Tim Parsons/ Tahoe Onstage file photo
Fan-favorite and the Reno Aces all-time hits leader Ildemaro Vargas was traded Tuesday to the Minnesota Twins, per Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, Reno’s parent club, sent Vargas to Minnesota for cash considerations. He was designated for assignment on Aug. 6 after hitting .150 with three hits in 21 plate appearances this season.
In 314 games from 2016-19, Vargas, 29, ranks first all-time in Aces history with 439 hits, 88 doubles and countless smiles. He is second all-time with 220 runs and 624 total bases.
Whether on the field or in the dugout, Vargas spreads the happiness of a man playing a children’s game. He is apt to interact with not just fans and teammates, he will joke with members on the opposite team.
Nicknamed “El Tigre,” the Venezuela native has played most of his career at shortstop, but he has also sent time at all four infield positions. He has an exceptionally quick glove-to-hand transfer. As a base runner, he’s a head-first slider.
Minnesota leads the American League Central Division at 11-6. The first-place Twins can give Reno’s all-time hits king a change of scenery after six seasons with the Diamondbacks organization.
Arizona is fourth in the National West Division at 7-10. The Diamondbacks loaded infield didn’t offer many opportunities for Vargas this season. Former Reno Ace Andy Young, 26, has three hits in eight at-bats with the Diamondbacks and hit his first career home run against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, Aug. 9.
During his time with the Aces, Vargas would play catch with youngsters before each game, throwing from the field to the stands where he’d find a fan wearing a glove.
—Isaiah Burrows
