Rangers legend ready to hang up his bat after milestone 700 game
Darryl Luchterhand can’t remember what life is like without baseball. The Toowoomba Rangers veteran will celebrate a special milestone this weekend, playing his 700th game, but his focus will be on securing a grand final spot for his club and not himself.
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BASEBALL: A semi-final appearance is not the only thing Toowoomba Rangers Baseball Club will be celebrating this weekend.
Rangers stalwart Darryl Luchterhand will line-up in both his club’s matches – racking up a mammoth 700 games for the baseball club in the process
“My first season for Rangers was back in 1992, and I’ve now played a total of 26 seasons at the club,” Luchterhand said.
“I was born into the sport.
“My dad started baseball in Toowoomba, so I didn’t have many other choices.
“Baseball has been such a huge part of my life and I’ve always been very passionate about it.”
Luchterhand has been playing baseball in some capacity for the last 50 years and has decided it’s time to hang up his bat.
“This is my last season,” he said.
“I made the decision last season, I stood down from being president and I haven’t been coaching this season.
“I’m quite content in my decision to step away from the sport.
“My body is pretty beat up after 50 years and I’ve lost a bit of passion for the game and fallen out of love with it a bit.
“Don’t get me wrong, when I’m out there playing I’m playing all out and competing to the fullest.”
Luchterhand has many fond memories from his time with the Rangers but wants to spend some more time with his family and friends, many of whom have been made on the field.
“There will be a lot of family and friends out watching and they will most likely be my final games in Toowoomba which is also emotional,” he said.
“I’m definitely sad to leave.
“Win, lose or draw, we’ll definitely have some drinks after the game,” he said.
Game-day information
Division 5 – Sunday 26 March, vs Southern Stars at 9.30am on Rangers 1.
Division 4 – Sunday 26 March, vs Carina Redsox at 12pm on Rangers 1.
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