Dinich has a good day at Udall

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Joe Dinich, 73, had quite a day at Udall Park today.

Dinich, a member of the TOTS since 2008, has never ventured to the mound. He's been satisfied playing in the outfield and maybe an occasional first base. Dinich spends most of the year in Pennsylvania, but much of the winter and early spring is spent in Tucson.

While in Tucson, Dinich enjoys playing for the TOTS and today he decided to try his luck at pitching. "I've never pitched. Maybe I threw a little in the backyard as a kid," the Pottsville, Pa. native  said, just moments before he was handed the ball and headed for the mound this morning.

So what does Dinich do? He retires the first three batters he faces, pitches into the fourth inning and gets the win as his team -- Team Blue -- cruises to a 20-6 win over Team White.

And that wasn't all! Dinich had a day at the plate -- going 3 for 5, including an inside-the-park homerun. He also drove in five of the 20 runs.

The home run actually ties him with Tim Tolson and Reed Palmer for the club lead in homers. Tolson hit his first of the year today for Team White, while Palmer had a solo blast in January. Of course, Tolson's and Palmer's homers left the ball park, but Dinich is happy to be tied with the big boys.

"My shot rolled all the way to the fence," Dinich said. "It was a long way home."

Dan Lundwall started for Team White and was saddled with the loss. Pigpen Price relieved Lundwall in the fourth, but he also couldn't keep Team Blue off the bases. Along with Dinich, it was Jesse Ochoa who turned out to be a thorn in the side of Team White's pitching staff. Ochoa went 4 for 5 and knocked in a game-high six runs.

Dinich will head home in two weeks and will return to Tucson next winter. He may just try his luck on the mound again when he returns to Tucson and to the TOTS later this year.

After all, the 60-and-over TOTS can always use pitchers.

Photo: Joe Dinich