Citizen Staff Writer
KEN BRAZZLE
kbrazzle@tucsoncitizen.com
Tucson no longer has the Triple-A Sidewinders, but that hasn’t stopped the Tucson Toros from having a relationship with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Toros and Diamondbacks announced a two-game exhibition schedule Thursday. The Toros will compete against D’backs players who are in extended spring training.
The first game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday; the second will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Admission is free to both games.
The contests will be at Hi Corbett Field, 3400 E. Camino Campestre.
“This is definitely going to let me see what kind of talent we have and what kind of players because you’re playing in a competitive situation,” Toros manager Tim Johnson said.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’ll be able to, and the coaches will be able to, see what we have. I think it’s great.
“I want to play as many of these games as I can.”
Ex-Toros manager Bob Didier (1987-89), who manages the D’backs’ extended spring training, was instrumental in getting the exhibition games scheduled.
“(Didier) has been a great baseball guy for a long time and his father, Mel Didier, is like a father to me,” Johnson said.
Didier sees advantages for both sides.
“We’re looking forward to the games because we’re playing older veterans,” Didier said. “It will be good experience for the guys.”
Tucson opens its independent Golden Baseball League schedule with a home game against the Chico (Calif.) Outlaws at 7 p.m. May 21.