BAJA softballers ready to rumble

These old guys never stop playing!

BAJA (Born Again Jocks Association) softball players lace up their shoes, put on all their braces, break out the liniment and head for Sahuarita Park three days a week all year long, to enjoy slow-pitch softball as only seniors can play it.

At 10 a.m., the guys — this year, there are two gals playing, as well — line up against the fence, number off to form teams, and then take the field for a couple of hours of fun before retiring to Burger King or Triple Play to grab a bite, quench their thirst, and tell lies about how good they used to be.

All of this is preparation for the upcoming league season, beginning Jan. 4 and running into late March, when a double-elimination tournament wraps up the league.

There are over 100 players anxiously awaiting the Dec. 2 draft, when managers Bob Epstein, Bob Royes, Bob Allen, Jim Mollsen, Andy Lynch, Jim Carr, Mal Perlich, and Marty Camacho, under the direction of softball commissioner Norm Brooks, will select the players who will vie for the league and tournament championships.

Local merchants sponsor these teams, furnishing hats, shirts and equipment to supplement the annual fee each player must pay to play. Names of these merchants will be very evident when game results are reported once the league starts.

There are two leagues: the Recreational League, which plays on Monday and Wednesday with the eight teams mentioned, and the Friday League, which will have three separate teams, also playing January through March.

Some of these BAJA guys have accomplished great things this past year in various tournaments around the country.

Fred Searle, playing for a major 65 year old Denver team, won the Western Team Championship in Salt Lake City and the East-West Championship in Phoenix, before losing in the World Championship.

Bill Cheney, Bill Land, and Mike Iannacchino, playing for Tucson OTD, won the World Championship in the 60-year-old division in Phoenix.

Bob Kelly, playing for a Chicago team in the 65-year-old division, won the Worlds in Phoenix.

Arly Lyons, playing for a Portland, Ore., team, won the Western in Salt Lake in the 70-year-old division.

Dave McKinley, playing with the Tucson Cowboys in the 65AA division, also won in Las Vegas.

Leaving the best for last, Dave Ahner, playing in the major 70-year-old age division with the Phoenix Sidewinders, won the Salt Lake West, the East-West and the World in Phoenix, and the Las Vegas tournament, making him a Triple Crown champion, recognized with the presentation of a championship ring.

BAJA is always most happy to welcome new players into their fold, but time is running out since draft day is nearly here. Any guy or gal interested in learning more can call Brooks at 399-2115, or BAJA president, Mike Sommer at 625-7177.