The final strike

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Striking out is nothing to be ashamed of if you happen to be a member of the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers. Sooner or later, it's going to happen.

It happened to Phil Gordon today at Udall Park in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Gordon and Team White were down 4-3 when the inning started. Team Blue's pitcher Joe Opocensky needed just three outs to pick up a win. Opocensky got the first two outs easy enough, but a double by John Mathews and back-to-back walks to Pigpen Price and Pistol Pete Peters loaded the bases.

Enter Mr. Gordon. The tying run at third and the winning run at second.

Gordon worked the count full. Opocensky needed a strike and Gordon, a pull hitter, needed to lace a single to left field. Opocensky released the final pitch of the game -- a slow tantalizing change-up.

The 64-year-old Gordon was caught looking and Opocensky and Team Blue held on for the win.

"I should have swung," Gordon said, after the game.

The good thing about the TOTS is there's always another game -- another chance to swing. Gordon will be back at the ball park on Friday. Chances are, he'll be swinging away.

Photo: The likeable Phil Gordon. Always smiling even when he strikes out.