The little bat that could

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Billy Heiny, the second oldest player on the Tucson Old Timers at 89 years of age, came across a new weapon today at Udall Park -- a 28 inch, 19.5 ounce aluminum baseball bat.

The bat appeared out of nowhere and it felt good in the hands of Heiny and he decided to give it a try. In his first plate appearance, he doubled down the first baseline and in his second at bat, he singled to center. Two hits, a run scored and one run batted in as he led Team White to a 13-2 win over Team Blue in a 60-and-over TOTS' game.

Now, there is probably more to the story regarding the sudden appearance of the bat -- who owns it, where it came from, but today it was just a "magic bat" and it appeared out of nowhere. Heiny, who turns 90 in August, now has a new piece of lumber (aluminum, that is) to add to his bat bag.

Heiny, the bat...and the rest of the TOTS will return to action on Friday at Udall. Game time: 10 a.m.

Chances are the "little bat that could" will find its way back into Billy's hands.

Photos: 1) Billy's new bat, 2) the man himself, 89-year-old Billy Heiny.