Gone But Not Forgotten - Ranger Edition

I recently looked back at a list of sports figures who passed away in 2024. Today I would like to share some reflections on the Texas Rangers that we lost last year.

Mike Cubbage was drafted by the Washington Senators (who moved to Arlington in 1972) and first appeared in the big leagues with Texas in 1974. A utility infielder, he had an 8 year major league career with 3 teams, and continued as a coach and manager until 2003. In 1976, Cubbage and 3 other players were traded from Texas to Minnesota to get future Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven.

Odell Jones pitched for 9 years with 5 different teams. He appeared in 75 games for the Rangers in 1983 and 1984. Jones was a regular at events that brought back former players to Arlington, and I remember him as a very gracious man who enjoyed visiting with fans as he signed autographs.

Jim Umbarger was a lefty who pitched for Texas for 4 years in the the mid 70’s’ , compiling a 3.90 ERA. He was traded to Oakland for Claudell Washington in 1977, but the Rangers purchased him back from the A’s before the season was over.

Fritz Peterson pitched 15 innings for the Rangers in 1976, but if you recognize the name it’s probably because he was part of the strangest trade in baseball. In Spring Training 1973, he and Yankee teammate Mike Kekich traded families. Peterson’s wife and 2 sons went to Kekich in exchange for his wife and 2 daughters.Not sure if you call that a curve or a change up.

Rico Carty had a 15 year career with a lifetime batting average of .299, but only played part of one season in Arlington. Of course in 1973 no one especially wanted to be on a team that went 57-105.

Hector Ortiz was a former big league catcher who was a long time coach for the Rangers. He died after a lengthy battle with cancer. The team issued a release which said

“Mr Ortiz was a beloved member of the Texas Rangers organization who had an enormous impact as a teacher of the game, a mentor to players and staff, and a loyal friend to many. He brought a positive attitude and spirit to the ballpark each and every day. His influence will not soon be forgotten”. You may have noticed Ranger players and coaches wearing blue hoodies with a catcher’s mask and “Hector Strong” on the sleeve. It was designed by Texas coach Bobby Wilson, and proceeds of hoodie sales go to support families battling cancer.

Lenny Randle was an interesting character. After a 12 year major league career he tried several different careers, including stand up comedy. His own life provided plenty of material. He was the first professional to play in the Italian Baseball League. He was on the field for the last game played by the Washington Senators, a game that featured an on the field brawl. In 1977, Randle was in the batter’s box when a blackout occurred, and he was playing second base on 10-cent Nickel Beer night in Cleveland, a game which resulted in a forfeit due to drunk fans storming the field. And in 1981, Lenny blew a bunt foul as it rolled down the baseline. The batter was awarded first base. In later years, when Randle was coaching youth baseball, he gave out t-shirts that read “Don’t Blow It - Go To College”. Sadly, his career as a Ranger is remembered primarily for the day he lost his mind and punched out his manager, Frank Lucchesi. It may be the only time he got three hits in one day for Texas.

I hope you enjoy sharing these memories with me. In the next couple of days I will mention other athletes who are gone but not forgotten.

That’s one man’s opinion - what’s yours?