Introducing Calvert's Photo of the Week

Many Reno Aces fans know me. If you've been to a ballgame, you've probably seen me on the field during pregame, we may have even chatted in the stands. I like to walk around the stadium. There are so many great places to enjoy baseball at Greater Nevada Field.

If we've never met, my name is David Calvert and I've been the Reno Aces team photographer since the club's inception in 2009.

In 11 seasons, I've photographed more than 300 Aces games. I'm very fortunate. There's nothing like going to work at the stadium.

I grew up with a baseball glove under my mattress. And—like almost all of you—gave up the game shortly after swinging through my first real curveball. I played in high school, sort of: I spent more time keeping score than I did on the field.

I never really walked away from baseball though. After a forgettable junior varsity career, I began covering my high school team for the school newspaper and yearbook. I am, fortunately, a better photographer than third baseman. And it's through photography that I actually fell in love with the sport. It's a beautiful game.

Last week, the Reno Aces Front Office asked me about contributing some content to RenoAces.com. I started with an appearance on the Aces Loaded podcast with our new broadcaster, Zack Bayrouty. We talked about Reno and baseball and getting to the park early and so many of the things we all miss right now. Also, a few of my photos from last season. It felt really good. If you haven't listened, Bayrouty is a good interviewer and he's had some good ones with past and present players like Barry Enright, Jon Duplantier and Andy Young. Please subscribe.

So many of my photos never really go anywhere. The Aces can't share everything on social media and as is often the case, sometimes my favorite images just get lost in the feed or often, my archive.

With that in mind, I'm going to write a weekly photo column. Each post will feature a new, old image. And some words.

For my first column, I'd like to share a photo from last season of starting pitcher Braden Shipley on Wolf Pack night (see above). As every Aces fan knows by now, Shipley pitched for Nevada before being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is the club's all-time wins leader (25) and ranks second in innings pitched (394) and strikeouts (292).

One of the great things about the minor leagues is how accessible the players are and what that experience means to young fans. I love seeing the "baseball buddies" take the field with Aces players. And can only imagine what it would've felt like for nine-year-old me to run on the grass and listen to the National Anthem next to a professional athlete like Shipley. Here's to simple times and childhood memories.

I'll be back next week to share more #Aceball memories with you, but for more, give me a follow on Twitter.