Tim Hacker

MLB Alumni

Major League Baseball alumni Jack Heidemann, from left, Ethan Blackaby, Cisco Carlos, Lou Klimchock and Leon "Super B" Brown, shown Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 in Scottsdale. [Tim Hacker/ Tribune]

Mike Sakal

Major League Alumni Association, Arizona Chapter

Numerous former Major League baseball players who live in the Valley, including several who live in the East Valley keep in touch with the game through their current jobs and as active members of the Arizona Major League Alumni Association. The AZMLA is a 26-year-old nonprofit organization that provides instruction to young baseball players and provides financial assistance to former players and their families who have fallen on hardships. Here, a group of alumni members meet at Major League Baseball’s Western Operations Office in Phoenix on Thursday. Pictured left to right: Phil Seibel, former Boston Red Sox pitcher, Bobby Knoop, scout/special assistant with the Colorado Rockies, Del Unser, Major League scout with the Philadelphia Phillies, Lou Klimchock, President of Arizona Major League Alumni Association, Brian McNichol, former Chicago Cubs pitcher, Bob Zick, former Chicago Cubs pitcher, Laurel Prieb, Vice President of Major League Baseball’s Western Operations Ofice and Special Projects in Phoenix, Jim Umbarger, former Texas Rangers pitcher, Jason Totman, former San Diego Padres infielder and Jim Marshall, Pacific Rim scout for Arizona Diamondbacks and former manager of Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s. (Mike Sakal/Tribune)

Tribune file photo

Lou Klimchock

Former major league baseball player and executive director of Arizona Major League Alumni Lou Klimchock looks out over Hohokam Park in Mesa, Ariz., Friday, Feb. 15, 2008. The alumni organization, which makes contributions to Arizona youth baseball programs and former players in need of financial assistance, boasts more than 400 members, including more than 100 former Major League baseball players who live in the East Valley.

Lou Klimchock

Former Cleveland Indians infielder Lou Klimchock outside Cleveland Municipal Stadium in 1969 during a time when fans could get closer to their favorite players. Klimchock, 72, of Tempe, has served as president of the Arizona Chapter of the Major League Alumni Association for 15 years. (Photo courtesy of Suzi Adamik)

Lou Klimchock, Sam McDowell

Former Cleveland Indians infielder Lou Klimchock and pitcher “Sudden” Sam McDowell at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in August, 1969. Klimchcock, 72, of Tempe, now is the president of the Arizona Chapter of the Arizona Major League Alumni Association and McDowell, 69, now assists with Major League’s Baseball Assistance Team (BAT) which provides assistance to former players or their families who are experiencing hardships and serves as a counselor for players experiencing problems with alcohol. (Photo courtesy of Suzi Adamik)