Buechele Growing Stars for the Texas Rangers

As a child, I can fondly recall hearing Chuck Morgan call out the name of Steve Buechele third baseman for the Texas Rangers. Buechele played with Texas from ’85 to ’91, and again for a short stint with the Rangers in 1995.  In eight total seasons with the Rangers Buechele had 94 home runs and 338 RBI. “Boo” wasn’t a superstar but was certainly a fan favorite and played the game with immense passion and joy. These days he finds himself as the Manager of the Frisco RoughRiders, the Texas Rangers Double-A affiliate.

This is Buechele’s second season with the ‘Riders and third in the Rangers organization. Last season (his first with the Riders), he guided the “Riders to the first-half title, and earned a spot in the Texas League playoffs. His record in 2010 was 72-67, this season the ‘Riders have a record of 34 and 28.

“Boo” who lives in Arlington, is in a great position inside the organization. In my conversation with Frisco’s play by play man Aaron Goldsmith, I asked if Buechele was where he wanted to be professionally. Quoting Buechele, Goldsmith said “No one in minor league baseball wants to stay in minor league baseball forever.” He went on to say that with that said, Buechele is very happy to be a part of the RoughRiders.  Why shouldn’t he be? With future big league talent such as Robbie Erlin, Martin Perez, and Leonys Martin, he certainly will have a big impact on the big club. Goldsmith also added that it’s great to have him as the face of the franchise, and he is certainly loved by the fans.

You get the impression talking to people in the Rangers organization that Buechele is somewhat of a “coach in waiting”. Not that anyone is necessarily waiting on the departure of Ron Washington, but just like the players waiting for their chance at the big leagues, “Boo” is waiting for his call-up as well.

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Interesting Buechele Fact: Boo played three seasons at Stanford University, his roomate was retired Denver Broncos Quarterback John Elway.

-Jonathan