Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 17)

2005 was the year of 1-year and done Rangers. Jason "Wheezy" Keydel was one such player. Roommates with Dan O'Malley and Kevin Casey, Wheezy was a Right-Handed pitcher who was underused in 2005. His most notable achievement was leaving Gio's early after one early morning Ranger practice to go home and sleep, when two carloads of drunken and boisterous Rangers woke him up by stacking wooden chairs and whatever else they could find on top of him. Wheezy was known to roll and smoke his own cigarettes before and during Ranger games and sunbath in the grass at Winnemac (See Baseball Card Photo). Wheezy had a decent season in 2005, he hit .316 with 6 hits, 1 Triple, 1 Home Run,5 Runs, and 9 RBI, really good production considering how few At-Bats he had. Pitching he was 0-2 with 18 K in 18 1/3 innings. After his Inside-the-Park Home Run hit at Riis Park, Wheezy was definitely wheezing, circling the bases at a pace that would make the Statue of Liberty look fast. Wheezy is believed to be living in Detroit, although details of his whereabouts are sketchy at best. Wherever he is, the Rangers are sure he is doing a helluva job!

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 16)

Dan "Big Rig" Jeserig was an original Ranger in 2003, had his 2004 season cut short due to injury, and was a nominee for the "Life" Hall of Fame. Big Rig was a Left-Handed Pitcher and occasionally played the field. Although he claimed to be not much of a hitter, 2 of his 3 career hits were doubles. Dan finished that 2003 inaugural season with a 3 and 2 record, the only pitcher on the staff to have a winning record that season. The next year, he went 0 and 1, pitching in 2 1/3 innings, but did not give up a run. The beginning of the end of his pitching career came against the Yankees during the 2002 season. He gave up two long homes runs (possibly back to back) became angry, and threw straight gas to the the next hitter, striking him out on three pitches. As a result of overthrowing those pitches, Dan strained his shoulder, threw the Army Ranger figures (only the legs were left) the served as the teams first mascot, and walked off the mound in obvious pain. Other highlights include getting the first ever win in Ranger History against the Vikings on June 11th, 2002 in that comeback of epic proportions. Dan and his wife were excellent drinkers, spending a great deal of time ta hooters and Simply Rays. On July 3rd, 2002, Big Rig, his wife and the rest of the team were at Hooters for some shenanigans. The outdoor sprinkler was set off and Dan's wife ended up urinated on a lawn in Park Ridge. Always late to games, Dan always claimed he "had to let the dog out". If that was a euphemism for something else, we may never know!

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 15)

Nick Taylor arguably could be one of the most athletic Rangers in team history. He made plays at Shortstop that the team has never seen before, and his effort on the field was second to none. Nick was a rostered Ranger from 2005 until the 2007 season, although he appeared in only 1 game in 2005 and none in 2007. He was the first Ranger to have a uniform number taped on for that game in 2005 and went 1 for 3 with a triple. While running the bases on that triple (which occurred in his first Rangers at-bat) the tape fell off, prompting embarrassed team number taper Mike LaRocco to use better workmanship on future tape job. 2006 was a great year for Nick, he hit .357 with 15 singles, 15 Stolen Bases, 16 Runs, and 1 RBI, proving to be the lead-off hitter the Rangers were looking for. His season was cut short bu injury when he was setting up a stage and a length of rope became tangled around his leg while it was going through a pulley. The resulting wounds had him on the disabled list and barely able to walk for the last few weeks of the season. Nick was a member of the Loyola University Club Baseball team and currently resides in Addison, Illinois.

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 14)

The Rangers go through Shortstops like Spinal Tap went through drummers. Matt Hall was the primary Shortstop for the Rangers in 2005, a season in which he hit .316 with 12 hits, 1 double, 9 runs, and 8 RBI. Matt was the 6th consecutive club baseball president to play for the Rangers following Luke Luecke, Vince Caringi, Mike LaRocco, Kevin Casey, and Tim Brannon. the Loyola Rambler - Chicago Ranger pipeline was shut off after 2005 marking the end of an era. Matt wore the #00 jersey for the Rangers, the second person to do so. A native of Kansas City, Matt is a lifelong Royals fan, something he was made fun of for on a daily basis. A Physics and Math major at Loyola, Matt is currently studying Medical Radiation Physics at the Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine. Most importantly, there is actually a Facebook Group dedicated to Matt titled "We Hate Matt Hall", a fitting tribute to the man with the whitest teeth in the history of the Rangers.

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 13)

In the 2009 Ranger campaign, Shawn Polk appeared in 5 regular season games, just enough to make him eligible for Post Season play. In that short time, Shawn hit .556 with 5 hits, 5 runs and 5 RBI. He played for Ranger legend Alonzo Hilliard at Brooks High School in Chicago and now plays on the Claflin University (South Carolina) Baseball team. Shawn made his mark in the playoffs going 3 for 4, walking twice, and laid down a key sac bunt, finishing the playoffs with both a .750 Batting Average and a .750 On-Base-Percentage. In his brief Ranger tenure, Shawn wore # 14, Nick Monroe's number, since Nick took a season off from baseball. Unfortunately, that jersey was not returned has been missing, forcing Nick to wear a # 58 jersey in 2010, a number worn by past Rangers Colin Clark and Ryan Varney. The Rangers had hoped that Shawn would be the speedy center fielder and lead-off hitter they have been seeking, but unfortunately it was not meant to be. It is a goal of Ranger management to reclaim Shawn's # 14 jersey and maybe 2011 will be the year that goal is fulfilled!

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 12)

Colin Clark had a few strikes against him when he joined the Rangers. A natural rival to the team's Loyola Club Baseball Roots, Colin was the captain of the Eau Claire Wisconsin Club team during the last season Luke Luecke was the captain of the Loyola Club team. In fact, Eau Claire ended Loyola's 2000 season with a blowout of the Ramblers and even injured future Ranger Vince Caringi on a line drive back to the mound. This game is actually on tape in the Ranger Archives. Was it Colin's fault he ran a good team, yes it was. Colin was also born in Canada, making him the first non American citizen to play for the Rangers. All fun aside, Colin was a great teammate with infectious competitiveness. His career with the Rangers lasted from 2004-2007 when he relocated due to a job opportunity in Maryland. In three seasons, Colin went 4 and 2 as a pitcher and played a stellar center field. He left the Rangers with a .341 Batting Average, garnering 27 hits, 2 double, 2 triples, and 1 Home Run. Colin also played first base and caught, becoming the first of 2 Left-Handed Catchers to appear for the team. We wish Colin and his wife the best on the East Coast and hope that he can one day rejoin the team!

Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 11)

An argument can be made for Tony Litzey being the best one year Ranger in the team's long and storied history. He stabilized the Shortstop position for the Rangers in that dream like 2007 run to the CMBA Runner-Up position in the standings. Tony attended a tryout for the team before the game against the Oriole Park Cubs on May 19th, 2007, the second game of that season, with Alonzo Hilliard. Jonathan Kohn also attended a tryout that morning as well, all three players obviously made the team and paid huge dividends that season. Tony did not start that day, but with the Rangers trailing by more than a few runs, he came in the game and sparked a Ranger comeback by going 1 for 2 with 2 runs. With Tony on the team, the Rangers only lost 3 games that season, ending up with a 23 and 4 record. In his Ranger career, Tony hit .385 with a .444 On-Base-Percentage, drove in 12 Runs, scored 15, and hit 1 Home Run. The most amazing aspect of Tony's Ranger career is that he is an overnight crane operator, going straight to work after week day games and coming straight from work on Weekend Games. The Rangers wish Tony the best, and will always have a roster spot open if he decides to make a comeback!

Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 10)

Dave Mullan was a rostered Ranger in 2007 but appeared in only 1 game for the team. He was a friend of then Ranger Manager Tim Brannon and was needed for an emergency start on May 28th 2006 against the Black Sox. Dave pitched 1 1/3rd of an inning giving up 2 Earned Runs, 4 Hits, 1 Walk, and Struck out 2. At the plate, Dave went 0 for 3 with a walk. The game was a lackluster effort from the Rangers that resulted in a 12 - 11 walk off loss. Dave was spotted at Tim Brannon's Bachelor Party and wedding, but this in the only known picture of him in an "almost" official Rangers uniform. The blue striped warm up pants were a Ranger uniform experiment that failed spectacularly. The Ranger wish Dave the best in whatever it is he is doing at this point in time.

Chicago Ranger Baseball Cards (Part 9)

The phrase to describe Ryan Varney's Ranger Career is best summed up as the "One Man Wrecking Crew"! Recruited by Jody Joseph during the miserable 2008 campaign, Varney became the second of three former browns to play for the Rangers. In his 1.5 seasons with the team, Ryan hit .508, amassing 31 hits including 5 Doubles, 2 Triples, and 2 Home Runs. Ryan played a plethora of positions, including all outfield positions, first base, second base, and enjoyed a comeback to the pitcher's mound. On the mound, he threw 5 innings giving up no runs, walking 5, but striking out 7. To sum it up, he threw GAS! While in Chicago, Ryan worked for the legendary WGN Radio personality Paul Harvey. In 2009 he relocated with his now wife Jenn to Cincinnati and his veteran presence has been missed in the heart of the Ranger order ever since.

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 8)

Nick "Tikidikee" Tenekedes played for the Rangers in 2009 as a switch-hitting outfielder and Left-Handed pitcher. In limited duty, he hit .154 but had an impressive .421 On-Base Percentage. Nick had a tremendous eye at the plate, which in the CMBA can be a detriment since control is not a strong point of most pitchers in the league. Most Rangers go up hacking, but Nick was an All-Conference High School Baseball player in Florida (meaning he actually had a plan at the dish). Nick also was a Football Player at Holy Cross University and had 12 tackles his senior year. He was also an all-conference QB and defensive back in high school. Even in his limited duty, Nick managed to smoke a triple and core the Ranger's only run against the Marlins

in an 11-1 loss on July 1st, 2009. His dog was a proud member of the Ranger's Dog pound and even though he is no longer a Ranger, Nick can still be found on the softball diamonds on Chicago's North Side.

The Origin of Winnemac

The name Winnemac comes from Chief Winnemac, who was an important leader of the Potawatomi Indian tribe. He was a signer of the 1795 Treaty of Greenville, in which Great Lakes tribes surrendered the site of Chicago to the U.S. government.

Winnemac is also a fictional state in the United States invented by the writer Sinclair Lewis. He described Winnemac as, "bounded by Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana, and like them it is half Eastern, half Midwestern. There is a feeling of New England in its brick and sycamore villages, its stable industries, and a tradition which goes back to the Revolutionary War."

Source: http://www.winnemac.com/profile/

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 7)

Tom Heindl, another inductee into the "Life Hall of Fame", an original Ranger who did not actually appear in a game until the 2007 season. His absence from 2002 through 2006 was blamed on among other things, his love of the Detroit Red Wings and Loyola University Men's Basketball. Contrary to popular belief, Tom did not actually attend Loyola, although most people who know him believe it to be the case. Best friends with Big Joe Dlugosz since childhood, Tom made his Ranger debut on Opening Day 2007 against the Yankees, going 1 for 3 with a run. He went on to hit .429 in 16 at bats that year with a .500 on base percentage in that magical Championship appearance season. 2008 was a busy year for Tom and he only attended a few games and decided top retire during the season. The most impressive stat about Tom is that he is the Career leader in Game Winning Walk Off Walks (GWWOW) with 3 (as best we can tell). He also participated in the record breaking (at the time) 29 pitcher Friday night extravaganza at Gio's Bar and Grill. Tom's quick wit, terrific eye at the plate, and drinking abilities are sorely missed on the Rangers and hope one day he will pull a Sandberg and come out of retirement.

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 6)

Jason Thorn, the only man who could possibly compete with Bob Wacker for the "Champion of Life" Moniker. A valuable Utility player from 2003 to 2006, Jason suffered a career threatening injury when he was beaned in the arm by a Henry Peters fastball against the A's at Portage Park. The ball shattered both the ulna and radius bones and required several plates and screws in order to let the bones heal properly. Chief Rangers Paramedic Chad Pilcher diagnosed him on the spot and dispatched him to the nearest orthopedic surgeon.
Thorny is yet another Loyola Club baseball player and once hit two home runs at Loyola Park against the Seminarians of St. Joes. He was a champion on road trips and if the Rangers ever go on a road trip tournamnet, he will be forced to be on the team! A lifelong Cubs fan, Thorn's license plate once read "Ryno 282" and wore number 17 in honor of Mark Grace. Jason currently resides in Chicago and works downtown.

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 5)

Chad Pilcher, original Ranger whose look alikes included Jim Thome, Tom Sizemore, and most impressively....Mr. Incredible! He did some incredible things on the field for the Rangers, being an extremely agile first basemen from the Rangers inaugural season of 2002 until the ill-fated championship run of 2007. Another in the long list of Loyola Club Baseball recruits, Chad spent some time serving his country in the Navy before becoming a Ranger. He also was the first ever switch hitter in Rangers history, although it is not known if he ever got a hit Left-Handed. Chad was a feared hitter in the CMBA providing protecting in the lineup for Isaiah Panatsis. His regular season home run totals were hampered by the lack of a fence at Winnemac Park, where many of his majestic shots we caught by outfielders playing extremely deep. He ranks in the top ten in virtually every Ranger offensive category. In his last at bat of his Ranger career in the 2007 Championship Series, Chad cranked a 2 - Run Home Run, a fitting end to a tremendous Ranger career.

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 4)

Bob Wacker, Charter Member of the "Life" Hall of Fame.  Bob known as "Mr. Clutch" on the field for his ability to come through in key spots in games and also as an All-Star in all off the field festivities.  Bob hit former A's fireballer Henry Peters better than any other Ranger, he loved to see a hard thrower on the hill.  Bob's "Mr. Clutch nickname was coined on July 25th 2003 when in the seventh inning during a comeback against the A's, Bob stole second base as the tying run with two outs.  A daring move if you know Bob's blazing speed.  The game was continued the next day and won on a Matt Swary sacrifice bunt.  Bob was also one of the best bunters in the Rangers organization, breaking a team wide zero for 26 bunting streak.  Ranger Master recruiter Lucas Luecke also discovered Wacker's talents while coaching the Loyola Rambler Club baseball team.  To live up to his name, Wacker also missed five wake up calls before a game against Marquette while a Rambler and needed to be physically accosted and brought to the team van to be the catcher for a doubleheader, truly living up to his "Life" Hall of Fame membership.

Bob Currently lives in the Dogtown area of St. Louis with his wife Kate and a new baby.  He also currently acts as a financial advisor to several current Rangers.  His presence is missed on the field but more importantly, off the field.

Go Giants! World Series Champions!

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 3)

Brain Salgado formed the Weber High School Triumvirate with Mike LaRocco and Mark Wegren and all three starred on Weber High School's baseball team in the late 1990's. Known for his speed on the bases and in the outfield, Salgado scored the winning run on a dropped third strike during the Rangers first ever win against the Browns on June 3rd 2003. He also had a game winning walk off infield single against the Black Sox on July 16th 2004.

Perhaps his most notable Ranger achievement was wrecking his Nissan Altima a few blocks from Southwest Park in Park Ridge prior to a crucial game against the Marlins on June 25th 2004. At that time, he was the crucial ninth guy to prevent a forfeit. Joe Dlugosz's wife drove from the field to pick him from the accident scene. After that, Salgado went to to go 1-2 with a single and a run. Salgado briefly came out of retirement in 2007 for two games, but you can find him on softball fields around the city all summer long!

New Rangers Song?

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 2)

Joe 'Big Joe" Dlugosz played for the Chicago Rangers from 2002 until the 2009 season, in which he did not appear in a game due to various "ailments" (mostly work related absences). Joe always seems to pitch against the Browns and Marlins, two of the most formidable offenses in the CMBA. His pitching style is best described as that of Bill "Spaceman" Lee, or for the generation, Eddie Harris of "Major League" Fame. His out pitch was a changeup, described by Isaiah Panatsis as being one of the best he has ever seen. He ranks 9th on the Chicago Ranger's Career wins list with 8, a total blemished by the fact the team was not very good against the teams he pitched against.

Big Joe's is a connoisseur of fine wines, cigars, beer, and trying to collect the entire 1989 Upper Deck baseball card set in PSA 10 graded condition. He is currently an executive chef's consultant at A New Dawn Professional Chef's Services and is the moderator of the #1 Loyola University Chicago fansite on the web, ramblermania.com.

Chicago Rangers Baseball Cards (Part 1)

Tim Brannon: Rangers Legend, hated foe, umpire berater, and manager of the 2007 CMBA Runner-up Rangers. Tim was a great player for the Rangers for several years but his career was cut short by a career and location change to become a teacher in Washington D.C., where he now resides with his new bride. Tim was the first ever Ranger All-Star in 2002 and threw a no-hitter against the Dodgers June 19th 2003. Even though he left the team after the 2007 season, he is still among the career leaders in all offensive categories.

This is the first in a series of postings (hopefully) that will have a brief summary of Rangers Legends Past and current players and a preview of the very collectible All Time Rangers Baseball Cards.

Swaggle Daggle in 10 Years...or less

Playoffs Round Two

Second Round

Saturday, 8/7, 10AM Electrons @ Marlins Southwest Park

Saturday, 8/7, 12:30PM Rangers @ Browns Walther Lutheran

Sunday, 8/8, 10AM Marlins @ Electrons Winnemac Park

Sunday, 8/8, 1PM Browns @ Rangers Winnemac Park

Tuesday, 8/10, 5:30PM Electrons @ Marlins Southwest Park

Tuesday, 8/10, 5:30PM Rangers @ Browns Walther Lutheran

PLAYOFFS

2010 Playoffs
First Round
Saturday 7/31 9:00AM Electrons @ Mets Maywood

Saturday 7/31 10:00AM Hounds @ Rangers Winnemac

Sunday 8/01 10:00AM Mets @ Electrons Winnemac

Sunday 8/01 1:00PM Rangers @ Hounds Winnemac

Tuesday 8/03 5:30PM Hounds @ Rangers Winnemac

Tuesday 8/03 5:30PM Electrons @ Mets Maywood

The Inner Workings of Matt Swary

RANGER PITCHER COUNT

We all know the Rangers like to drink beer. But just how much have they drank so far this season. According to receipts (except one) gathered at Gio's Bar and Grill, the Rangers have drank a total of 77 pitchers thus far. At their current pace, the Rangers are set to down 231 pitchers of sweet nectar by seasons end. Let's hope the boys can step up their game and eclipse the 300 mark.

6/6/10 DoubleHeader POSTPONED

Today's DoubleHeader vs. Browns has been POSTPONED due to unplayable field conditions.  A makeup date has not been announced.

Game 7 & 8 Preview : Rangers @ Browns DH - 6/6/10

The Rangers (4-2) and Browns (5-1) will square off in a doubleheader at Walther Lutheran High School in Maywood on Sunday, June 6.  First pitch is slated for 9:30 am.

The Rangers come into the game fresh off an 8-0 thrashing of the Vikings last Thursday night at Winnemac Park.  The Browns come into Sunday's action riding a 2 game winning streak, having defeated the 1st place Park Ridge Marlins last week at Grosche Field.  The Rangers slipped to 3rd place in the Washington Division with todays Athletics' sweep of the Hounds at Winnemac Park.  The Browns are currently in the top spot in the Daley Division.


The Rangers have matched their best start ever through 6 games.  The feat matches the 4-2 start in 2005, 2007 and 2009.  The Rangers made the playoffs in each of those years; including a trip to the CMBA championship in 2007.  The Rangers didn't get their 4th win until June 28 in 2008.

Walther Weakness The Rangers have struggled mightily at Walther Lutheran High School.  In 8 previous games at the Maywood venue, the Rangers have managed only 1 win.  That win came on June 21, 2009 against these Browns in a 10-5 victory.

What Can Brown Do For You In the lifetime series, the Rangers are 7-16 (.304) versus the Browns, but are 4-2 over the last 6.  The Rangers split the season series with the Browns in 2009.  The Rangers met the Browns in both of their first two playoff appearances (2004 and 2005).  The Browns won those series 2-0 and 2-1, respectively.

Double Your Pleasure  Sunday's twinbill will be the 8th doubleheader that the Rangers will have played in.  Over the previous 14 games, the Rangers are 8-6 in doubleheader action.  2009 marked the first and only time that the Rangers played in 2 doubleheaders in the same season; they went 3-1 in those games against the Aviators and Vikings.

Game 6 Preview : Vikings @ Rangers - 6/3/10

The Rangers will host the Vikings (1-4) in an Harold Washington Divisional clash on Wednesday, June 3rd at 5:50 pm at Winnemac Park on Chicago's North Side.

The Chicago Rangers come into the game riding a 2 game losing streak with a season record of 3-2.  In their last action, the Rangers lost a squeaker 1-0 to the Athletics (3-3) at Winnemac Park on 5/30.  Through Sundays games, the Rangers are in 2nd place behind the Park Ridge Marlins (6-0).


Viking Lore  The Rangers beat the Vikings earlier this year on Opening Day by a score of 8-4.  Over their 9 year history, the Rangers have played the Vikings more than any other opponent.  The Rangers hold a slight series edge in the historic 27 game series with a record of 14-13 (.519)

1 Is The Loneliest Number The Rangers' 1-0 loss to the Athletics marks only the 10th time in Ranger history that they have been shut out and only the 2nd time that they have been blanked 1-0.  The first and only other 1-0 shutout came way back on July 12, 2003 against the Cubs at Taft High School.  The Rangers have won only once by a score of 1-0 in a game against the Electrons back on July 22, 2006 at Winnemac Park.

Be Like Mike  Ranger rookie Mike Folan becomes the 5th "Mike" to play for the Chicago Rangers.  He joins LaRocco,  Huang, Wysopal and Kamradt as past and present Ranger Mikes.   The 5 Ranger "Mikes" join the 5 Ranger "Matts" (Swary, Jura, Brooks, Hall and Brannon) as the most popular Ranger first name.  Coincidentally, Folan becomes the first ever Ranger with a last name starting with the letter "F".

Rangers Announce Signing of Rojo Johnson

Ranger Spring Trainer

Fellow Rangers Gather to Cheer for USA Olympics!