TOTS' Floyd Lance passes away at the age of 98

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

The 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers lost a legend on November 12, 2023, with the passing of Floyd Lance, 98.

Lance was affectionately referred to by members of the amateur baseball organization as Sir Floyd Lance due to his longevity with the club and the fact he was the oldest player to ever take the field as a member of the TOTS.

On his 94th birthday, he batted three times at Udall Park. He faced 6-foot-6 flamethrower Reed Palmer, who at the time was 31 years younger and could throw a fastball with more speed than Floyd's first car, a 1934 Ford.

'Yeah. I entered a church raffle and won the car,' Lance said after the TOTS game that day. 'I was 18 years old.' Lance, a member of the TOTS for over 20 years, was born in Glen Gardner, New Jersey, on September 6, 1925.

Floyd's teammates never got tired of watching the tall, lanky first baseman play his position on the field and take his cuts at the plate. His teammates agreed that watching Floyd step to the plate, adjust his helmet, and take his stance in the batter's box was a real treat.

Whether the next pitch was a ball or a strike, whether the ball dribbled down the third baseline or bounced into the outfield for a sure hit, his teammates would look on in awe. 

Lance played his last official game, both on the field of play and at the plate, during the winter of 2019. He took his familiar position at first base and played the entire game. He batted leadoff in order to get an extra bat or two. His teammates met him at the pitcher's mound following the game and presented him with the game ball, which was autographed by all the players.

During the game, Lance singled to left field in his third at-bat and eventually scored all the way from second base. It was his final run-scored as a TOT and the 976th run of his career with the organization.

Rest in Peace to our TOTS Hall-of-Famer, Sir Floyd Lance.

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