75-year-old hurls his way to a TOTS' win

TOTS Senior Baseball Network (TSBN)

60-and-over-baseball

Seventy-five-year old Robert Royer had everything going his way today in a 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) baseball game at Udall Park.

There are four TOTS' pitchers out of a dozen or so who throw regularly for the senior-citizen ball club that can throw the "slow ball" to perfection. The four -- Billy Heiny (83),  Joe Aparicio (79), Archie Burke (80) and Royer -- can flat out frustrate the opposing hitters.

When they come out of the bullpen and head for the mound, the TOTS' power hitters cringe.  More times than not the "Four Musketeers" (a new club nickname for the foursome) will figure out a way to pull off a win.

By the time the TOTS' big hitters get their timing down, the game is over and one of the "Four Musketeers" will add a "W" to their individual TOTS' pitching record.

That's what occurred today as Royer, a former Nuclear Engineer,  didn't strike out a batter, walked just two, and allowed seven meaningless hits en route to a 12-1 victory for Team Blue over Team White.

Royer (above photo) certainly "engineered" his way to a win today as he allowed one lone run -- and the run was unearned.

Of course, the "Four Musketeers" count heavily on their defense to keep them out of trouble when they pitch and they are the first ones to acknowledge their teammates when a great play is made.

Royer had plenty of help today in that regard as center fielder Dennis Crowley flagged down a hand full of hard hit balls, while right fielder Denny Leonard and second baseman Jerry Smarik made a couple of dazzling one-handed catches.

As for Royer, he may just take a week off after his gem today. Bob and his wife, Elaine, head for Southern California on Saturday to start a week-long vacation. "Yep, gonna take a little time off after this one," Royer said, after the game.

Royer said his performance today may have been his best since joining the TOTS in 2004. "A couple of years ago, I did have a 9-0 shutout. I do remember that one."

As for the "big" TOTS' hitters, they just as soon Bob stay on vacation for a couple of weeks.