Volunteers happy to lend a helping hand at Rangers’ spring training
Steve Soper, 72, taught at a Salinas, Calif., Catholic high school for 44 years before retiring two years ago and moving to Surprise.
It didn’t take him long to find a good way to stay active. He’s one of about 45 volunteers the Rangers use during spring training to shag balls in the outfield and help out with other parts of practice.
On any given day during spring training, 10 to 12 volunteers ages 18 and up (mostly up), arrive at the Rangers’ complex, dressed in their team-issued Rangers T-shirt, cap and shorts to help out, said Wayne Pusch, 66, who has been shagging balls for eight years and has been on the Rangers’ support staff organizing the team of shaggers the past six.
Pusch is a self-described snow bird from Saskatchewan, Canada. He’s had shaggers of all ages, including some women, but not at the moment.
“We have a mixture, including a number of fellows from Luke Air Force Base, firefighters,” he said. “They’re rounded out with retired fellows that have more of a flexible schedule.”
Wally Zawierucha, 65, has been shagging for the Rangers the past five years along with teammates from his softball team. He came to Surprise after a long career for the Ford Motor Company in Detroit.
What do you get out of it?
“Exercise. That’s about it,” he said. “We’re a bunch of old guys. It’s kind of hard bringing your skills back but it’s fun.”
Plus, getting to watch major league athletes up close remains a thrill.
“It’s pretty neat. Most of these [players] are pretty decent. They chat you up now and again,” Zawierucha said.
Topps in town
A representative from Topps baseball cards was in the Rangers clubhouse Thursday morning, handing out checks to players for Series One 2015. Each player received a check for $500 for their likeness being used in the set.
Elvis ... Presley
Speaking of that Topps Series One 2015 set, the first two players in the set are Elvis Andrus and Alex Presley.
Key stat
20 Big-league spring training camps that pitcher Jamey Wright has participated in. The 40-year-old who lives in Highland Park, also took part in a few more minor league camps.
Quotable
“I think this group of men are ready to shut that door and move on. I’m going to allow them to do that. I hope our fans allow them to shut the door on it because I’m sure they want to shut the door on it also.” — Rangers manager Jeff Banister on putting the 95-loss season in 2014 in the rearview mirror.
This story was originally published February 26, 2015 at 9:00 PM.