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Las Vegas Aviators

The Las Vegas Aviators, formerly known as the Las Vegas 51s and Las Vegas Stars, are a Minor League Baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. They are located in Summerlin South, Nevada, a community in Las Vegas. The Aviators play their home games at Las Vegas Ballpark, a 10,000-seat facility which opened in 2019. The team previously played at Cashman Field from 1983 to 2018.

Las Vegas Aviators
Minor league affiliations
ClassTriple-A (1983–present)
LeaguePacific Coast League (2022–present)
DivisionWest Division
Previous leagues
Major league affiliations
TeamOakland Athletics (2019–present)
Previous teams
Minor league titles
League titles (2)
  • 1986
  • 1988
Division titles (6)
  • 1986
  • 1988
  • 2002
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2019
First-half titles (4)
  • 1983
  • 1984
  • 1988
  • 1992
Second-half titles (3)
  • 1986
  • 1987
  • 1996
Team data
NameLas Vegas Aviators (2019–present)
Previous names
  • Las Vegas 51s (2001–2018)
  • Las Vegas Stars (1983–2000)
ColorsNavy blue, orange, tangerine, gold, yellow, gray[1][2]
           
MascotSpruce the Goose and The Aviator
BallparkLas Vegas Ballpark (2019–present)
Previous parks
Cashman Field (1983–2018)
Owner(s)/
Operator(s)
Summerlin Las Vegas Baseball Club
ManagerFran Riordan[3]

The team has been members of the Pacific Coast League since 1983, including the 2021 season when it was known as the Triple-A West, and won the PCL championship as the Stars in 1986 and 1988.

History edit

Las Vegas Stars (1983–2000) edit

The Las Vegas Pacific Coast League franchise traces its roots to the Portland Beavers who entered the PCL in 1919 after a two-year hiatus. The team relocated to Spokane, Washington, in 1973, becoming the Spokane Indians. The franchise moved once again in 1983, becoming the Las Vegas Stars.

The Stars, who were the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, became the first professional sports team to play in Las Vegas since the Las Vegas Quicksilvers soccer club who played a single season in 1977. The Stars' inaugural season was quite successful, posting an 83–60 record and winning the first-half championship for the Southern Division leading to a playoff berth, but eventually losing to the Albuquerque Dukes. The following season, the Stars posted another successful campaign, going 71–65 and winning their second division championship (first half), but ultimately losing in the league semifinals to the Hawaii Islanders. After a dismal 1985 campaign, the Stars finished the 1986 season with an 80–62 record and won the second half of the Southern Division. In the league semifinals, the Stars defeated the Phoenix Firebirds, 3–2, and went on to win their first PCL championship, defeating the Vancouver Canadians in five games. The Stars won their second PCL championship in 1988, once again defeating Vancouver, this time in four games.

After winning five division titles and two league championships in their first six years, the Stars hit a skid, posting a .500 or better record only four times and winning shares of only two division championships in the following 12 years. The Stars were unable to advance past the first round of the playoffs in both seasons that they qualified. The team's affiliation with the Padres ended after the 2000 season.

Las Vegas 51s (2001–2018) edit

 
A Las Vegas 51s baseball game against the Iowa Cubs at Cashman Field in 2008

In 2001, Las Vegas became the top farm club of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The new affiliation was accompanied by rebranding to the Las Vegas 51s in reference to Area 51, a military base located north-northwest of Las Vegas legendary for rumors of its housing UFOs and other extraterrestrial technology. The team adopted a logo featuring a grey alien head and introduced an extraterrestrial mascot named Cosmo.

A new affiliate, moniker, and appearance did not translate into improved performance on the field. The 51s experienced only two winning seasons during their eight years as the Triple-A Dodgers. Their only division title came under manager Brad Mills in 2002 as the team posted the best record in the league at 85–59, but lost three games to one to the eventual PCL champion Edmonton Trappers.

On March 24, 2008, Mandalay Baseball Properties sold the 51s franchise to Stevens Baseball Group.[4] There were no plans to move the team,[5] and talks of building a new stadium to replace the ageing Cashman Field became stagnant.[6][7] The Dodgers and the 51s had a rocky relationship during their eight-year affiliation. The Dodgers were not pleased with Cashman Field, which barely met the standards for Triple-A baseball. It had no weight room or indoor batting cages, and it was decrepit compared to other stadiums in the league. Citing the inadequacies of Cashman and lack of planning for a replacement, Los Angeles decided not to renew their player development contract (PDC) with Las Vegas after the 2008 season.[8]

Following the departure of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the 51s signed a PDC with the Toronto Blue Jays, marking the first time that the 51s were affiliated with an American League club.[9] The only time the team finished over .500 with the Blue Jays was in 2012 when Marty Brown led the team to a 79–64 second-place finish. The Blue Jays ended their affiliation with the 51s after the season.

In April 2013, the team was purchased by Summerlin Las Vegas Baseball Club LLC, a joint venture of The Howard Hughes Corporation and Play Ball Owners Group, including investors Steve Mack, Bart Wear, and Chris Kaempfer, with intentions of moving it to a proposed stadium in Summerlin near the Red Rock Resort Spa and Casino.[10]

The 51s became affiliated with the New York Mets in 2013 when they were the only Triple-A team left without an MLB parent.[11] They won back-to-back division titles in 2013 and 2014 under manager Wally Backman, but were eliminated in the Pacific Conference championship series on both occasions.

In 2017 the 51s became one of the first teams to participate in the Copa de la Diversión initiative and for selected games played as the Reyes de Plata ("Silver Kings"). The name was a nod to Nevada being the "Silver State" and a homage to the contribution migrant workers made to the mining industry of Nevada.[12]

In October 2017, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority approved a 20-year, $80 million naming rights agreement to help pay for the new $150 million 10,000-seat ballpark which opened in 2019. Las Vegas Ballpark, located in Summerlin, includes 22 suites, a center field pool, kids' zone, and several bars.[13] Construction began in 2018 and was completed for the 2019 season.[14]

In late 2017, the Mets announced plans to move its Triple-A affiliation to the Syracuse Mets beginning in 2019, meaning the 51s would be in need of a new major league affiliate.[15]

Las Vegas Aviators (2019–present) edit

 
Zack Gelof playing for the Aviators in 2023

Following the conclusion of the 2018 season, Las Vegas signed a two-year PDC with the Oakland Athletics that runs through 2020.[16] In addition to having a new major league affiliate in 2019 and playing in a new ballpark, the team also changed its name to the Las Vegas Aviators. The name is in reference to aviation pioneer Howard Hughes. The team's new logo depicts a pilot wearing a flight helmet and utilizes their new color scheme of navy blue, orange, tangerine, gold, yellow, and gray.[1] Their first home game at Las Vegas Ballpark was a 10–2 win against the Sacramento River Cats on April 9 before a sellout crowd of 11,036.[17][18] Las Vegas secured the win with a five-run second inning in which Skye Bolt scored the winning run when he came home on a fielding error.[18] Aviators pitchers Chris Bassitt and Daniel Mengden combined to strikeout 14 Sacramento batters.[18]

The start of the 2020 season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic before ultimately being cancelled on June 30.[19][20]

With the 2021 Major League Baseball restructuring of Minor League Baseball, the Aviators were organized into the Triple-A West.[21] Las Vegas ended the season in third place in the Western Division with a 62–58 record.[22] No playoffs were held to determine a league champion; instead, the team with the best regular-season record was declared the winner.[23] However, 10 games that had been postponed from the start of the season were reinserted into the schedule as a postseason tournament called the Triple-A Final Stretch in which all 30 Triple-A clubs competed for the highest winning percentage.[23] Las Vegas finished the tournament tied for 13th place with a 3–3 record.[24]

In 2022, the Triple-A West became known as the Pacific Coast League, the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization.[25]

Season-by-season records edit

Table key
League The team's final position in the league standings
Division The team's final position in the divisional standings
GB Games behind the team that finished in first place in the division that season
Class champions (1983–present)
League champions (1983–present)
§ Conference champions (1998–2020)
* Division champions (1983–present)
^ Postseason berth (1983–1997)
Season-by-season records
Season League Regular-season Postseason MLB affiliate Ref.
Record Win % League Division GB Record Win % Result
1983
^
PCL 83–60 .580 2nd 2nd 2 2–3 .400 Won First Half Southern Division title
Lost Southern Division title vs. Albuquerque Dukes, 3–2[26]
San Diego Padres [27]
1984
^
PCL 71–65 .522 3rd 2nd 14 1–3 .250 Won First Half Southern Division title
Lost Southern Division title vs. Hawaii Islanders, 3–1[28]
San Diego Padres [29]
1985 PCL 65–79 .451 10th 5th 19+12 San Diego Padres [30]
1986
^ * †
PCL 80–62 .563 3rd 2nd 1 6–4 .600 Won Second Half Southern Division title
Won Southern Division title vs. Phoenix Firebirds, 3–2
Won PCL championship vs. Vancouver Canadians, 3–2[31]
San Diego Padres [32]
1987
^
PCL 69–73 .486 7th 4th 8 0–3 .000 Won Second Half Southern Division title
Lost Southern Division title vs. Albuquerque Dukes, 3–0[33]
San Diego Padres [34]
1988
^ * †
PCL 74–66 .529 4th 2nd 11 6–1 .857 Won First Half Southern Division title
Won Southern Division title vs. Albuquerque Dukes, 3–0
Won PCL championship vs. Vancouver Canadians, 3–1[35]
San Diego Padres [36]
1989 PCL 74–69 .517 4th 3rd 6+12 San Diego Padres [37]
1990 PCL 58–86 .403 9th (tie) 5th 34 San Diego Padres [38]
1991 PCL 65–75 .464 8th 5th 16 San Diego Padres [39]
1992
^
PCL 74–70 .514 5th 2nd 11+12 2–3 .400 Won First Half Southern Division title
Lost Southern Division title vs. Colorado Springs Sky Sox, 3–2[40]
San Diego Padres [41]
1993 PCL 58–85 .406 10th 5th 25 San Diego Padres [42]
1994 PCL 56–87 .392 10th 5th 29 San Diego Padres [43]
1995 PCL 61–83 .424 9th 5th 26+12 San Diego Padres [44]
1996
^
PCL 73–67 .521 3rd (tie) 1st 0–3 .000 Won Second Half Southern Division title
Lost Southern Division title vs. Phoenix Firebirds, 3–0[45]
San Diego Padres [46]
1997 PCL 56–85 .397 10th 5th 31 San Diego Padres [47]
1998 PCL 70–72 .493 11th 3rd 10+12 San Diego Padres [48]
1999 PCL 67–75 .472 11th 3rd 6+12 San Diego Padres [49]
2000 PCL 73–70 .510 7th 2nd 16+12 San Diego Padres [50]
2001 PCL 68–76 .472 11th 3rd 7 Los Angeles Dodgers [51]
2002
*
PCL 85–59 .590 1st 1st 1–3 .250 Won Pacific Conference Southern Division title
Lost Pacific Conference title vs. Edmonton Trappers, 3–1[52]
Los Angeles Dodgers [53]
2003 PCL 76–66 .535 3rd 2nd 15 Los Angeles Dodgers [54]
2004 PCL 67–76 .469 11th 3rd 11+12 Los Angeles Dodgers [55]
2005 PCL 57–86 .399 16th 4th 22+12 Los Angeles Dodgers [56]
2006 PCL 67–77 .465 12th 3rd 24 Los Angeles Dodgers [57]
2007 PCL 67–77 .465 13th 4th 17 Los Angeles Dodgers [58]
2008 PCL 74–69 .517 7th 2nd 8+12 Los Angeles Dodgers [59]
2009 PCL 71–73 .493 10th (tie) 3rd (tie) 15+12 Toronto Blue Jays [60]
2010 PCL 66–78 .458 12th 4th 13 Toronto Blue Jays [61]
2011 PCL 71–73 .493 6th (tie) 2nd 17 Toronto Blue Jays [62]
2012 PCL 79–64 .552 5th 2nd 6+12 Toronto Blue Jays [63]
2013
*
PCL 81–63 .563 2nd 1st 1–3 .250 Won Pacific Conference Southern Division title
Lost Pacific Conference title vs. Salt Lake Bees, 3–1
New York Mets [64]
2014
*
PCL 81–63 .563 1st (tie) 1st 1–3 .250 Won Pacific Conference Southern Division title
Lost Pacific Conference title vs. Reno Aces, 3–1
New York Mets [65]
2015 PCL 77–67 .535 7th 2nd 1 New York Mets [66]
2016 PCL 70–74 .486 10th (tie) 3rd 3+12 New York Mets [67]
2017 PCL 56–86 .394 16th 4th 17 New York Mets [68]
2018 PCL 71–69 .507 9th 3rd 11+12 New York Mets [69]
2019
*
PCL 83–57 .593 2nd 1st 2–3 .400 Won Pacific Conference Southern Division title
Lost Pacific Conference title vs. Sacramento River Cats, 3–2
Oakland Athletics [70]
2020 PCL Season cancelled (COVID-19 pandemic)[20] Oakland Athletics [71]
2021 AAAW 62–58 .517 4th 3rd 11 3–3 .500 Lost series vs. Oklahoma City Dodgers, 3–2
Won series vs. Reno Aces, 1–0
Placed 13th (tie) in the Triple-A Final Stretch[24]
Oakland Athletics [22]
2022 PCL 71–79 .473 7th 3rd 15 Oakland Athletics [72]
2023 PCL 75–74 .503 5th 3rd 12+12 Oakland Athletics [73]
Totals 2,802–2,893 .492 25–35 .417

Media edit

The Las Vegas Aviators are covered by Las Vegas' two daily newspapers, the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun. Every Aviators game is broadcast by KRLV 920-AM, with Russ Langer as the broadcast's play-by-play man. Several prominent sports radio and television personalities made their start as broadcaster for the Stars and 51s, most notably Fox Sports' Colin Cowherd.

Broadcasters edit

Roster edit

Players Coaches/Other

Pitchers

Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders


Manager

  • 39 Fran Riordan

Coaches


  7-day injured list
* On Oakland Athletics 40-man roster
~ Development list
# Rehab assignment
∞ Reserve list
‡ Restricted list
§ Suspended list
† Temporarily inactive list
Roster updated April 1, 2024
Transactions
→ More rosters: MiLB • Pacific Coast League
Oakland Athletics minor league players

Award winners edit

Notable alumni edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Hill, Benjamin (December 8, 2018). "Cleared for liftoff: Aviators take flight". MiLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  2. ^ "Las Vegas Aviators Nickname & Logo Information". AviatorsLV.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
  3. ^ Athletics Communications Department (December 15, 2020). "Fran Riordan Returns as Aviators Manager in 2021". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  4. ^ Gemma, Jim. "Stevens Baseball Group – New Owner of Las Vegas 51s." Las Vegas 51s. March 24, 2008. Retrieved March 28, 2008.
  5. ^ Gemma, Jim. "Mandalay Baseball Transacts More Business – Sells Las Vegas 51s Franchise." Las Vegas 51s. October 31, 2007. Retrieved September 27, 2008.
  6. ^ Anderson, Mark. "Logan lobbies for new stadium. Las Vegas Review-Journal. July 11, 2001. Retrieved September 27, 2008.
  7. ^ Iole, Kevin. "Dodgers threaten to quit 51s." Las Vegas Review-Journal. July 2, 2003. Retrieved September 27, 2008.
  8. ^ Dewey, Todd (September 19, 2008). "Bye, bye, Blue". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 30, 2011.
  9. ^ Dewey, Todd (September 21, 2008). "Las Vegas, Toronto birds of a feather". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 30, 2011.
  10. ^ Brewer, Ray (May 20, 2013). "Some Pacific Coast League stadiums will be tough for proposed Summerlin project to match". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  11. ^ Harrington, Mike. Bisons, Blue Jays start talking affiliation deal. The Buffalo News. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
  12. ^ "Las Vegas Reyes de Plata Copa Branding". milbcopa.mlblogs.com. March 20, 2018.
  13. ^ Kraft, Alex (October 10, 2017). "Report: 51s to move into new ballpark in 2019". milb.com. Retrieved October 10, 2017.
  14. ^ "Construction 'rolling' on Las Vegas 51s new ballpark in Summerlin". April 16, 2018.
  15. ^ Dixon, Marvin Clemons and Amber. "Mets to leave Las Vegas 51s after '18 season, but bigger deal is stadium vote Tuesday".
  16. ^ "A's Announce Partnership with Las Vegas 51s". Major League Baseball. September 17, 2018.
  17. ^ Jesse Granger (August 2, 2018). "1st Game at New Las Vegas Ballpark Set for April 9/". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  18. ^ a b c "River Cats vs. Aviators Box Score - 04/09/19". Minor League Baseball. April 9, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  19. ^ "A Message From Pat O'Conner". Minor League Baseball. March 13, 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  20. ^ a b "2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved". Minor League Baseball. June 30, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  21. ^ Mayo, Jonathan (February 12, 2021). "MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues". Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  22. ^ a b "2021 Triple-A West Standings". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  23. ^ a b "MiLB Announces 'Triple-A Final Stretch' for 2021". Minor League Baseball. July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  24. ^ a b "2021 Triple-A Final Stretch Standings". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  25. ^ "Historical League Names to Return in 2022". Minor League Baseball. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  26. ^ "1983 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  27. ^ "1983 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  28. ^ "1984 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
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  30. ^ "1985 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  31. ^ "1986 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  32. ^ "1986 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  33. ^ "1987 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  34. ^ "1987 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  35. ^ "1988 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  36. ^ "1988 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  37. ^ "1989 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  38. ^ "1990 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  39. ^ "1991 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  40. ^ "1992 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  41. ^ "1992 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  42. ^ "1993 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  43. ^ "1994 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  44. ^ "1995 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  45. ^ "1996 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  46. ^ "1996 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  47. ^ "1997 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  48. ^ "1998 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  49. ^ "1999 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  50. ^ "2000 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  51. ^ "2001 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  52. ^ "2002 Pacific Coast League Standings". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  53. ^ "2002 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  54. ^ "2003 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
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  60. ^ "2009 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  61. ^ "2010 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  62. ^ "2011 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  63. ^ "2012 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  64. ^ "2013 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  65. ^ "2014 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  66. ^ "2015 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  67. ^ "2016 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  68. ^ "2017 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
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  70. ^ "2019 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  71. ^ "2020 Schedule" (PDF). Nashville Sounds. Minor League Baseball. (PDF) from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
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  73. ^ . Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.

External links edit

  • Official website
  • Statistics from Baseball-Reference

vegas, aviators, formerly, known, vegas, vegas, stars, minor, league, baseball, team, pacific, coast, league, triple, affiliate, oakland, athletics, they, located, summerlin, south, nevada, community, vegas, aviators, play, their, home, games, vegas, ballpark,. The Las Vegas Aviators formerly known as the Las Vegas 51s and Las Vegas Stars are a Minor League Baseball team of the Pacific Coast League PCL and the Triple A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics They are located in Summerlin South Nevada a community in Las Vegas The Aviators play their home games at Las Vegas Ballpark a 10 000 seat facility which opened in 2019 The team previously played at Cashman Field from 1983 to 2018 Las Vegas AviatorsFounded in 1983Summerlin South NevadaMinor league affiliationsClassTriple A 1983 present LeaguePacific Coast League 2022 present DivisionWest DivisionPrevious leaguesTriple A West 2021 Pacific Coast League 1983 2020 Major league affiliationsTeamOakland Athletics 2019 present Previous teamsNew York Mets 2013 2018 Toronto Blue Jays 2009 2012 Los Angeles Dodgers 2001 2008 San Diego Padres 1983 2000 Minor league titlesLeague titles 2 19861988Division titles 6 198619882002201320142019First half titles 4 1983198419881992Second half titles 3 198619871996Team dataNameLas Vegas Aviators 2019 present Previous namesLas Vegas 51s 2001 2018 Las Vegas Stars 1983 2000 ColorsNavy blue orange tangerine gold yellow gray 1 2 MascotSpruce the Goose and The AviatorBallparkLas Vegas Ballpark 2019 present Previous parksCashman Field 1983 2018 Owner s Operator s Summerlin Las Vegas Baseball ClubManagerFran Riordan 3 The team has been members of the Pacific Coast League since 1983 including the 2021 season when it was known as the Triple A West and won the PCL championship as the Stars in 1986 and 1988 Contents 1 History 1 1 Las Vegas Stars 1983 2000 1 2 Las Vegas 51s 2001 2018 1 3 Las Vegas Aviators 2019 present 2 Season by season records 3 Media 3 1 Broadcasters 4 Roster 5 Award winners 5 1 PCL MVP 5 2 PCL Rookie of the Year 5 3 PCL Manager of the Year 5 4 PCL Executive of the Year 6 Notable alumni 7 References 8 External linksHistory editLas Vegas Stars 1983 2000 edit The Las Vegas Pacific Coast League franchise traces its roots to the Portland Beavers who entered the PCL in 1919 after a two year hiatus The team relocated to Spokane Washington in 1973 becoming the Spokane Indians The franchise moved once again in 1983 becoming the Las Vegas Stars The Stars who were the Triple A affiliate of the San Diego Padres became the first professional sports team to play in Las Vegas since the Las Vegas Quicksilvers soccer club who played a single season in 1977 The Stars inaugural season was quite successful posting an 83 60 record and winning the first half championship for the Southern Division leading to a playoff berth but eventually losing to the Albuquerque Dukes The following season the Stars posted another successful campaign going 71 65 and winning their second division championship first half but ultimately losing in the league semifinals to the Hawaii Islanders After a dismal 1985 campaign the Stars finished the 1986 season with an 80 62 record and won the second half of the Southern Division In the league semifinals the Stars defeated the Phoenix Firebirds 3 2 and went on to win their first PCL championship defeating the Vancouver Canadians in five games The Stars won their second PCL championship in 1988 once again defeating Vancouver this time in four games After winning five division titles and two league championships in their first six years the Stars hit a skid posting a 500 or better record only four times and winning shares of only two division championships in the following 12 years The Stars were unable to advance past the first round of the playoffs in both seasons that they qualified The team s affiliation with the Padres ended after the 2000 season Las Vegas 51s 2001 2018 edit nbsp A Las Vegas 51s baseball game against the Iowa Cubs at Cashman Field in 2008 In 2001 Las Vegas became the top farm club of the Los Angeles Dodgers The new affiliation was accompanied by rebranding to the Las Vegas 51s in reference to Area 51 a military base located north northwest of Las Vegas legendary for rumors of its housing UFOs and other extraterrestrial technology The team adopted a logo featuring a grey alien head and introduced an extraterrestrial mascot named Cosmo A new affiliate moniker and appearance did not translate into improved performance on the field The 51s experienced only two winning seasons during their eight years as the Triple A Dodgers Their only division title came under manager Brad Mills in 2002 as the team posted the best record in the league at 85 59 but lost three games to one to the eventual PCL champion Edmonton Trappers On March 24 2008 Mandalay Baseball Properties sold the 51s franchise to Stevens Baseball Group 4 There were no plans to move the team 5 and talks of building a new stadium to replace the ageing Cashman Field became stagnant 6 7 The Dodgers and the 51s had a rocky relationship during their eight year affiliation The Dodgers were not pleased with Cashman Field which barely met the standards for Triple A baseball It had no weight room or indoor batting cages and it was decrepit compared to other stadiums in the league Citing the inadequacies of Cashman and lack of planning for a replacement Los Angeles decided not to renew their player development contract PDC with Las Vegas after the 2008 season 8 Following the departure of the Los Angeles Dodgers the 51s signed a PDC with the Toronto Blue Jays marking the first time that the 51s were affiliated with an American League club 9 The only time the team finished over 500 with the Blue Jays was in 2012 when Marty Brown led the team to a 79 64 second place finish The Blue Jays ended their affiliation with the 51s after the season In April 2013 the team was purchased by Summerlin Las Vegas Baseball Club LLC a joint venture of The Howard Hughes Corporation and Play Ball Owners Group including investors Steve Mack Bart Wear and Chris Kaempfer with intentions of moving it to a proposed stadium in Summerlin near the Red Rock Resort Spa and Casino 10 The 51s became affiliated with the New York Mets in 2013 when they were the only Triple A team left without an MLB parent 11 They won back to back division titles in 2013 and 2014 under manager Wally Backman but were eliminated in the Pacific Conference championship series on both occasions In 2017 the 51s became one of the first teams to participate in the Copa de la Diversion initiative and for selected games played as the Reyes de Plata Silver Kings The name was a nod to Nevada being the Silver State and a homage to the contribution migrant workers made to the mining industry of Nevada 12 In October 2017 the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority approved a 20 year 80 million naming rights agreement to help pay for the new 150 million 10 000 seat ballpark which opened in 2019 Las Vegas Ballpark located in Summerlin includes 22 suites a center field pool kids zone and several bars 13 Construction began in 2018 and was completed for the 2019 season 14 In late 2017 the Mets announced plans to move its Triple A affiliation to the Syracuse Mets beginning in 2019 meaning the 51s would be in need of a new major league affiliate 15 Las Vegas Aviators 2019 present edit nbsp Zack Gelof playing for the Aviators in 2023 Following the conclusion of the 2018 season Las Vegas signed a two year PDC with the Oakland Athletics that runs through 2020 16 In addition to having a new major league affiliate in 2019 and playing in a new ballpark the team also changed its name to the Las Vegas Aviators The name is in reference to aviation pioneer Howard Hughes The team s new logo depicts a pilot wearing a flight helmet and utilizes their new color scheme of navy blue orange tangerine gold yellow and gray 1 Their first home game at Las Vegas Ballpark was a 10 2 win against the Sacramento River Cats on April 9 before a sellout crowd of 11 036 17 18 Las Vegas secured the win with a five run second inning in which Skye Bolt scored the winning run when he came home on a fielding error 18 Aviators pitchers Chris Bassitt and Daniel Mengden combined to strikeout 14 Sacramento batters 18 The start of the 2020 season was postponed due to the COVID 19 pandemic before ultimately being cancelled on June 30 19 20 With the 2021 Major League Baseball restructuring of Minor League Baseball the Aviators were organized into the Triple A West 21 Las Vegas ended the season in third place in the Western Division with a 62 58 record 22 No playoffs were held to determine a league champion instead the team with the best regular season record was declared the winner 23 However 10 games that had been postponed from the start of the season were reinserted into the schedule as a postseason tournament called the Triple A Final Stretch in which all 30 Triple A clubs competed for the highest winning percentage 23 Las Vegas finished the tournament tied for 13th place with a 3 3 record 24 In 2022 the Triple A West became known as the Pacific Coast League the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization 25 Season by season records editTable key League The team s final position in the league standings Division The team s final position in the divisional standings GB Games behind the team that finished in first place in the division that season Class champions 1983 present League champions 1983 present Conference champions 1998 2020 Division champions 1983 present Postseason berth 1983 1997 Season by season records Season League Regular season Postseason MLB affiliate Ref Record Win League Division GB Record Win Result 1983 PCL 83 60 580 2nd 2nd 2 2 3 400 Won First Half Southern Division titleLost Southern Division title vs Albuquerque Dukes 3 2 26 San Diego Padres 27 1984 PCL 71 65 522 3rd 2nd 14 1 3 250 Won First Half Southern Division titleLost Southern Division title vs Hawaii Islanders 3 1 28 San Diego Padres 29 1985 PCL 65 79 451 10th 5th 19 1 2 San Diego Padres 30 1986 PCL 80 62 563 3rd 2nd 1 6 4 600 Won Second Half Southern Division titleWon Southern Division title vs Phoenix Firebirds 3 2Won PCL championship vs Vancouver Canadians 3 2 31 San Diego Padres 32 1987 PCL 69 73 486 7th 4th 8 0 3 000 Won Second Half Southern Division titleLost Southern Division title vs Albuquerque Dukes 3 0 33 San Diego Padres 34 1988 PCL 74 66 529 4th 2nd 11 6 1 857 Won First Half Southern Division titleWon Southern Division title vs Albuquerque Dukes 3 0Won PCL championship vs Vancouver Canadians 3 1 35 San Diego Padres 36 1989 PCL 74 69 517 4th 3rd 6 1 2 San Diego Padres 37 1990 PCL 58 86 403 9th tie 5th 34 San Diego Padres 38 1991 PCL 65 75 464 8th 5th 16 San Diego Padres 39 1992 PCL 74 70 514 5th 2nd 11 1 2 2 3 400 Won First Half Southern Division titleLost Southern Division title vs Colorado Springs Sky Sox 3 2 40 San Diego Padres 41 1993 PCL 58 85 406 10th 5th 25 San Diego Padres 42 1994 PCL 56 87 392 10th 5th 29 San Diego Padres 43 1995 PCL 61 83 424 9th 5th 26 1 2 San Diego Padres 44 1996 PCL 73 67 521 3rd tie 1st 0 3 000 Won Second Half Southern Division titleLost Southern Division title vs Phoenix Firebirds 3 0 45 San Diego Padres 46 1997 PCL 56 85 397 10th 5th 31 San Diego Padres 47 1998 PCL 70 72 493 11th 3rd 10 1 2 San Diego Padres 48 1999 PCL 67 75 472 11th 3rd 6 1 2 San Diego Padres 49 2000 PCL 73 70 510 7th 2nd 16 1 2 San Diego Padres 50 2001 PCL 68 76 472 11th 3rd 7 Los Angeles Dodgers 51 2002 PCL 85 59 590 1st 1st 1 3 250 Won Pacific Conference Southern Division titleLost Pacific Conference title vs Edmonton Trappers 3 1 52 Los Angeles Dodgers 53 2003 PCL 76 66 535 3rd 2nd 15 Los Angeles Dodgers 54 2004 PCL 67 76 469 11th 3rd 11 1 2 Los Angeles Dodgers 55 2005 PCL 57 86 399 16th 4th 22 1 2 Los Angeles Dodgers 56 2006 PCL 67 77 465 12th 3rd 24 Los Angeles Dodgers 57 2007 PCL 67 77 465 13th 4th 17 Los Angeles Dodgers 58 2008 PCL 74 69 517 7th 2nd 8 1 2 Los Angeles Dodgers 59 2009 PCL 71 73 493 10th tie 3rd tie 15 1 2 Toronto Blue Jays 60 2010 PCL 66 78 458 12th 4th 13 Toronto Blue Jays 61 2011 PCL 71 73 493 6th tie 2nd 17 Toronto Blue Jays 62 2012 PCL 79 64 552 5th 2nd 6 1 2 Toronto Blue Jays 63 2013 PCL 81 63 563 2nd 1st 1 3 250 Won Pacific Conference Southern Division titleLost Pacific Conference title vs Salt Lake Bees 3 1 New York Mets 64 2014 PCL 81 63 563 1st tie 1st 1 3 250 Won Pacific Conference Southern Division titleLost Pacific Conference title vs Reno Aces 3 1 New York Mets 65 2015 PCL 77 67 535 7th 2nd 1 New York Mets 66 2016 PCL 70 74 486 10th tie 3rd 3 1 2 New York Mets 67 2017 PCL 56 86 394 16th 4th 17 New York Mets 68 2018 PCL 71 69 507 9th 3rd 11 1 2 New York Mets 69 2019 PCL 83 57 593 2nd 1st 2 3 400 Won Pacific Conference Southern Division titleLost Pacific Conference title vs Sacramento River Cats 3 2 Oakland Athletics 70 2020 PCL Season cancelled COVID 19 pandemic 20 Oakland Athletics 71 2021 AAAW 62 58 517 4th 3rd 11 3 3 500 Lost series vs Oklahoma City Dodgers 3 2Won series vs Reno Aces 1 0Placed 13th tie in the Triple A Final Stretch 24 Oakland Athletics 22 2022 PCL 71 79 473 7th 3rd 15 Oakland Athletics 72 2023 PCL 75 74 503 5th 3rd 12 1 2 Oakland Athletics 73 Totals 2 802 2 893 492 25 35 417 Media editThe Las Vegas Aviators are covered by Las Vegas two daily newspapers the Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Every Aviators game is broadcast by KRLV 920 AM with Russ Langer as the broadcast s play by play man Several prominent sports radio and television personalities made their start as broadcaster for the Stars and 51s most notably Fox Sports Colin Cowherd Broadcasters edit Bob Blum 1985 2005 Dick Calvert 1983 Colin Cowherd 1987 1988 Joe Hawk 1983 Ken Korach 1989 1995 Russ Langer 2000 present Tim Neverett 1996 2003 2005 2006 Paul Olden 1984 1987 Jerry Reuss 1994 1995 1999 2005 present Jon Sandler 1993 1999 Dom Valentino 1983 1985 1987 1989 Rich Waltz 1990 1992 Roster editLas Vegas Aviators rostervte Players Coaches Other Pitchers 26 Osvaldo Bido 38 Aaron Brooks 40 Danis Correa 33 Joey Estes 44 Tyler Ferguson 22 Hogan Harris 34 Zach Jackson 67 Easton Lucas 47 Gerson Moreno 48 Vinny Nittoli 14 Jack O Loughlin 45 Michel Otanez 46 Francisco Perez 54 Gerardo Reyes 80 Domingo Robles nbsp 19 Drew Steckenrider 36 Billy Sullivan Catchers 6 Yohel Pozo 29 Carlos Perez 21 Tyler Soderstrom Infielders 28 Armando Alvarez 8 Logan Davidson 13 Jordan Diaz 23 Brett Harris 17 Drew Lugbauer 7 Max Muncy Outfielders 11 Lazaro Armenteros 10 Daz Cameron 0 Hoy Park 27 Stephen Piscotty 12 Max Schuemann Manager 39 Fran Riordan Coaches 41 Bryan Corey pitching 24 Brian McArn hitting nbsp 7 day injured list On Oakland Athletics 40 man roster Development list Rehab assignment Reserve list Restricted list Suspended list Temporarily inactive list Roster updated April 1 2024 Transactions More rosters MiLB Pacific Coast League Oakland Athletics minor league playersAward winners editPCL MVP edit 1983 Kevin McReynolds 1986 Tim Pyznarski 1988 Sandy Alomar Jr 1989 Sandy Alomar Jr 2001 Phil Hiatt 2009 Randy Ruiz 2010 J P Arencibia PCL Rookie of the Year edit 2017 Amed Rosario PCL Manager of the Year edit 2002 Brad Mills 2014 Wally Backman 2019 Fran Riordan 2023 Fran Riordan PCL Executive of the Year edit 1992 Don Logan 1998 Don Logan 2018 Don LoganNotable alumni editRoberto Alomar Sandy Alomar Jr Pete Alonso Carlos Baerga Bruce Bochy Larry Bowa manager Jolbert Cabrera Chin Feng Chen Michael Conforto David Cooper Joey Cora Ike Davis Cody Decker Jacob deGrom Edwin Encarnacion Andre Ethier Wilmer Flores Eric Gagne Nomar Garciaparra rehab Ozzie Guillen Robert Gsellman Tony Gwynn D J Houlton Edwin Jackson Matt Kemp Ty Kelly John Kruk Seth Lugo Russell Martin Gary Matthews Jr Steven Matz Kevin McReynolds Brad Mills Manager Norihiro Nakamura T J Rivera Amed Rosario Cody Ross David Ross Jerry Royster Manager Benito Santiago Dominic Smith Noah Syndergaard Joe Thurston Kevin Towers General Manager Shane Victorino Jayson Werth Zack Wheeler Steve Yeager hitting coach References edit a b Hill Benjamin December 8 2018 Cleared for liftoff Aviators take flight MiLB com MLB Advanced Media Retrieved December 9 2018 Las Vegas Aviators Nickname amp Logo Information AviatorsLV com MLB Advanced Media Retrieved October 12 2019 Athletics Communications Department December 15 2020 Fran Riordan Returns as Aviators Manager in 2021 Minor League Baseball Retrieved July 4 2021 Gemma Jim Stevens Baseball Group New Owner of Las Vegas 51s Las Vegas 51s March 24 2008 Retrieved March 28 2008 Gemma Jim Mandalay Baseball Transacts More Business Sells Las Vegas 51s Franchise Las Vegas 51s October 31 2007 Retrieved September 27 2008 Anderson Mark Logan lobbies for new stadium Las Vegas Review Journal July 11 2001 Retrieved September 27 2008 Iole Kevin Dodgers threaten to quit 51s Las Vegas Review Journal July 2 2003 Retrieved September 27 2008 Dewey Todd September 19 2008 Bye bye Blue Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved June 30 2011 Dewey Todd September 21 2008 Las Vegas Toronto birds of a feather Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved June 30 2011 Brewer Ray May 20 2013 Some Pacific Coast League stadiums will be tough for proposed Summerlin project to match Las Vegas Sun Retrieved March 15 2015 Harrington Mike Bisons Blue Jays start talking affiliation deal The Buffalo News Retrieved September 17 2012 Las Vegas Reyes de Plata Copa Branding milbcopa mlblogs com March 20 2018 Kraft Alex October 10 2017 Report 51s to move into new ballpark in 2019 milb com Retrieved October 10 2017 Construction rolling on Las Vegas 51s new ballpark in Summerlin April 16 2018 Dixon Marvin Clemons and Amber Mets to leave Las Vegas 51s after 18 season but bigger deal is stadium vote Tuesday A s Announce Partnership with Las Vegas 51s Major League Baseball September 17 2018 Jesse Granger August 2 2018 1st Game at New Las Vegas Ballpark Set for April 9 Las Vegas Sun Retrieved September 13 2018 a b c River Cats vs Aviators Box Score 04 09 19 Minor League Baseball April 9 2019 Retrieved April 10 2019 A Message From Pat O Conner Minor League Baseball March 13 2020 Retrieved May 5 2020 a b 2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved Minor League Baseball June 30 2020 Retrieved July 1 2020 Mayo Jonathan February 12 2021 MLB Announces New Minors Teams Leagues Major League Baseball Retrieved February 12 2021 a b 2021 Triple A West Standings Minor League Baseball Retrieved October 5 2021 a b MiLB Announces Triple A Final Stretch for 2021 Minor League Baseball July 14 2021 Retrieved July 16 2021 a b 2021 Triple A Final Stretch Standings Minor League Baseball Retrieved October 5 2021 Historical League Names to Return in 2022 Minor League Baseball March 16 2022 Retrieved March 16 2022 1983 Pacific Coast League Standings Stats Crew Retrieved May 30 2020 1983 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1984 Pacific Coast League Standings Stats Crew Retrieved May 30 2020 1984 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1985 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1986 Pacific Coast League Standings Stats Crew Retrieved May 30 2020 1986 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1987 Pacific Coast League Standings Stats Crew Retrieved May 30 2020 1987 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1988 Pacific Coast League Standings Stats Crew Retrieved May 30 2020 1988 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1989 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1990 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1991 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1992 Pacific Coast League Standings Stats Crew Retrieved May 30 2020 1992 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1993 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1994 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1995 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1996 Pacific Coast League Standings Stats Crew Retrieved May 30 2020 1996 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1997 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1998 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 1999 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2000 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2001 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2002 Pacific Coast League Standings Stats Crew Retrieved May 30 2020 2002 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2003 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2004 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2005 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2006 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2007 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2008 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2009 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2010 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2011 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2012 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2013 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2014 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2015 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2016 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2017 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2018 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2019 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved May 30 2020 2020 Schedule PDF Nashville Sounds Minor League Baseball Archived PDF from the original on August 5 2020 Retrieved August 5 2020 2022 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Retrieved September 29 2022 2023 Pacific Coast League Baseball Reference Sports Reference Archived from the original on September 28 2023 Retrieved September 28 2023 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Las Vegas Aviators Official website Statistics from Baseball Reference Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Las Vegas Aviators amp oldid 1220507417, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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