Hopped On the Bus: 4/22/06
Waved Goodbye: 1/5/09

Hailing from the mean streets of Joliet, IL, Tim Baltz was swept off to the big city to attend Loyola University on a full harmonica scholarship. Soon after that, Baltz was recruited by The Second City to play for the Red Touring Team. As a wide-eyed rookie, Tim was surrounded by a cast of veterans that taught him the rigors of performing and touring on the road. During this time, Baltz created his now famed "Dead Eye" expression that could scare and amaze audiences. It was also during this era that Tim became exposed to various types of bars, fostering a long-standing love affair with foreign beers. Throughout his career Baltz traveled to exotic locales such as Honolulu, HI, Hailey, ID and Frankfort, IL. No matter where he was performing, Baltz's approach was the same - "Keep your head down, work hard and do your absolute best". It is for this, and many other reasons, that we take a look back at his storied career and celebrate the passing on of Tim "Number 3" Baltz.

On stage, Baltz delighted audiences with his lightening quick wit and his wide range of hilarious characters. His knowledge of American presidents and an uncanny ability to integrate any sport reference/statistic in a scene, made Baltz a standout with the crowds and earned the respect of his peers. Fans will remember Baltz for his performances in such scenes as "Baseball", "Prescription", "Pictionary" "Foxworthy", "Passion", "Mort" and "Peak Earning Potential." Others will fondly remember him for his original material. None will soon forget the heartbroken Todd in "Frangelico", the crazed coworker in "Sunrise" or the roommate from hell in "Christmas Brache". Most recently, Baltz shone in "Frosty" lamenting his lot in life, making some in the crowd take a cold hard look at the truth they had assumed was fact in their own lives.

Perhaps "Number 3" will best be remembered most for his camaraderie and the relationships he formed while on the road. Those who have had the privilege to tour by his side will never forget the multitudes of bits and games that he had a hand in creating. Walkball, Double Tap, Hate Ball, Go, "The game", just to name a few, have all had a touch of Baltz in their creation. "Whether it was getting continuously beaten in euchre, or being his teammate in one of the most dominant Walkball teams in history - I always knew he was a competitor, and I am proud to have been in his company." said Michael "P.O.B." O'Brien.; He continued, "Also, that guy has a really puffy butt." Director Andy "A-Train" Miara said "Baltz was always ready to go, whether it was for rehearsal, a show, or just to do a bit - Baltz was ready to dive in 110%!" In looking back on this unique career, this writer thinks that there isn't one sentence that can sum up this sure to be first ballot hall of famer - but if I had to, I would say "Tim Baltz - he came in as a rookie, but left as a true professional and a beloved leader."

"Workin on a mystery, going wherever it leads, Running Down a Dream..." - T.Petty

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posted: 01/06/2009

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