Birthday Boy gets his win

TOTS Senior Baseball Network (TSBN)

60-and-over baseball


Lloyd Barzell turned 63 today.

It was his wish to take the mound today in a 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) baseball game at Udall Park. Barzell, better known as "The Baby Bull" loves to compete and loves to pitch -- especially on his birthday.

Barzell went up against lefty Dennis Crowley, another 63 year old, as Team Blue, Barzell's team, battled Team White, Crowley's team, on a hot, muggy and very sticky Wednesday morning at Udall Park.

Team White got the upper hand early, scoring five runs in the top of the first inning and it looked like Barzell's plan to get a pitching victory on his birthday was fading fast.

Fortunately for him, Team Blue fought back, thanks mainly to a three-run homer over the right field fence in the third inning by 60-year-old teammate Tim Tolson, and by the time the sixth inning rolled around the game was tied at  6-6.

In the bottom of the sixth and final at bat for Team Blue, Denny Leonard, 75,  reached on an error, Jerry Hamelin, 72,  walked and Danny "Pigpen" Price, 68,  singled sharply to right field to load the bases.

So, who do you suppose steps into the batter's box? You guessed it. Barzell steps in and hits a liner to deep left field. Mal Zwolinski, 75,  moves two steps to his left and tries to glove the ball. Unfortunately for Crowley and Team White, the ball bounces to the turf and Barzell gets a walk-off 7-6 win.

Let the celebration begin! Happy Birthday, Lloyd!

TOTS Note: Tolson, who hit the three-run homer, turns 61 on Aug. 30. Tolson is the youngest TOT and even Tim is getting older. As of Friday, the TOTS will no longer have a 60-year-old on the club. Happy Birthday, Tim!