Chico is back!

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Chico is back!


Chico Bigham, 78,  has pitched for the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers for 18 years. Bigham has grabbed the game ball, walked to the mound and toed the rubber for the TOTS since 1999.

The last few years Chico has suffered through his share of shoulder problems. The last time he took the mound in a TOTS game was back in September of 2016.

Well, folks! Like most TOTS, he's recovered and today Chico came on in relief for Team White in the fourth inning at Udall Park and proceeded to strike out the first two batters and coaxed the next batter into a ground out. Chico sailed through the fifth, the sixth and the top of the seventh, allowing Team Blue only one run -- and that was an unearned run.

Team White had trailed 5-0 after three innings, but with Bigham recording goose eggs on the scoreboard, Team White battled back and headed into the bottom of the seventh trailing by only one run, 6-5.

With one out, things got interesting when Team Blue's pitcher, Bob Daliege, nailed Pigpen Price in the back with a curve ball that didn't break. A walk and a hit by Tim Tolson loaded the bases and it looked like Bigham had a shot at a win in relief.

Up stepped Team White's Chuck Sabalos.

Strictly a pull hitter, Sabalos hit a shot foul down the third base line and took the next offering from Daliege high and inside. The next pitch was right down the middle and Sabalos connected -- unfortunately, it was a one hopper back to the mound.

Daliege gloved the ball and threw home for the second out of the inning and catcher Dennis Crowley threw to first base to complete the double play. Daliege took in a deep breath, walked off the mound and ends up with the hard-earned win, while Team Blue ends up on the short end of the scoreboard.

The good news is the TOTS will all be back in action on Monday at Udall. Game time: 9 a.m.

Photos: (top) The man himself, Chico "rubber arm" Bigham; (bottom) a disheartened Chuck Sabalos, after hitting into a double play today to end the game.