Since he last played baseball in 2007, Darren Blakely has held some odd jobs in Tucson.
He has worked as a police officer at Pima College, as an athletic director/physical education teacher at a charter school and at the airport, checking in bags, boarding passengers and selling tickets.
Yet, he was interested in returning to baseball and contacted several teams before the 2010 season.
He got the chance to play in Tucson, his full-time home since the summer of 2007, with the Toros. A fifth-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Angels in 1998, Blakely gives Tucson a veteran bat off the bench.
"It's been fun," said Blakely, 33. "It's different from affiliated ball, no pressure.
"If you really love the game, it's hard to really get out of your system."
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Blakely, an outfielder, last played in 2007 for the North Shore team in the independent Can-Am league. At age 30, he figured he was done with baseball.
But about two weeks ago, he was invited to participate in batting practice with the Chico Outlaws, who were playing the Toros at Hi Corbett Field.
Blakely knows several of the Chico players and manager Garry Templeton from a 10-year playing career, which included time with the Angels, Padres, Yankees and White Sox organizations. He reached Triple-A, playing 67 games at that level.
In need of a player, the Toros heard Blakely did well at the batting practice and invited him to try out on July 8. Later that day, they signed him to a contract.
On Friday, as a pinch hitter, Blakely hit a two-run home run in the Toros' five-run eighth in a 9-8 victory over St. George. It was also the first time Blakely played in front of his 4-year-old son.
"The only baseball I was doing was with my son at the park," Blakely said while his knee was wrapped.
"Guys say it's just like riding a bike. I'm still trying to take that last training wheel off."
Blakely has delivered big hits as a pinch hitter since joining the Toros - Friday's home run and a single in a 9-4 victory over Orange County. More importantly, he brings a veteran presence.
"He's a big-time pro," Toros manager Tim Johnson said. "It's great to have him on this club. It's like having another coach."
Toros hitting coach Stan Cliburn watched Blakely's tryout, where the switch hitter took 15 swings from the left side and 10 swings from the right before Cliburn cut the tryout short because he liked what he saw.
Blakely might have some rust, but he showed talent.
"It was a matter of getting him in shape, but he kept himself in playing shape as far as hand-eye coordination," Cliburn said. "Being a veteran guy, he knows his limits."
Inside pitch
• In Tucson's 13-1 victory on Saturday, the Toros outhit St. George 21-5. James Garcia (4-4) allowed a run and four hits in seven innings.
• Josh Womack went 4 for 6 with 4 RBIs and was a double short of hitting for the cycle.
• First baseman Cristobal Santana returned to the lineup Saturday after sitting out Friday.
• Starting pitcher Albie Lopez (hamstring) is on the inactive list but is expected to pitch Tuesday in St. George, Johnson said.
TODAY
• Who: St. George at Toros
• When: 7 p.m.
• Radio: 1450-AM
