Las Vegas 51s first: Two locals on Triple-A team’s roster

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Thursday, April 7, 2016 | 2 a.m.

Southern Nevada natives Chase Bradford and Paul Sewald have been teammates previously. And, just like when they were 12 years old and playing travel ball for the Diamond Dogs, the Las Vegas 51s pitchers will be staying at their parents’ house this season.

That’s one of the benefits of being the hometown guy playing for Las Vegas’ oldest professional franchise.

This is believed to be the first time the Triple-A 51s, which have been in existence for more than three decades, have had two locals on their roster at the same time. The 51s, the top affiliate of the New York Mets, open the season at 7 p.m. today against the visiting Fresno Grizzlies.

“It’s incredible to have the support both of us have from the baseball community in Las Vegas,” said Sewald, a Bishop Gorman graduate. “It’s a big town, but the baseball community is small. I’m excited to pitch in front of them. ... It’s going to be exciting to come straight to the ballpark daily from home.”

Bradford, who is in his third season with the 51s, still gets excited walking out to the mound at Cashman Field to pitch. It’s a facility he attended games at as a child, and more times than not, family and friends are in the crowd.

When he’s done for the night, he returns back to the Henderson area — staying in the same room as his childhood. It’s a rarity for minor league baseball, where players bounce from city to city with hopes of getting promoted to the big leagues.

“It’s great. I’m not the only hometown hero now,” said Bradford, a Silverado product. “Paul is a great kid. He is a smart guy. He’s got a bright future, too. Awesome to be playing together again on the second highest level of baseball.”

While the comforts of home are nice, both want the stay to be short. They are each eying a spot with the Mets, knowing a few good outings in Las Vegas could translate to a spot in the pennant race with the defending National League champions.

The Mets’ roster is loaded with players who proved themselves in Las Vegas — the likes of Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, Travis d’Arnaud and Jacob deGrom. The Mets are known to have a deep minor league system, frequently dipping into their Triple-A roster to fill spots in New York.

“Two wonderful kids. They both get it,” said Frank Viola, the 51s pitching coach. “They both have a legitimate shot of getting a big league uniform on and soon. Chase has been here the last couple of years, and has had his ups and downs, but his stuff plays in the major leagues if given the opportunity. Paul has come through this program unbelievable. Everywhere he has gone, he has done the job. Both capable of being big leaguers.”

Sewald, 25, was a 10th round selection of the Mets in 2012. He’s quickly progressed through the minor leagues, posting an 11-5 record with an impressive 1.82 earned run average over four seasons to earn his first promotion to Triple-A. He converted 24 of 25 saves last season in Double-A — the best in the Mets system.

“The Mets are going to be in the pennant race. I have to be focused because I know I could be up there,” said Sewald, who is expected to be the Las Vegas closer. “I know they are going to dip down to our team and take a few pitchers. I just want to be pitching my best to have that opportunity.”

Sewald has plenty of memories from his days playing in Las Vegas. He was part of the first Bishop Gorman state championship team in 2006, starting a dynasty where it won seven straight titles and in 2008 the American Legion national championship.

The first state championship came against a familiar opponent — Bradford’s Silverado team. Now, they are teammates again with a common goal of getting to the big leagues.

“I can’t wait to get out there in front of family and friends,” Sewald said.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21