The TOTS of yesteryear

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Forty years ago, the men in the photo ruled the roost, so to speak; they did what the 2023 version of the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers do now: they entered the field of play every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. When the fellas in the photo played the game, the TOTS' home field was at Himmel Park, just a few hundred yards south of the intersection of Tucson Blvd. and Speedway Blvd.

If you walk your dog through Himmel Park and come across a slightly elevated area directly south of the library, you might hear an echo or two or voices from the past: "Come on, Willie! Where's your helmet? That's STRIKE ONE!"

The players at Udall Park, the current home of the TOTS, play America's Favorite Pastime three days a week, 12 months a year. The players of old did the same, only their names were different: Joe Tappero, Bert Hough, Walt Richmond, and one of my favorite names, Charlie Catuna. (There must be a nickname in there somewhere.)

If the TOTS above were alive today, they'd all be in or near the triple digits of their lifetime.

Instead, they are in the heavenly stands above, looking down on Udall Park and enjoying the play of the current TOTS while critiquing their game, no less.

They may question themselves as Reed Palmer, 67, steps to the plate and homers, high above the trees, just inside the first base foul pole. "Hey, Charlie Catuna, did we ever hit the ball that far?"

"That's only fitting," said Joe. "It's his birthday today. He's hit over 100 home runs!"

"The pitching is faster, said Walt. "That young man, Ernesto. He must be a Pirate fan. He always dresses in black. He mowed 'em down the other day, a shutout!"