Roger “Big Rog” Banze

Roger "Big Rog" Banze, born in St. Charles County, MO on June 7, 1947, has peacefully passed away at University Hospital in Columbia, MO on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the age of 64. Rog is survived by his brothers Earl (Marian) Banze and Gene Banze, both of St. Charles, Dale Banze of O'Fallon, his sister Carol (Eugene "Butch") Dyer of Montgomery City, nine nieces and nephews, and ten great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Frederick Louis Banze and Wilma Olga Banze (nee: Horstmeier). Roger Banze graduated from Francis Howell in 1965. He was probably one of the hardest throwers to ever come out of that school and the St. Louis area. He was a mid 90's guy that was drafted out of High School. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and spent 5 years in their minor league organization. He went on to pitch against Nolan Ryan in the minors. Word has it; that the big league guys were there to watch him and not Nolan. Sadly, Roger experienced arm problems, and was not able to make the big step. Coach Burbes believes that Roger Banze was a guy that hit triple digits as he can attest to from catching him during the off season and that his arm injury ended his playing days. Not only was he an avid baseball lover, he was very much nature oriented. He loved to hunt and fish, and many times took his two nephews and younger brother into the wild with him. Memorials may be made to Cardinal Care, Missouri Department of Conservation, Callaway Senior Center - Meals on Wheels.