Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

The Mike & Carla Morning Show

The Mike & Carla Morning Show

The Mike & Carla Morning Show

Las Vegas Aviators To Change Team Name

Author Mike O'Brian
Glove and ball on the field as Las Vegas sets to change team name.

Get ready baseball fans, the Las Vegas Aviators are going to change the team name for one night only! It’s another “What If?” promotional night with the team.

The Mike & Carla Morning Show are huge Aviator fans and are looking forward to this night. The team is having fun this season playing just above 500. Once again, it’s only for one night. Now, the last time they did this, they changed the name to the Las Vegas Gamblers.

Our Las Vegas Aviators To Change Team Name

According to a report from our friends at Channel 3, the name change is set for Friday, Aug. 16 when the team is back at Las Vegas Ball Park. They’ve been on the road for the past week up in Salt Lake City.

The team will face off with Oklahoma City and according to Channel 3, the first 1,500 fans that walk through the gates will get a hookup for comps on merchandise, food, and beverages.

So, you’re going to want to get to the ballpark a little early! It’s always a good time at Las Vegas Ball Park where every seat has a great view, and the vibes are great.

Keep in mind that the last time they did this, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Aviators saw record sales tied to the promotion. In fact, they had to pull some merch off the online store so they had gear to sell at the game!

No telling what will happen next week with this “What If” promotion, but you might want to start shopping now!

Las Vegas is currently in the middle of the pack in the Pacific League West Division at 56-54. 15 games out of first place and they need a nice winning streak if they want to make the playoffs.

Oh, by the way, the name change for next week will be the “Whalers!” As in those gamblers that come to town and gamble with a lot of money! A salute to these big spenders that make this town what it is today!

So, get your tickets now and we will see you at the Las Vegas Ball Park next Friday!

Mike O’Brian is the Program Director and Morning Show host on 96.3 KKLZ in Las Vegas, along with Carla Rea. He has been with the Beasley Media Group for almost 23 years. Mike was named one of the “Best Program Directors In America” by Radio Ink magazine. Over the years, “The Mike & Carla Morning Show” have been presented with a number of proclamations for their work in the community and numerous awards. Having lived in Las Vegas for over 35 years, he writes articles on living in Las Vegas, sports, and odd stories happening within the state of Nevada. Mike is the host of the morning show and program director of 96.3 KKLZ/Las Vegas. He has been doing mornings in Las Vegas for the past 38 years. Over the years, he has hosted a numerous amount of community events and has been the P.A. announcer for a number of sports teams in Las Vegas. He has written on living in Las Vegas, the sports teams here, as well as odd & little-known facts about Las Vegas & Nevada.

Las Vegas Aviators Bat Dog Given Gold Bat For Retirement

The Las Vegas Aviators, Finn the Bat dog, has retired. And what a send off!

Las Vegas Aviators Bat Dog, Finn, Hangs Up His Cleats

I went to the Las Vegas Aviators game Friday night, and I’m happy I did. It was Finn the Bat Dog’s last game. It was nothing less than heartwarming – and a lot of fun.

I saw several of Finn’s first games, as a rookie bat dog, at Cashman Field, with the (then) Las Vegas 51’s. It was quite novel, and fans – especially me – LOVED watching this happy black labrador retriever grab the bat after an at bat, and bring it back to the dugout.

The Las Vegas Aviators are gave out really nice, Finn the Bat Dog jerseys to the first 2000 fans who showed up. And FInn threw out – ok, ran out – the first pitch. And it was perfect. right in the catchers mitt! He also posed with photos with fans, on the field, and off. A very busy night for the bat dog that people grew to love.

Finn joined the club in 2016. He only “worked” a few games. But he became so popular that he started working more games. When the team moved to the new Las Vegas Ballpark Finn moved too.

When the Aviators moved from Cashman Field, Finn was given his own locker room at Las Vegas Ballpark. It had a shower, to keep him cool during those hot summer months, and it also had a TV. Now I don’t know what he watched, but good for him!

Las Vegas Aviators Bat Dog Retires

Finn had another part-time bat dog pal. Lambo worked alongside Finn for a short while, but Lambo has since moved to a permanent bat dog position with the Reno Aces.

Finn and Lambo were both rescues. A big thank you to Trainer Fred Hassen, and his Sit Means Sit Dog Training. He trained both dogs, who are absolutely beautiful dogs – at work and play. I personally a few people who went to the game just to see the bat dog(s).

Finn worked his last game. Often when people retired, the tradition was to give them a gold watch. Finn was given a gold bat. May he enjoy retrieving it – at his leisure – throughout the rest of his retirement!

  • Las Vegas Aviators Finn The Bat Dog

    Finn worked his final game at Las Vegas Ballpark, on Friday, April 19. The Aviators gave him an 11-7 win over The Tacoma Raniers. What a great send off for a beautiful dog!

    Las Vegas Aviators Finn The Bat Dog Retires

    Las Vegas Aviators Finn The Bat Dog Retires

  • Las Vegas Aviators Bat Dog Receives Fancy Retirement Gift

    When many people retired way back when, they were given a gold watch. Finn the Bat Dog was given a beautiful gold bat! Hopefully, he will enjoy it for many years to come – but only when he wants to!

    Las VEgas Aviators Bat Dog Retires

    Las Vegas Aviators Bat Dog Given a Gold Bat For Retirement

  • Las Vegas Aviators Bat Dog On The Big Screen

    Finn, The Las Vegas Aviators Bat Dog, got a lot of screen time for his last game on the field. The crowd of 8000 plus went nuts anytime Finn was on the field. He worked the first couple innings, then slipped into retirement. And hopefully a nice staycation.

    Las Vegas Aviators BAt Dog Retires

    Las Vegas Aviators Bat Dog On The big Screen

  • Las Vegas Aviators Finn The Bat Dog Jersey

    The Las Vegas Aviators gave out really cool commemorative Finn jerseys to the first 2000 people in attendance for Finn’s last game. He’s pictured with a bat in his mouth on the front. the number 24 on the back – for his retirement year.

    Las Vegas Aviators Bat Dog Retires

    Finn The Bat Dog Commemorative Jersey

Let’s be friends! 👍 Follow us on all social media platforms:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kklz963

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kklz963/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kklz963/

Sign Up For The KKLZ Rewind Newsletter

Classic Rock & entertainment news, what's happening in Vegas, exclusive contests, games and more sent right to your inbox.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Mike O'Brian
Category:
Tags:
,,

More 96.3 KKLZ

Load More