Note to readers: This story is excerpted from an exclusive one-on-one interview with Old Pueblo Tribe co-owner and player Marcus, conducted by Bear Sports News. To hear the full conversation and dive deeper into the journey behind Tucson’s new independent baseball club, you can find the interview here:

From catching nine innings in 105-degree heat to changing diapers at home, running his barbershop, and hopping on an interview with Bear Sports News, Marcus is a man constantly in motion. He’s a father of three, a barber, a catcher, a co-owner, and a coach. And somehow, in between all of that, he’s finding time to help build something Tucson hasn’t ever had: an independent baseball club that puts community first.

The Old Pueblo Tribe might still be in its early stages, but its foundation is strong — built on passion, experience, and an unshakable belief in what baseball can mean for a city like Tucson. Marcus is one of the men behind that foundation, and if you talk to him for even a few minutes, you realize this isn’t just a hobby or a summer project. This is personal.

“I grew up in Tucson, Arizona,” Marcus said. “Played Little League at San Xavier. Went to Tucson High my freshman year, then transferred to Salpointe and played junior and senior year baseball there. I also played a couple years of football, a little bit of wrestling… but it’s always been baseball. Since I was five.”

He never really stopped playing, either. Even during the pandemic, he found his way onto indie teams — including the Tucson Saguaros during the shortened 2020 season and a team in Puerto Rico the year after. In 2022, he officially stepped into a new role as a barber — but still played ball in Mexico and the Pecos League when time allowed.

“It’s just always been a part of me,” he said. “I can’t really walk away from it.”

But Marcus story isn’t just about staying connected to the game. It’s about growing with it — and using it to build something bigger than himself.

“I started coaching because of my kid. He’s ten now. Then we had two more, a two month and a seven month old. So I can’t be on the road all the time, but I still wanted to be around baseball.”

That’s when the idea for the Old Pueblo Tribe really took shape. A team rooted in Tucson, giving local players and fans something to rally around during the summer months. Not tied to a league, the Tribe is functioning like an independent professional club: a tight roster of hungry, high-level players, many with college or pro experience, some fresh out of high school, all with something to prove.

“As far as talent goes, we expect a professional standard,” Marcus explained. “Some of our guys aren’t technically pros, but we treat this like a pro environment — in how we carry ourselves, how we play, how we compete. We want this to be the next step for guys trying to get exposure and opportunities. That’s how I was as a player — always finding ways to get seen, market myself, bounce from junior college to four-years, and eventually to pro ball. Nothing was handed to me.”

It’s clear that mindset is the Tribe’s core identity: earn everything. Respect the grind. And never forget why you started.

For Marcus, the mission goes beyond the players in uniform. He’s thinking about the future — the kids who might be five years old right now, just like he was when he first picked up a bat.

“One of our main goals is community. Youth involvement. Whether that’s hosting clinics, doing lessons, supporting local Little League teams, or just having kids out to our games — that’s the future. That’s where baseball grows again. And that’s who we want to reach.”

The Tribe is set to play a Fourth of July showcase game — which Marcus calls their unofficial “Opening Day” — after spending the last few months piecing together the roster, developing chemistry, and testing what this model could look like long-term. It’s more than just a game. It’s a symbol that summer baseball in Tucson is back.

“There’s a lot of talent here. Always has been,” he said. “And a lot of people who care about the game. I think we just needed a spark. A reason to show up. That’s what we’re trying to give the city.”

Marcus doesn’t sugarcoat the sacrifices. His days start early and end late. Between being a dad, cutting hair, staying in playing shape, and managing the logistics of running a baseball team, most people would tap out. He doesn’t even flinch.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just baseball — it’s purpose. It’s a way of life. It’s a chance to pass down everything he’s learned and everything he loves to the next generation.

There’s no doubt, that this is the beginning of something bigger for Tucson.