’ Belief in His Future
Reno, Nev. – Tim Tawa's choice to play baseball has him one call from the majors. Long before he emerged as an intriguing super utility, Swiss army knife prospect on the diamond, the former West Linn quarterback treated Oregonians to 55 touchdowns and one interception in his record-setting senior season.
Lalli, and girlfriend Aleah Hartung, a two-time kidney donation recipient, will be honored on the 2025 Donate Life float.
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces will ring in 2025 on the national stage. Donor Network West has selected Manager Blake Lalli and his girlfriend Aleah Hartung to participate in the 136th Rose Parade®, which will be held Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in Pasadena, California. The announcement and celebration were
Simon’s Generosity Continues to Fuel Reno Aces Annual Toy Donation with JAKKS Pacific to Benefit Northern Nevada Charities
RENO, Nev. – With the holiday season spreading throughout Northern Nevada, the Reno Aces have been spreading joy to local charities with thousands of toys during its annual toy donation in partnership with JAKKS Pacific throughout the holiday season. This year, the Aces have partnered with the following seven local
Reno Aces Kickoff 2025 Single-Game Tickets on Cyber Monday
RENO, Nev. – With the 2025 Reno Aces Home Opener only a few months away, the club has announced that Single-Game Tickets will be available for purchase beginning on Cyber Monday, December 2nd, at 10:00 a.m. PT. Following a 2024 campaign, where the club made the playoffs for the second