51sÕ history loaded with fireworksIn honor of the Fourth of July Fourth of July, Independence Day, or July Fourth, U.S. holiday, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Celebration of it began during the American Revolution. , the Las Vegas 51s The Las Vegas 51s (formerly the Las Vegas Stars) are a minor league baseball team. They are the AAA affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. They play at Cashman Field (capacity 9,334) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The team competes in the Pacific Coast League. shot off fireworks fireworks: see pyrotechnics. fireworks Explosives or combustibles used for display. Of ancient Chinese origin, fireworks evidently developed out of military rockets and explosive missiles and accompanied the spread of military explosives westward to the past two nights at Cashman Field Cashman Field is a stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada owned and operated by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Its primary use is for baseball, and is the home field of the Las Vegas 51s minor league (AAA affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers) baseball team. . The fireworks shows always draw big crowds — even when the 51s arenÕt playing their new cross-state rivals, the rookie Reno Aces. The 51s left town for Fresno so donÕt expect any fireworks at Cashman Field tonight. But the Las Vegas Las Vegas (läs vā`gəs), city (1990 pop. 258,295), seat of Clark co., S Nev.; inc. 1911. It is the largest city in Nevada and the center of one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the United States. franchise has had plenty of explosions on the field in its 27-year history. In keeping with the fireworks theme, here are some of those memorable performances: 14,855 Fans who attended the July 3, 1998, game against the Nashville Sounds The Nashville Sounds are a minor league baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Nashville, Tennessee, and are named for the Country music recording industry of the city. , the biggest crowd to watch a game in franchise history — and a fireworks promotion night. Of the 10 most attended games, nine have come on fireworks promotion nights. 4 Home runs hit by Eddie Williams on April 22, 1998, against Calgary to set a franchise record. His 10 RBIs that day are also a record. Williams, who was part of six big-league organizations and played one season in Japan, retired after his season in Las Vegas. But not without an offensive explosion for the ages. 5 Runs scored by Billy Hall on Sept. 4, 1994, against Calgary in what was one of the best days for any Las Vegas hitter. Hall added a franchise-best six hits and hit for the cycle, one of seven players in the clubÕs history to do so. 11 Consecutive hits in an inning on June 20, 2003, against Edmonton. 13 Runs in an inning on June 10, 2008, against Portland. 21 Largest margin of victory in franchise history. The 51s also set a franchise record with 22 RBIs in a 23-2 victory against Tucson on May 27, 2008. 87 Home runs by first baseman Chin-Feng Chen during his tenure with the 51s. His 298 career RBIs are also a franchise-best, but so are his 426 strikeouts. Chen had 146 minor-league home runs while rising through the DodgersÕ minor league system, but fizzled when he reached the big leagues with no home runs in 22 at-bats over 19 games. 587 At-bats in a season by Joe Thurston in 2002. Thurston, a utility infielder with the St. Louis Cardinals For the National Football League team that played in St. Louis from 1960 to 1987, see . The St. Louis Cardinals (also referred to as "the Cards" or "the Redbirds") are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. , also set a club record for hits (196) and triples (13) in 2002. Like the fireworks nights, Thurston was a fan favorite in playing a record 453 career games in Las Vegas. His 516 career hits are also a record. 1 Inside-the-park home run In baseball parlance, an inside-the-park home run or "leg home run" is a play where a hitter scores a home run without hitting the ball out of play. Discussion To score an inside-the-park home run the player must run, round, and touch all four bases before a fielder tags by John Kruk. While KrukÕs feat isnÕt as impressive as a four-home-run game, his race around the bases on July 13, 1985, was the first of its kind for Las Vegas. And the not-so-physically fit Kruk, now a commentator on ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network , has long been one of the clubÕs most notable alumni. He had a .351 average in 1985 to capture the Pacific Coast LeagueÕs batting title. 6 Home runs given up in one game on July 5, 1998, by Las VegasÕ Brian Tolberg. 25 Home runs allowed in 1999 and 2000 by Buddy Carlyle, the current Atlanta Braves pitcher who has given up 39 home runs in 243 big-league innings over parts of six years. Fireworks shows after games at Cashman Field later this season (Aug. 1 vs. Salt Lake City, Aug. 14 vs. Albuquerque and Aug. 28-29 vs. Reno). 
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