Wildcats have a tester left, and can't afford a loss at ASU

I know it is only Tuesday morning and there's a lot of practice sessions for Coach Sean Miller and the Arizona Wildcats before they leave for Sunday's encounter with Arizona State. The 'Cats will be well rested and will be able to add Jordin Mayes to the mix for this one, but they need that 22nd win badly. The 'Cats came up with a much needed sweep over the Trojans and the Bruins this past week and it has been well documented a loss to either team would have put a serious dent in the team’s NCAA Tournament hopes, but Arizona got it done and now has one last test against a very down Arizona State program.

We all know that no game in college basketball is set in stone as far as a winner is concerned. Arizona can’t afford an upset in its final regular season game. Win No. 22 is a MUST!

Wildcats take on Harvard this Friday at Hi Corbett Field

The Arizona baseball team will take a 5-2 record into this week's action. The Wildcats face Harvard in a three-game series at Hi Corbett Field, beginning with a 6 p.m. game on Friday night.

My man, Johnny Field, is still living up to that name of his. Field, with seven games in the books, is batting .435 (10for23) with three doubles and a triple. He has also scored seven runs, walked eight times and has been hit by a pitch. Teammate Robert Refsnyder has a slight edge on him as the 'Cats head into the Harvard series. Refsynder is 13 for 29 which adds up to a healthy .448 average. Refsynder has scored nine runs to date, while banging out three doubles and two triples.

Quite a pair of young Wildcats in the middle of the lineup. In the RBI department, Refsnyder holds a slight edge over Field, seven runs to five.

Go, Wildcats!

McIlroy goes for No.1 ranking this afternoon at WGC Accenture Championship

It'll be Rory Mcllory going for the No.1 World Ranking this afternoon at the WGC Accenture Matchplay Golf Championship. Mcllory bested Lee Westwood this morning, 3 and 1, while Hunter Mahan got by Mark Wilson, 2 and 1, in the other semi final. A Sunny afternoon in store for the golfers and maybe some wind. Should be a good one.

Golf Update: Mahan wins the championship this afternoon with a 2 and 1 victory over Mcllory. Wilson grabs third place with a 1-up win over Westwood.

Sifting through some old papers, I found...

From the desk of Dan Price

Back in my sports reporting days in Gilbert, Arizona, I ran across an old pro now and then, and the individuals usually made for some good print. Gilbert, per capita, is the home of many a pro athlete. I even did a story on that bit of information back in the mid-1990s.

At any rate, my mother is presently in a care home, and I'm in the process of sifting through papers at the old house with the help of other members of the family and long-time friends who have volunteered their time and are helping clean up the house I grew up in. When I first started writing, my mother set out to save every article I wrote. Yesterday, I ran across an article entitled GILBERT RESIDENT REMEMBERS LIFE IN THE BIG LEAGUES. For those old, old Giants fans out there, take a look at the following (which is cut down a bit to save some space):

Baseball fans will curl up on the sofa or ease into their favorite chair this week, press the remote control button, and witness another World Series. A true die-hard fan dreams of playing in the Major Leagues. But the fantasy fades quickly, and we are content setting comfortably ten feet away from the "tube" and watching our heroes do battle.

For local Gilbert resident Greg Minton, the dream did come true. Minton made it to the "show" as a rookie relief pitcher in 1975 and, before he was done -- hurled his way through fifteen major league seasons. Looking back on his career, Minton remembers, "I was a lucky man. I just happened to throw a 94 MPH fastball, and most of the time, I didn't know where it was going. But, fortunately, the opposing batters weren't sure either."

Minton, now 42 and a Gilbert resident since 1987, spent six years in the minor leagues, and at the age of 24, the young righthander finally got his call -- Candlestick Park and the San Francisco Giants. Greg played for the Giants till 1987 and finished his career with the California Angels before retiring in 1990.

"I still remember the day I retired," said Minton. "I walked up to Angel manager Doug Rader in the dugout and told him I was through. I packed my belongings, got in my car, and headed for Gilbert."

So on that day in 1990, it ended. Minton had thrown 1,130 innings, pitched in 710 games, and recorded 150 saves (good enough to place him 27th on the all-time saves list). However, the prolonged seasons had taken their toll on Minton's 6'1", 180 lb. frames. The hard-throwing reliever suffered through three elbow, three shoulders, and four knee operations. Minton's best season was 1982. Greg recorded 30 saves (1 more than Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers), pitched 123 innings, and finished fourth in the coveted Cy Young voting -- the prestigious award honoring the top pitcher of the year. His efforts placed him on the 1982 National League All-Star roster. The game was held in Montreal and the first All-Star game to be played outside the United States.

"I remember Tommy Lasorda (the Dodgers' great manager) telling me to take the mound in the 8th inning. It was a thrill. I pitched to three batters before being pulled in the 9th inning," said Minton. "I was so pumped up with excitement, I hardly remember being out there."

(Actually, the National League won 4-1, and Minton came away unscathed after facing All-Star Lance Parrish, Ben Oglivie, and Rickey Henderson.)

The years in the majors have left Minton with many stories to tell. One of his favorite flashbacks occurred during his early days with the Giants, centered around the great Hall of Famer Wille McCovey (521 home runs, tied for 10th all-time). "I had the pleasure of playing with many great players over the years, and McCovey was one classy individual," states Minton.

Still a nervous rookie, Minton sorted his gear in the Giant locker room and discovered he had two black baseball shoes. But, unfortunately, the young pitcher needed help. Minton found out rather quickly that the Giants only took the field in white shoes.

The next day Minton found two pairs of white shoes in his locker. Willie had taken it upon himself to drive to town, purchase the much-needed items, return to the stadium, and place the shoes inside Greg's locker. Minton opened his locker and found his new shoes -- correct size and all. McCovey walked by, looked down at the youngster, and said, "Now you're ready to play ball."

The stories are endless. Minton recalls his first pitching assignment in Yankee stadium. "That put a lump in my throat," said Minton. "Mickey Mantle was my favorite player growing up, and I was in awe of the surroundings."

Six years have gone by since Minton stepped foot onto Yankee Stadium. Three years have passed since he handed his last baseball to the Angel manager in Anaheim. But the memories will linger for a long time to come.

Minton is now content -- giving back all the baseball knowledge he has accumulated over the years to the kids in the Gilbert area. Greg coaches Little League and constantly works in other children-orientated events in the area. Minton is now a successful real estate agent, and his wife, Brenda, are also part owners of Julia Renn's Dance and Performing Arts Center in Tempe.

Footnote: See also Bookemdanosports blog spot entitled Willie McCovey...a class act from July 31, 2009, or go to the top left corner of my profile page, type in Willie McCovey or Greg Minton...and then scroll down.

Looks like one American will make it to the WGC-Accenture title match

Hunter Mahan and Mark Wilson, both Americans, will square off tomorrow morning at the WGC-Accenture -- one will survive and face the winner of the European showdown between Lee Westwood and Rory Mcllroy.

All four survived Day 4 and it should be a great day for golf on Sunday at Dove Mountain. By the time the sun sets tomorrow, we should have a winner for 2012. If you go take some sun screen. The high tomorrow is expected to reach 79 degrees. It should be fun to be a spectator on Sunday with the ropes down and all -- like the old days when Ben Hogan played the game. Up close and personal for the fans. I've yet to pick a champion at the WGC-Accenture. Let's go with...Wilson and Westwood in the finale...with Wilson winning it all.

Golf Update: (2-26-12) I sure can't pick 'em, the opposite happens. Mahan and Mcllroy in final...and Mahan wins!

Fogg's late surge leads Wildcats to win over Bruins

In the Stands Report by Bookemdano: Kyle Fogg scored 20 points, most of them coming in the second half, as Arizona edges the UCLA Bruins, 65-63, today at McKale Center. The win, No. 21 on the season, means the 'Cats will get a first-round bye in the Pac-12 Tournament. Next up: ASU in the regular-season finale in Tempe. Can't wait for that one! But, for now, congrats Wildcats and enjoy a few days off.

Stricker gone!

My favorites keep falling by the wayside at Dove Mountain this week. First, it is Ernie Els and Tiger Woods, and now Steve Stricker bites the dust with his loss yesterday to Hunter Mahan. And the oldest guy, Miguel Angel Jimenez, is gone as he falls to Rory Mcllroy, 2 and 1.

Of the eight left, we're down to three Americans left at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Matt Kuchar, Mark Wilson and Mahan will take the course today and represent the USA. The European players are certainly tough in match play.

Another high noon showdown

Another high noon showdown on the streets (ahem, the court) of McKale Center.

This time the team hoping to get the draw on the Arizona Wildcats are the UCLA Bruins. As far as the Wildcat fans are concerned, they'd just as soon see the Bruins leave town in a pine box and would love to see -- once the smoke clears off those hometown friendly rims -- the 'Cats head for the saloon (the lockerroom) with their 21st win and, more importantly, their 12th victory of the season in the Pac-12 conference.

The last man (team) standing better be the Wildcats and they better come out firing on all cylinders. The 'Cats wear the white hats, the bad guys, UCLA, will don the blacks hats. Of course, no hats will be worn on the basketball court, but still it has been documented over the years that the cowpoke with the white hat prevails over the gunslinger who touches the brim of his black hat just before he reaches for his pistol. It'll be a shootout today at McKale. The Bruins (16-12 overall, 10-6 Pac-12) could crush the hopes of the Wildcats (20-9, 11-5) in their goal to finish in the top four in the final Pac-12 regular-season standings, thus receiving a bye in the first round of the conference tourney.

Go, Wildcats!

The pleasure of their company

The Tucson Mens Senior Baseball League (TMSBL) has been around a while and many very good ball players have filled the rosters of the 30-and-over and 40-and-over teams. I play in a different league called the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers (TOTS), but I have crossed paths with, played with and against 10 TMSBL Hall of Famers.

All 10 are excellent ball players and it is quite an honor to currently play, and have played over the years with Marc Sewell (inducted 2002),Joe Jimenez (2002), Don Holp (2004), Victor M. Acuna (2006), Bud Warnke (2007), Ernesto Escala (2008), Ozzie Espinoza (2008), Lou Russo (2009), Jesus Felix (2010) and Arnold Mares (2010).

And I'm probably missing the names of a few others. These guys are good! It has been a while since I've seen Warnke. Bud was a teammate of mine on the 1997 Desert Diamond team which won the gold medal in the National Senior Olympics, held at Hi Corbett Field. A heck of a shortstop, Warnke coached at Amphitheater High School for many years. Many of the guys listed above were on the 2010 MSBL World Series team I played on. I enjoyed playing with all of them.

I enjoyed the pleasure of their company.

Wildcats get to 20 wins the hard way!

In the Stands Report by Bookemdano: The USC Trojans did what they had to do to keep it close, but in the end the Arizona Wildcats get win No. 20 tonight at McKale. The Wildcats do it the hard way. With just a 28-24 lead at the half, the 'Cats explode with a 42-point second half and put away the Trojans, 70-54. Kyle Fogg scores 16 points and grabs 12 boards. Josiah Turner scores 15 points and dishes out 6 assists. Wildcats (20-9 overall, 11-5 in Pac-12) need to take care of business on Saturday against UCLA.

The 'Cats need to get off to a good start against the Bruins and finish strong.

Woods, Els ousted at WGC-Accenture

Tiger Woods and Ernie Els were both eliminated in Day 2 at the WGC-Accenture. So, that leaves me with just Steve Stricker left of the three favorites I was picking to make it to the third round. I'll also keep an eye on the oldest fella left in the field, 48-year-old Miguel A. Jimenez (from Spain).

Oh well, how many USA players are left? The answer: Seven.

Aces sweep Tucson south side teams

With a victory (14-5) earlier this month over the Arizona Rattlers, the Aces 60-and-over baseball team made it a sweep of the south side teams in February with a 12-2 win today at Tucson Udall Park over the Old Pueblo Club. Dennis Crowley pitched the first four innings for the Aces and Arnie White hurled the final three as the home team bested the three pitchers from the Old Pueblo Club -- Jose Rios, Doug Mullins and Frank Castillo.

The Aces led 4-1 after two innings, 8-1 after five and finished off Old Pueblo with four more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Eighty-two-year-old Billy Heiny, the oldest player on the field today, provided a key hit in the sixth to help seal the deal. The game was a reunion in part for yours truly and three members of the Old Pueblo Club -- Vic Acuna, 66, Joe Banner (70) and Mullins (67). The four of us played together 15 years ago on the Desert Diamond Senior Olympic team, which won the 1997 baseball championship at Hi Corbett Field.

Desert Diamond knocked off a team from Delaware in the title game. Acuna hit a couple of shots today and scored one of the two runs for Old Pueblo, while Banner grounded into a double play to yours truly to end the game. Sorry, Joe!

Tiger survives... barely

It was a beautiful day at Dove Mountain yesterday. It will be more of the same today...and Tiger survived, barely. A lot of upsets on Day 1, the biggest: the Big Easy and his win over Luke Donald. Jim Furyk goes down, but one of my favorites Steve Stricker moves on to Day 2. Woods, Els, and Stricker are my three favorites to advance to Day 3, but anything goes at the WGC-Accenture.

A lot of players battled those awful creosote bushes yesterday as they found themselves chasing down their errant tee shots. That scenario is a normal occurrence for me -- every time I hit the links, which isn't very often anymore. My set of Cobras are resting in a corner of my garage, gathering dust. The pros make it look so easy and the fans, well they are right their within STRIKIN' distance of the players.

I often visualize myself walking up to the first tee with the crowd awaiting my monstrous drive down the fairway. I take my stance, eye the ball, swing...and then rip a shot off of a poor guy's forehead, followed seconds later by the sound of an ambulance and the paramedics to the rescue.

Will Tiger be gone on Thursday, or here on Sunday?

One of the big questions at Dove Mountain this week: Will Tiger Woods be around for a couple of rounds on Sunday?

Certainly the powers-to-be at the WGC-Accenture hope so. One thing is for sure, there are some great matchups coming up between now and Sunday. Even the 1 vs 64 on Wednesday is a good one. Ernie Els and defending champ Luke Donald. Is Els really a 64? Els from South Africa and Donald from England, should be a great matchup. And how about the four guys from the USA going at it? Steve Stricker, seeded 5th, up against Kevin Na, seeded No. 60, while Dustin Johnson (9) takes on former Arizona Wildcat Jim Furyk, seeded in the 56th spot.

As for Tiger, a 19th seed, he will try his best to eliminate his foe, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (46),from Spain. Tough to predict a winner. They are all good! And with Phil on vacation, the door is certainly wide open.

A simple time...

The Old Days

Long before mortgages, credit cards, a family to raise...long before the word "stress" was a seldom used word, back in the day when the words of the day were "cool" and "groovy" and the most important thing was getting ready for a Friday night at the drive-in theater.

Not too long after the sun disappeared over the top edges of the Tucson Mountains, cars would begin to lineup at the Cactus Drive-In, the young people inside those autos squirming, anticipating...ready to witness their favorite movie stars perform on the wide screen.

Back in the 1960s, movie-watching under the stars was the thing to do, followed hours later with a "cruising" of Johnnies Drive-in, maybe a burger and fries and a coca-cola, and then a squealing of the wheels and a quick getaway to get your date home to her parents before the clock reached midnight.

I passed by the area of 22nd St and Alvernon the other day, thinking of that moment in time, that simple time when the most important thing in life was those six hours on a Friday night, the car radio blaring away with tunes from Dion and the Belmonts, as I motored, with my date sitting next to me, east on 22nd St., heading for the Cactus already thinking of intermission and that quick run to the snack bar for the salty, buttery popcorn and milk duds. The Cactus turned into the DeAnza in 1977 and closed down in 2009, replaced by a handful of businesses -- including another Walgreen's --  covering up the area that was once so important to Tucson teenagers and the young adults who were already married and had a head start on the "family thing"...which meant it was a "must to get there early" for the I Yabba-Dabba Do cartoon or the more hilarious antics of the Road Runner...aka the Wile E. Coyote.

The Road Runner was a quick dude...FAST! Kinda like the last 50 years have been!

Wildcats take first series at Hi Corbett

The Arizona Wildcats won 2 of 3 from North Dakota State at Hi Corbett Field this week as the 2012 baseball season gets underway. My man, Johnny Field, goes 6 for 9 in the three-game series.

Next up: Utah Valley, followed by Auburn, Harvard, UC Davis and Eastern Michigan -- all at Hi Corbett and all to be completed in the next three weeks. A lot of baseball to be played by the Wildcats before they head off to play Rice University on March 13 and 14.

No dazzle in Seattle

It was just too much to ask for. No dazzle in Seattle as the Arizona Wildcats fall to the Washington Huskies today, 79-70. The game was knotted at 39-all thanks to a Josiah Turner layup to start the second half, after that, it was all Huskies the final 19 minutes as the 'Cats were forced to play catch up the rest of the way.

Washington was a hand full with Terrence Ross (25 points) Tony Wroten (22 points) doing most of the damage as the Wildcats fall to 19-9 overall and 10-5 in the Pac-12. Nick Johnson led the Wildcats with 20 points, but most of those came late. In other words, just a little too late.

Come on home, 'Cats. Let's take care of business next week at McKale.

Just once!

Just once could the Arizona basketball team get off to a great start. Just once could the Wildcats roll over Washington with long-range threes, pin-point passes, steals a plenty and a smothering, no-holds-barred defense for 40 minutes. Just once could we, instead of a two-point nail biter, blow by the Washington Huskies on their home court.

Yes, of course, Wildcat fans will settle for an edge-of-your-seat victory, but...just once! Wildcat fans need a big celebration and a collective sigh of relief. Why not now? Go,'Cats!

Here's, Johnny!

As I said in a previous post, Johnny Field has a cool name and it will be interesting to watch the young man play baseball for the Arizona Wildcats. Tonight at Hi Corbett Field, Johnny goes 4 for 4, including two doubles and a triple as Arizona wins its opener 3-1 over North Dakota State. The Wildcats' starting pitcher Kurt Heyer gets the win, allowing just one run in seven innings. A crowd of 4,000 cheered on the 'Cats tonight. Good crowd, good result. Congrats, Wildcats!

Photo: The crowd at the season opener. My grandson, Jadon, was among the throng.

Here they come...

The 64 golfers participating in the 2012 WGC Accenture Golf Tournament should be packing their bags this weekend, preparing for their flight to Tucson.

The official announcement regarding the players and the first-round brackets should be out soon (Saturday, as a matter of fact...Monday final bracket alignment). The Accenture Match Play Championship, which is the first in a series of four World Golf Championships events in 2012, has been played in the Tucson area since 2007 and at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain since 2009.

"The Donald" as in Luke Donald will be here to defend his 2011 title. As for Tiger Woods, it was announced Tuesday that he will be here. As for the weather, sunny and mild for most of the tourney, possible rain showers on the final day.

Let's tee it up!

Thumbs up to all you Caregivers out there

I now have a special admiration for all you Caregivers out there. My better half, Suzy Q, is coming off of hip surgery. The operation was a big success...the Doc did good. But the aftermath, the coming home part...Wow! I'm off the playing field this week and probably next week as well. I've turned into a "Caregiver" and I'm starting to get the hang of it.

At first, I was all thumbs...with my arthritis the way it is in my left and right hand. It's funny, I can play third base, knock down a ball and throw to first, but I can't manage to put on a sock for Sue without some pain of my own. After the mission is accomplished, we both shake our heads. About all we can say afterwards is, "What a pair!" Getting your loved one into bed, or to a comfortable position in the chair or sofa, making of meals (I'm a lousy cook), the quick runs to the medicine cabinet for more pain pills...laundry, taking care of the cats...and other household chores...etc..etc. I can see clearly now, and just simply admire, the people out there who are Caregivers. Hats off to you!

Lavender, Fogg combine for 33 points in 76-72 win over Cougars

The Arizona Wildcats got it done on the road, again!

The 'Cats win their sixth road game of the season -- fifth in Pac-12, with a 76-72 win tonight in Pullman, WA. over the Washington State Cougars. That's 5-0 in a row for the 'Cats as they improve to 19-8 overall, 10-4 in Pac-12 play. Brandon Lavender cans five of seven from three-point land, adds a couple of last-minute free throws and finishes with 17 points, while Kyle Fogg pumps in 16 and hauls in 10 rebounds for a double-double. It was a team effort as Jess Perry nets 14, Solomon Hill 11, Angelo Chol and Josiah Turner chip in eight points apiece as the Wildcats hold off the Cougars and their big man Brock Motum, who scored a game-high 28 points.

Way to go, Wildcats!

The top five athletes I wrote about during their high school days

I thought occurred to me the other day. My readers hate when that happens, but I usually go ahead and document the thought anyway. Back in my newspaper sports reporting days, I had a chance to see, and write about, some of the top Arizona prep athletes -- many of them destined for stardom. I tried to come up with, in my head anyway, my top five of all time. It was difficult. I guess I had the pleasure of sitting on the sidelines, or court side, witnessing my share of young kids who were heading for the big time. So, here goes.

My Top Five:

Adam Archuleta

Terrell Suggs

Todd Heap

Joe Germaine

Mike Bibby

The five have a couple of things in common: They were all high school stars in the mid to late 1990s in the Phoenix area and I was able to fill up page after page about their accomplishments. Adam and Terrell attended the same high school (Chandler High), Todd and Joe were both stars at Mesa Mountain View, while Mr. Bibby attended Shadow Mountain High School. I retired and just missed the opportunity to follow such greats as Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye.

Five wins may be too much to ask for...

Asking for five more wins to end the Arizona Wildcats' regular season may be too much to ask for.

But, no harm in asking. Like UA coach Sean Miller, we'll focus on one at a time. It would be sweet to sweep the Washington schools, today and Saturday. That's a tough ticket. Win 'em both,though, snatch two at home the following week over USC and UCLA...and close out with a victory at ASU...presto,the 'Cats are at 23-8 and 14-4 in the Pac-12. That would be dreamy, but probably unrealistic. If we go that far, might as well win the Pac-12 tournament and sail through the NCAA tourney, all the way to the championship game. What's that...about 32 wins?

Let's back up a bit and settle for a nail-biter over the Washington State Cougars!

Come back, Shane!

Two years ago, I was an assistant volleyball coach at a middle school. The head coach, Amy Burton, usually brought her teenage son along and many times he would assist me with putting up the nets, chasing down bouncing volleyballs, and assisting with drills as I put a group of sixth and seventh graders through a daily practice session. Sometimes, before and after practice, we'd grab a basketball and have a little shoot-around and then follow up with a game of H-O-R-S-E.

The kid was quick, could shoot and had a lot of basketball savvy. The young man said he was going to play in high school...a guard maybe. He couldn't wait for that day to come. Well, that time is now. Shane Burton is a sophomore at Cienega High School. A starting guard on the Bobcats' squad. Shane averaged 12 points a game during the regular season and will lead Cienega tonight against Phoenix Brophy Prep in Phoenix. Game time 7 p.m. Come back, Shane! Come back, with a Division 1 title for the Bobcats.

Shane Update: Shane Burton scores 10 points to lead the Bobcats, but Cienega falls to Brophy, 62-34, last night in Phoenix and were eliminated from the playoffs. Great season, Shane. Your first two years as a Bobcat have been AWESOME!

Johnny has a cool name...

Arizona Baseball

Johnny Field has a cool name for baseball. It'll be interesting to see how the young man does this year as he begins his sophomore season with the Arizona Wildcats. Field, from Las Vegas, Nv., batted .297 last season for the Wildcats, while collected 52 hits and scoring 35 runs. Johnny, who hit three home runs as a freshman, will start in the outfield for the 'Cats.

Go get 'em, Johnny Field. Arizona takes the field, Hi Corbett...that is, on Friday against North Dakota State in its season opener.

Remembering the early years...

On Feb. 14, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the day Arizona became the 48th state in this great nation of ours. On that day in 1912, the sun rose and set over the City of Tucson just like it does today -- but now, of course, with more residents, more buildings, more cars, more schools, more parks...and more cement.

I'm losing my memory somewhat, as I should I suppose, as I creep closer to the age of 67, but this week the statehood celebration has got my mind a twistin', trying desperately to recall my early days in Tucson. My parents moved me here in 1952...something to do with my bronchitis...a move to a warmer climate and a healthier life. We pulled into town in a Nash Rambler. Our first home was near Speedway and Euclid.

I was seven years old. I remember I walked to Roskruge Elementary School. I walked everywhere. I'd venture downtown by myself at the age of 10 or 11. I'd go to the old YMCA and sometimes I'd head into the heart of town...walk along Congress St. and even end up at Woolworth's and with the change in my pocket buy me a cherry coke. I felt safe, secure and enjoyed every moment of the journey. I recall playing Little League at Randolph Park. My jersey had the words Pima County Sheriffs Dept. stenciled across the front. I recall a year later, walking by the front of a drugstore at Broadway and Swan, stopped and watched a man signing autographs and handing out baseballs. It must have been a quiet, balmy day in March. It was during Spring Training and the man was Duke Snider.

I remember my junior high days at Alice Vail, my freshman year at Rincon High, followed by three years at Catalina High School. I remember walking the halls at CHS with Linda Ronstadt, cruising Johnnies Drive-In in my 1954 Chevy and getting in trouble with my parents due to the fact I spent too many hours partying in Sabino Canyon.

Sixty years in this town...sixty years of memories and to my surprise, I can still remember a few of those special moments. Tucson has changed, a million people now spread out all over the valley. I remember my mother trying her hardest to get me involved in something besides baseball. She sent me to the Tucson Boys Chorus (that didn't work), another organization called Junior Assembly where you learn how to hold a fork, a spoon, a knife...and then dance. The first dance I learned was the Foxtrot. That dance didn't stick with me, but the jitterbug did...and girls seem to follow soon after that.

My mom got me a clarinet. I played one tune: The Faith of our Fathers, I think it was called. A few weeks later I threw it in the closet, picked up my baseball bat and glove...and headed out to play. I remember so much more from my teenage years, like seeing the Cleveland Indians play at Hi Corbett, the Embers Lounge, the Ceders, Linda and the Stone Ponies and later in life the Blue Note and the Doll House, a couple of "watering holes", which included some other activities as well of which I won't go into, just in case my mother is reading THIS!

Yes, there's a lot of history in this town of ours and it goes beyond 100 years...way back to the days of Father Kino. My moment in time has been short...but yes, I guess I do have a memory after all.

Congrats, Arizona.

Wildcats got off to a slow, slow start at McKale today

In the Stands Report by Bookemdano: The Arizona fans were restless at McKale Center today as they watched their Wildcats score just 13 points in the first 13 minutes of play against Utah. The Utes couldn't miss and the Wildcats couldn't get much to fall. Utah led at the half 33-25, in other words the Wildcats managed to pour in 12 points in the final seven minutes before intermission. The 'Cats didn't exactly come out firing in the second half, finding themselves down by 12, but along came Brendon Lavender to save the day as he canned four three-pointers midway through the half and the rest of the team followed suit and when it was all said and done, the Wildcats had scored 45 points in the final 20 minutes to beat the Utah Utes, 70-61.

It wasn't pretty and it wasn't easy. Bottom line: The Wildcats are 18-8 and 9-4 in Pac-12 play.

Whew!

Fogg-less beginning leads to a happy ending

In the Stands Report by Bookemdano: Today's game at McKale was a Fogg-less beginning...but a happy ending. I went to the game thinking I'd be able to relax for 40 minutes and watch the Arizona Wildcats win easily, instead I remained on the edge of my seat the entire game. Kyle Fogg enters and eventually clears things up, finishing with 17 points and Brendon Lavender gives the 'Cats a BIG lift with four three-pointers. Nick Johnson led all scorers with 18, while Solomon Hill added 14.

The Wildcats missed 28 shots, but despite those missed shots beats Utah 70-61.

I need a nap!

senior shortcuts for computer users

With the world of texting pretty much passing us oldtimers by, I found the following very humerous. Doug Miller from Carmel, Indiana -- a friend of mine and a current follower on Bookemdanosports -- found these little testing codes for the older set:

* ATD - At the Doctor's
* BFF - Best Friends Funeral
* BTW - Bring the Wheelchair
* BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth
* CBM - Covered by Medicare
* CUATSC - See You at the Senior Center
* DWI - Driving While Incontinent
* FWBB - Friend with Beta Blockers
* FWIW - Forgot Where I Was
* FYI - Found Your Insulin
* GHA - Got Heartburn Again
* IMHO - Is My Hearing-Aid On?
* LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out
* LOL - Living on Lipitor
* LWO - Lawrence Welk's On
* OMMR - On My Massage Recliner
* ROFL...CGU - Rolling on the Floor Laughing...Can't get Up!
* TOT - Texting on Toilet
* TTYL - Talk to You Louder
* WAITT - Who Am I Talking To?
* WTFA - Wet the Furniture Again
* WTP - Where're the Prunes
* WWNO - Walker Wheels Need Oil

Young man sends my fastball flyin'

TOTS BASEBALL


We have a young man playing for us in the Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) Baseball Club who's had a special waiver, so to speak, for this past year. He's 59 years old and turns 60 in August...and will become a TOT legally.

His name is Tim Tolson, the son of the club's Chairman of the Board, so to speak, Brad Tolson (see post from earlier this week entitled "The Quiet Man"). It will be, and is now for that matter, the first father-son combination on the TOTS since the club's inception way back in 1968. Well, to make a long story short, I pitched against him today...and was doing pretty well, until I grooved a pitch to Tim in the 7th inning of a close ball game.

Tim sent my fastball sailing over the center field fence. And to the delight of the crowd I must add. A half-a-dozen members of the Tolson clan were on hand to watch Brad and Tim at work. It is a pleasure to have both gentlemen on the field of play, and as soon as Tim is legally a TOT, I will make sure he's on my team.

Wildcats hold off Colorado

In the Stands Report by Bookemdano: It wasn't looking good midway through the second half at McKale tonight. With just two field goals by the Arizona Wildcats at the 10-minute mark, similar to an eight minute stretch in the first half when they failed to sink a bucket, things changed suddenly as the 'Cats went on a 14-5 run, turning a 39-39 score into a 53-44 advantage. It was just enough of a spurt to send Arizona to a 71-57 Pac-12 win over the Buffaloes.

It was another outstanding performance by Solomon Hill, who put together another double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Jesse Perry was a carbon copy of Hill, netting 17 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Forty-three rebounds by the Wildcats tonight! Kyle Fogg also scored in double figures, finishing with 15 points. Arizona picks up win No. 17 and moves to 8-4 in Pac-12 play.

Way to go, 'Cats!

Aces rattle Rattlers

Super Senior Baseball

The Aces took down the visiting Arizona Rattlers 14-5 in a Super Senior 60-and-over baseball game this morning at Tucson Udall Park.

The Aces and the Rattlers have a history of close ball games, but not today, as the Aces jumped out to a 6-0 lead, after just two innings of play. The Rattlers scored five runs in the top of the fourth to make things interesting, but it was all Aces down the stretch, thanks to some timely hitting by everyone in the lineup -- except ME!

Yep, the slump continues as I go 0-for-3. I reached on a fielder's choice, reached on an error and got caught looking again on a borderline fastball. I did pick up a walk and scored twice, but that was it. My teammates picked me up, though, as Dennis Crowley, Lloyd Barzell, Chico Bigham, Dave Rhoades, Pete Peters, Dick Ducklow, Arnie White, Joe Dinich and John Petrick, all recorded hits. White, who started on the mound for the Aces, picked up the win, while Bigham came on in relief, pitching three scoreless innings.

Aces' Manager Jerry Hamelin was happy with the victory. "The guys played great and we'll see the Rattlers again next month." Aces' coach Floyd Lance added, "It's been a while since we've beat those guys."

Between the lines footnote: 78-year-old Juan S. Martinez handled the catching duties behind the plate today for the Arizona Rattlers. See the Bookemdanosports article written in August of 2009 entitled "The Cardboard Glove". Go to the top left hand corner of my profile page and type in either Juan S. Martinez or "The Cardboard Glove".

Andy Lopez

Could this be the year Andy Lopez leads his Arizona Wildcats back to Omaha and the College World Series? Ranked fifth in the nation, the Wildcats are just a week away from opening day inside the friendly confines of Hi Corbett Field.

Lopez has been around a while and his career stats read: Overall Record: 1,042-647-7 (29 years)
Arizona Record: 355-229-1 (10 years).

The problem has been, getting the troops back to Omaha. Let's hope this is the year. Go, Wildcats!

Diamondbacks

With the Super Bowl safely tucked away, I can now focus with my readers on the Arizona Diamondbacks. My goodness, we are just three weeks away from the first spring training game as the D'backs take on the San Francisco Giants.

Of course, they play up in Phoenix...not here in the Old Pueblo. Darn! I'm still shaking my head over the loss of spring training in Tucson. It looks like the Diamondbacks have bolstered the club a bit with the addition of a starting right-handed pitcher from Oakland (Trevor Cahill) and a left-handed reliever from Minnesota (Craig Breslow). If...and that's a big if, the 2012 regular season opened today the D'backs starting lineup would probably be: Chris Young, Stephen Drew, Upton, Goldschmidt, Montero, Hill, Roberts, Parra, Kennedy. A healthy Drew batting ahead of Upton and Goldy...and Montero, should add some punch to the lineup. And, of course, having Drew back at shortstop for an entire season will help tremendously.

I think the Diamondbacks are looking at a pitching rotation consisting of Kennedy, Hudson, Cahill,Collmenter and Saunders. Not bad! Could be better, I'm not sure what we will get out of Saunders, but he is a scrapper...and a lefty. Can't wait to see Upton and Goldy this season. How about 50 to 60 homers between them, is that possible?

Go, D'backs!

The "Quiet Man"

Sometimes, I make a good throw to first base. Sometimes I don't. But many times when I make a throw from third base in a Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) baseball game at Udall Park, my offering falls into the glove of Pima County Sports Hall of Famer Brad Tolson.

At 82, Tolson, a former pitcher for the University of Arizona (early 1950s),was inducted into the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame in 1997, joining his father, Andy, who was inducted in 1993. Brad was inducted in '97 along with 17 other local sports figures -- including Hi Corbett and Del Urich. Brad is a quiet man, if you ask him a question about the "old days", he'll let you in on those days of old. As I've said in a previous post, the man's swing is anything but quiet. What a sweet swing! I can play another 20 years with the TOTS (if I last that long) and I wouldn't come close to developing such a beautiful cut at the ball. Brad might be a quiet man now, but back in the '50s, he made a lot of noise with his hall-of-fame type play at both Tucson High School and the University of Arizona. Hats off to you, Mr. Tolson. You still got it!

Photo: Brad in TOTS' uniform with his first baseman glove at his side.

Footnote: Calling Brad "The Quiet Man" not only means, in this case, that he is humble and has that swagger about him, but "The Quiet Man" was actually a 1952 oscar-winning movie, directed by John Ford, which starred John Wayne, who played the character Sean Thornton, a retired American boxer who returned to his birthplace in Ireland and fell in love with Mary Kate Danaher, played by Maureen O'Hara. Brad Tolson is the Chairman of the Board, so to speak, on the TOTS. He's my John Wayne.

I find myself in a hitting slump

I've got myself into a hitting slump with the Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) this month. For the month of February, I've batted 10 times with just one hit. That's a bit unusual for me, since I normally maintain a batting average around the .500 to .600 mark. I've hit one hoppers to third base, ground balls to shortstop and pop ups to left field. I even had one at bat when I was called out on strikes for goodness sakes.

I keep looking at my aluminium bat like it is its fault. It's not, it is just an old-fashioned slump. The bat is five years old now and it has lost some of its pop. But with the price of bats these days, I'd better keep the old stick. I'm gonna have to break out a couple of wooden bats out of my bag this Sunday when I practice with the over-40 group. I still have a few games this week to break out of the slump.

I really need my hittin' shoes on this Thursday when the Arizona Rattlers from the southside pay us a visit. Of course, when you're in a hitting slump bad things happen. Yesterday, I hit the hardest ball I hit all week -- a line shot down the first base line. It just so happened that Jeff Helzel, who stands 6-foot-3 and played in the minor leagues as a first-sacker a long time ago, snagged the ball right out of the sky. The ball was heading for the right field corner! And so goes the slump!

Let's call the Wildcats the "Magnificent Seven" after last week's two road wins

Bookemdano will refer to the Arizona Wildcats as the "Magnificent Seven" this week due to their two amazing wins in the Bay Area last week over California and Stanford. With Colorado coming to town on Thursday and the Utah Utes on Saturday, one, or two, or three of the rotating seven will need to step up and lead us to wins 17 and 18, putting a little more of a hold on an NCAA invite, not to mention a good showing at McKale will move us up the Pac-12 standings.

Yul Brynner, portrayed the character Chris in the 1960 movie Magnificent Seven (hard to believe the flick came out 52 years ago), the leader of the pack of good-old-boy gunfighters, each one of them having had a good reason for putting their life on the line as they road in and saved the day for the residents of a Mexican village. It's just the right time for our Wildcat gunslingers to put the ball in the hoop and take it to the Buffaloes and the Utes. The seven: Kyle Fogg, Josiah Turner, Nick Johnson, Solomon Hill, Jesse Perry, Angelo Chol and Brendon Lavender. Go, 'Cats!

Okay, if I have to pick 3

Regarding those commercials last night during the Super Bowl, if I have to pick three I guess I'd go with Eastwood/Chrysler "Halftime in America" as my favorite. The Chevy "End of the World" ad, complete with the falling frogs, as my number two and the Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno got-to-have an Acura NSX as my third choice.

But as I said in my previous post, not too impressed with any of the others. As for the game, it was the Giants' defense and Eli Manning getting it done...and of course the great sideline catch by Mario Manningham was the big play. My prediction, from my previous post stood up, although I did predict a higher score with the Giants winning 31-28 (in overtime).

Still think Madonna was great, even though I'm a Lady Gaga fan. Yes, this old guy loves the tunes and the eye-catching antics from Lady Gaga.

Eli leads Giants to Super Bowl win!

Eli Manning led the New York Giants to the Promised Land at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana tonight. Giants edge the New England Patriots, 21-17, to capture Super Bowl XLVI. Of course, you all (my readers, that is) know that already.

As for the halftime show, I thought Madonna was great! As for the ads...not so good! In fact, I thought they were so bad I'm not going to rate any of them. I guess I'm getting old. There were some I didn't understand and a few of them were simply silly. About the only one worth mentioning was the halftime advertisement which involved Clint Eastwood. The Chrysler commercial "Halftime in America", narrated by Eastwood, was pretty classy.

On the eve of the Super Bowl

I can only imagine what it must be like in downtown Indianapolis tonight. It is the night before the Super Bowl. Party time! If you want to buy a ticket on the secondary market, chances are you'll need to come up with about $3,000 and some change. That is crazy! Heck, I couldn't afford the cab ride from the airport to Lucas Oil Stadium, not to mention the plane fare to get to Indy. As for my prediction, now that doesn't cost anything. The New York Giants win it 31-28 in overtime!

Super Bowl Update: Still have time on this early Sunday morning (2-5-12) to rethink my prediction. I picked New England on Wednesday and changed to the Giants late yesterday. I pick Madonna to win BIG during the halftime show. As for those Super Bowls ads, I'll come up with my top-3 and posts the results on Monday morning.

There's a change a comin' in the Pac-12 race

There's a change a comin' in the Pac-12 race.

The team making all the noise and the big push this week is the Arizona Wildcats. Fresh off a big win over California on Thursday, the Wildcats made it two in a row on the road today with an outstanding defensive effort, which led to a 56-43 victory over the Stanford Cardinal at the Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto. The Wildcats did it again, despite missing free throw, after free throw, while suffering through another game with Solomon Hill in foul trouble.

A 10-0 run by Arizona, with most of those points coming with Hill on the bench, ignited the Wildcats and allowed them to post a 47-39 lead with four minutes remaining in the game. It was all Arizona down the stretch as the Cardinal, hounded by the Wildcats' defense, score just four points the rest of the way. Kyle Fogg finishes with 14 points to lead the Wildcats, while Jesse Perry scores 11, Nick Johnson 10 and Hill ends up with 10 points and 9 rebounds.

Arizona moves to 16-8 and 7-4 in Pac-12 play. Wow!

Look at it this way...

Arizona Wildcats Basketball: Look at it this way. We have no inside game, no Derrick Williams, lost a key reserve, or two, and have two freshmen starting. At times, the shots aren't falling and the 'Cats have had, thus far, a dismal showing at the foul line.

And yet, here we are. The Arizona Wildcats are going for win No. 16 on the season today under the direction of Sean Miller. I'll take Miller anytime. Chances are Miller won't have a voice left by mid afternoon. Sure, we could place our bets and figure the 'Cats will lose a couple of games down the stretch, or we can be a diehard fan and predict the Wildcats will win their remaining games. One thing is for sure, if you're a Wildcat fan, then you're not looking beyond today's game at Stanford.

It could be Sweet Sixteen at Maples Pavilion. It'll be High Noon, Pacific Coast time, when the game gets underway. Every time, I watch that old 1950s Western, Gary Cooper still wins in the end. Cooper's characters were always up for a showdown and so it goes with our Arizona Wildcats!

Plan to join 40-and-over MSBL team

It is a scary move, but I'll attempt to practice Sunday, Feb. 12, with my son Michael as we become, if it all works out, a father-son combo on the Mountain Blackbirds of the 40-and-over Tucson Mens Senior League Baseball (MSBL) team. The season starts in April. Together we are a combined 114 years old!

I plan on playing four games next week with my buddies on the over 60-team to prepare just for the practice. There's a big difference between a 40-year-old and a 66-year-old...when it comes to playing baseball. Actually, I'll be 67 in a few months and it is hard to believe, but my son will turn 48 in November.

Chances are, I won't be a starter...and may turn into the team mascot. But, I'll give it a shot.

Wildcats sizzle at Berkeley

On the road and down by 13 early, the Arizona Wildcats didn't fold at Berkeley tonight.

Instead, they exploded midway through the first half, nailing 14 of 17 shots, as they completed a 24-point turnaround and went to the locker room with a 45-34 lead over the California Golden Bears. The Wildcats, despite foul trouble in the second half -- Josiah Turner and Solomon Hill each with four fouls with 15 minutes left in the game -- held off the Bears down the stretch and left town with a 78-74 Pac-12 win over the Bears.

Kyle Fogg led the first-half charge for the Wildcats, scoring 13 of his team-high 23 points to go along with three rebounds, four assists and two steals. Battling a boisterous, hostile crowd, the Wildcats kept fighting even though the Bears deadlocked the game at 72-all with three minutes remaining on the clock. With 1:16 left, Fogg canned a three pointer to give the 'Cats some breathing room and Jesse Perry added a field goal under the bucket just moments later to keep the three-point lead at 77-74. Perry added a free throw with 10 seconds remaining to complete the scoring.

The Wildcats hit 28 of 51 shots, including 7 of 11 from three-point range. Arizona missed 14 of 29 free throw attempts.

You gotta love it! Way to go, Wildcats!

Could we get some production out of the big fellas?

On paper, the two biggest players on the rosters of the three teams involved in Pac-12 play in the Bay Area this week belong to our own Arizona Wildcats. If you combine their physical stats, Kyle Natyazhko and Alex Jacobson weigh in at 528 pounds and are an inch short of 14 feet!

Could Sean Miller get some productive minutes out of those two behemoths, or will they continue to be spectators and continue to cheer on their teammates from the bench? A few minutes, a few assists, a few rebounds and some points off the bench by the two Wildcats would certainly be a shot in the arm for Arizona's offense. California's biggest starter is 6-9, 210 pound freshman David Kravish and Stanford's big man is senior Josh Owens at 6-8 and 240 pounds. All diehard Wildcats fans know that winning on the road is not easy, but this is the time to get it done.

Go Wildcats!

Four days away!

The Super Bowl is four days away. My mid-week prediction, not that I really care since the two finalist are not my favorite NFL teams, is: New England 28-17...and 35-17 if Rob Gronkowski plays. Of course, it could be closer and the New York Giants could pull off the upset. But at this point, there are no upsets. Isn't that why the NFL is so good. The outcome is in doubt, which is no different than the regular season games. This will be a battle, especially if there are no turnovers by either team. It should be a good one.

The difference makers will be Cruz, Manning, Brady and Welker...if all four play outstanding games it is going to be a barn-burner.