The Carson City Chamber of Commerce gathered its members last week to recognize a figure whose name is synonymous with Nevada baseball. Ron McNutt, who guided the Senators from 1976 to 2004 and returned for a second stint from 2009 to 2014, was selected as the keynote speaker for the organization’s annual meeting.
A Legendary Coach's Return
During his tenure he amassed a 657‑227 record, captured state championships in 1979 and 1992, and mentored a generation of players who would later appear on major‑league fields. His influence extended beyond the diamond, as he founded the Carson Capitals summer squad, one of the West Coast’s most respected amateur teams.
McNutt, accompanied by his wife Terrie, traveled from their home near Boise, Idaho, to accept the honor. The ceremony also brought together former players Bob Ayrault, Charlie Kerfeld and Darrell Rasner, each of whom spoke about the indelible mark their coach left on their lives.
Players Pay Tribute
Ayrault, now a resident of Northern Nevada, recalled the camaraderie of those championship seasons, while Kerfeld, who journeyed from Washington, highlighted the number of athletes McNutt helped place in college and the minor leagues. Rasner, echoing the sentiment, urged young athletes in the region to dream big and pursue those dreams with relentless effort.
The trio of former players used the platform to give back to the community that had supported them, emphasizing the importance of teaching fundamentals and fostering a love for the game. Their messages resonated with a crowd of aspiring baseball participants, many of whom saw in McNutt a role model for dedication and integrity.
Although Matt Williams, known locally as “The Carson Crusher,” was scheduled to appear, he was unable to attend. Nonetheless, the event underscored the enduring connections between coaches, players and the broader Nevada sports landscape.