Little Joe

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Joe Aparicio, 86, returned to the playing field at Udall Park on Friday and batted three times, his first at bats since last February. Aparicio, who hails from Santa Paula, California, has been a member of the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers since 1998. He's currently in his 23rd season with the organization.

The coronavirus has caused him some concern, which is the main reason Aparicio has been away.

But he's back and taking his cuts. There was a time, back in 2006, when he reached the 100-hit mark for a season, but by the time Little Joe reached his mid 70s the hits were no longer coming in bunches.

In the year 2017, Aparicio reached the 1,000- career hit club with the organization. Little Joe finished 2017 with 39 hits, 22 runs-scored and 22 RBI. Not bad for the "young man" who was 83 years of age at the time. Aparicio's best season was in 2006 when his stat line consisted of 119 hits, 89 runs, 45 RBI and 40 walks to go along with a respectable .344 batting average.

With his appearance on Friday, Aparicio becomes the oldest player to step into the batter's box since the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Little Joe's claim to fame is the fact he has the ability to work his way into a full count and has consistently led the club in walks every year. He's not a favorite for the TOTS' pitchers. Collectively, they all agree. Little Joe has that rare ability to wait you (the pitcher) out and suddenly he has you in  a full count.

Way to go, Little Joe. Keep giving the pitcher fits.

Photos: Joe Aparicio