Pitch perfect

The Reno Aces start their second season with a four game series against the Fresno Grizzlies beginning on Thursday, April 8. Relief pitcher Clay Zavada played for the Aces’ Major League parent club Arizona Diamondbacks last year before joining the Aces for this season. He’s 25, originally from Streator, Ill., and he sports an impressive old-school Rollie Fingers mustache. For tickets or more information about the Aces, including a complete schedule of games and other upcoming events, visit www.renoaces.com.

How long have you been in Reno now?

Three days, and $500 down.

So besides being down $500, what’s your impression?

Oh, I love it. The mountains! And they got Scheels and Cabela’s and a Sportsman’s Warehouse. They got all the sweet places to look and shop for outdoors [gear] and guns. When you got that, I’m cool.

Are you a big gun guy?

I like guns. I mean, I like hunting, and stuff like that. But Scheels is a great store. I love it. That’s my uncles’ favorite—my two uncles love to hunt and they love guns. I’m pretty pumped about that Scheels. I heard it’s the world’s biggest Scheels.

I’ve heard that, too. I haven’t even been there yet.

No? How long have you been here?

I grew up here. I’ve got no excuse.

Well, geez. I’ll tell you what, you’re missing out.

What’s your prediction for the season?

Well, get ready, come in, get people out, and win some games. That’s what I want to do.

I’ve got to ask you about your mustache, because it’s really stylish. How long you been rocking that?

Since August of ’08.

Do the ladies like it?

I don’t know. I got a girl back home, so … [shrugs].

Good man.