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!