Palmer knocks in 9 runs in 17-0 win

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Reed Palmer, 60, hit two grand-slam home runs and drove in a total of nine runs today at Udall Park as Team White demolished Team Blue, 17-0, in a 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers game.

To say Palmer is on a hot streak at the plate is understated things a bit. Last month, the 6-4, left-handed power hitter knocked in 15 runs, and here we are just six games into the month of November and he's already surpassed his October runs-batted-in total. Palmer hit a grand slam homer last Wednesday and now has three for the month. He went 4 for 4 today and played error less ball at shortstop.

According to 91-year-old Floyd Lance, who keeps the daily, monthly and yearly stats for the TOTS, today was a record-setting performance.  "That has to be a record, two grand slams in one game and three in one month. That's unheard of."

It's been decades since the 48-year-old organization has had such a prolific power hitter. The TOTS' defenders -- both in the infield and the outfield -- have tried every shift imaginable to keep the "young gun" off the bases, but to no avail.  If he isn't sending the ball over the fence, he's unleashing liners just inside the first base line or drilling doubles to the gap in right-center field.

Team White scored in every inning today, except for the second and third. In the second inning, Team Blue recorded a triple play and in the third they kept Team White from scoring, thanks to an inning-ending double play. The first, fourth, fifth and sixth belonged to Team White and specifically, Mr. Palmer.

In a side note, it's been a while since the TOTS have recorded a triple play. It's hard enough to get one out in a 60-and-over baseball game, much less a triple play. With runners on first and second, Joe "say it ain't so, Joe" Aparicio hit a line drive to Team Blue first baseman Jesse Ochoa, who threw to shortstop Tim Tolson to double up Dick Ducklow, who couldn't get back to second base. Then, Tolson tagged Leon Glasshoffer, who was caught in "no man's land" between first and second.

As for the 82-year-old Aparicio, his teammates in the dugout are ready to change his nickname. The nickname Aparcio has owned over the years is a bit too long. His new moniker: Joe "Tres" Aparicio, in honor of his ability to hit into triple plays.

Way to go, Mr. Palmer. As for Joe. Say it ain't so, Joe!

Photos: (top) Reed Palmer, (bottom) Joe "Tres" Aparicio