Chuck Vranich is a veteran of over 40 years of fast pitch softball and nobody really knows his real age. But what people do now know is that he can hit as well as pitch. Vranich pitched a complete game allowing 3 earned runs against a very good hitting Latin Heat team. At the plate Vranich was forced to hit as the Sox played shorthanded the entire day with 5 starters out of the lineup and the Sox only having 9 players all day. Chuck was 2-2 with 2 key RBI in the Sox 6-4 win. Vranich also pitched out of a late inning jam to preserve the win. The Sox now advance to play The Animals at 9:45. The Sox jumped out early again when Eric Geierman playing center for the absent John Otte walked and scored from first on a double to left by Fred Hanker.Dale Lopes than followed with a sac fly to right making the score 2-0 after 1. The Sox tallied 2 more in the 2nd when LB Snakes owner Ron Rupp playing for the absent Chuck Chaple who is a new father walked as did Chris Martinez and Cesar Rodriguez.Up stepped Chuck Vranich who lined a single to left scoring 2 runs. The Sox would score again in the third when Dale Lopes singled as did David Bell. Ron Rupp than delivered a RBI single to make the score 5-1 after 3. The Sox pushed the lead to 6-1 in the 4th when Vranich singled and scored on a Fred Hanker 2 out single.Latin Heat rallied for 3 in the final inning but Vranich snuffed out the rally and the Sox prevailed 6-4. Fred Hanker was 2-3 with 2 RBI to help out Vranich.


SOX PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS

 Chuck Vranich  CG  Win  3 ER  2-2  2 RBI


 Fred Hanker  2-3  2 RBI

 Andy Martinez  2-3  2 Runs   Chris Martinez  2-3  Rbi  Run  SB

  Jim Flanagan  2-3  RBI  Run     Ron Rupp   2-3  Run



Chuck Vranich once again pitched a mastepiece going 5 strong innings in The Sox 5-3 win which advanced them into the championship game against Raw. Randy Clay pitched the final inning striking out the side to get the save. The Sox scored 1 in the 1st when Andy Martinez singled home Eric Geierman and 2 in the 2nd when Chris Martinez singled and Cesar Rodriguez walked. Jim Flanagan singled home 1 as did Eric Geierman. The Sox would lead 3-2 into the 4th. In the 4th Jim Flanagan singled and scored on a Andy Martinez single. The score would be 4-3 Sox into the 5th when with 2 outs Ron Rupp tripled and Chris Martinez singled him home. Randy Clay finished the game off for the Sox 5-3 win. Andy Martinez was 2-3 with 2 RBI. Jim Flanagan pitcher turned hitter was 2-3 with a RBI and a run. Chris Martinez and Ron Rupp also collected 2 hits each. The game marked 2 more hits for Sox pitchers bringing their tourney total to 3 with 4 RBI. Randy Clay also notched another save and is the career leader for saves in Sox history.

     
Chuck Vranich sails off into the sunset after retiring from softball!!

Softball veteran pitcher Chuck Vranich has decided to retire from softball at the age of 63. Yes thats right 63 we finally get his true age from him. Chuck made the decision after the Palm Springs 1 tournament and will be available to the Sox when needed. Chuck pitched with Long Beach from 2004-2007 and is a veteran of over 40 years of fast pitch softball. Vranich goes down as one of the greatest pitchers ever to pitch for The Long Beach Black Sox. He will be eligible for The Long Beach Black Sox Hall of Fame next year and will be a shoe in to go in on the first ballot. Vranich leaves behind over 10 career and single season records. Chuck and Randy Clay have accounted for 95% of the sox pitching wins in the history of The Black Sox. He accounted for 44 wins and pitched in 87 games. His career ERA is a very respectable 4.60. He recorded 10 career shutouts and 72 complete games both Sox career records. His 28 complete games in 2004 and 5 shutouts in 2005 are both Sox single season records. He also was a career .303 hitter for Long Beach with 8 RBI. He ranks in the top 5 in Sox history in every pitching category. In his 4 year Sox illustrious career he won The Cy Young Award for most wins and The Bob Gibson Award for lowest ERA in a season. His best season with Long Beach was 2005 where he was 16-5 leading the team in wins. In that season he was voted Most Valuable Pitcher a record 4 times. Chuck will be available to The Sox when needed. The Long Beach Black Sox would like to wish him the best of luck and thank him for his service with the team. In 2007 Chuck was 3-1 with a 4.96 ERA in 5 starts in the new SCIFL.  Here is a brief statement released by Chuck.


     

To Sox Players:   From Chuck V

     As you may, or may not know, (depending on how close you live to the Rumor Mill) I have chosen to retire from competitive fastpitch softball at this time.  This is not a decision that was made hastily, as Fred and I have discussed it the past few years.  Simply put...too many injuries that don't heal (shoulder,elbow, back and now knee), too much fear (four "shots" up the middle in five games) and too little talent.  With the depth of our pitching staff, three guys that want the ball, and the fact that I won't be available in August, now seems like the smartest time to step away from the game I love.  I've told Fred that this is a "Roger Clemens" retirement this year....meaning if any injuries, job changes, vacations, etc., would leave him shorthanded, I would gladly fill in when needed.  Of course I would expect "Clemens $$$$$" !!!!!!  Other than that, if you see me throwing again, I assure you the ball will be a DeBeer 212.  You've chosen to join a great group of guys with a real dedicated leader.  So, at the ripe old age of 63 (there, I've said it) I wish you all great success throughout the year and in the future.  See you around the ballyard........Chuck

       Fred.....Thanks for dragging my career out a few more years!!!  I've had a great time and been associated with some really neat people while wearing "Sox gear".  I really appreciate the confidence you had in my ability and your perception of my value to the team.......although somewhat inflated at times.  The guys are lucky to have you as their leader and the game is lucky you stepped into a leadership role to run the new association.....both difficult and underappreciated jobs.  If you do need me for anything during the season I'll do everything in my power to get there.  If you need me to throw in Beaumont to have lower class pitching, just let me know a couple of weeks before...you know I'll be in shape!  I've got a couple of "wishes" I'd like from you, but we'll talk later.  Thanks again!!!!....    #12  Chuck V

        

As manager and owner of The Long Beach Black Sox I look for character as well as talent in a player. When I first started this team in 2004 Chuck Vranich was always a competor I admired as a person and as a ballplayer. He was one of the first people I wanted on this team. I cannot begin to thank him for his contributions to this team as a pitcher, hitter, runner, teammate and most importantly as a mentor and someone to talk to when I needed advice. I respect his decision to retire and he always has a spot on my team in any capactiy. I thank him for his 4 years of service and always being there when I needed him. He is one of the most reliable players I have ever had and he always wanted the ball healthy or injured. I was always amazed how he kept himself in such great physical condition. He was very disciplined in his eating habits and his physical status. I never had to worry about Chuck being out of shape or not ready to pitch. His hard work and determination inspired many of our young players and gave them a positive role model. I wish him good luck in his future endeavors and in my mind he will always be a key component of The Long Beach Black Sox.

Fred Hanker   Long Beach Black Sox

      

                                                Pitching  

Games - 87  Innings - 436  K's - 157  BB's - 106
K-BB Ratio - 1.58-1  Whip - 1.45  Complete Games - 72
Shutouts - 10  E.R.A - 4.60  Wins - 44  Loses - 35
BB per game - 2.28  Saves - 3   K per game - 3.25

                  Hitting

Games - 18  AB's - 33  Hits - 10  Runs -7
RBI - 8  BB - 7   AVG .303 

`     
  
 * 3 shutouts * 28 complete games
* MVP Pitcher Turkey Shootout * Bob Gibson Award
* Led team in ERA * Played 4 different positions
 * 16-5 record led team in wins
* Cy Young Award * 5 shutouts single season record
* MVP Pitcher in 4 tournaments * All tourney 5 times
 * Babe Ruth Award * 10-7 record
* Had a 4.27 ERA * Batted .380 with 6 RBI and 4 runs'
* Voted all tourney 4 times.
 * 3-1 record with 4.96 ERA
* Recorded 2 complete games in 5 starts.

    


 

    

* 87 games ranks 2nd all time  *436 innings ranks 2nd all time
*157 K's ranks 2nd all time  *72 complete games ranks 1st all time
*10 shutouts ranks 1st all time  *44 wins ranks 2nd all time
*2.28 walks per game ranks 2nd all time *3 saves ranks 3rd all time


CHUCK VRANICH ALWAYS IN SHAPE!!!!

   


   

Leave a fond memory you have of Chuck in the survey below!!!