Ranger Meet Anthony Schneidt, a local man who found a cool opportunity in retirement. Schneidt was born in Detroit but grew up in Florida, attending college for physical education.
His earlier jobs included playing Minor League Baseball.
“I played one year with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ single-A organization as an infielder. I had to leave the sport for good when I broke my knee trying to steal second base,” Schneidt said. “That unfortunately took care of my career as a baseball player.”
He also worked in the Western wear business for 30 years before retiring for the first time.
As with many folks who retire, Schneidt got bored and just wanted to keep busy. In 2016, he was searching through help wanted ads when he came across one looking for a warehouse supervisor.
“I didn’t know what for, there weren’t many other details about it,” he said.
During the interview, Schneidt found out it was for the Dallas Cowboys. The position was to oversee the team’s merchandise that was for sale. He took the job, which required handling incoming products.
He was asked sto consider a supervisory position, but he didn’t want the responsibility. However, Schneidt did eventually take the job.
“I’m glad I did. It was really enjoyable, and they treated me well,” he said.
The only thing Schneidt didn’t care for was having to get up at 4 a.m. His tasks were to make sure people put inventory in its proper place. He also oversaw making sure the players’ equipment was always secure.
Schneidt, a fan of the Detroit Lions, was never a Cowboys fan – with the exception of Fridays, when he got paid. He was able to meet a few of the older players, including Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith, as well as the owner Jerry Jones.
The job did have a few perks, as he was able to get some of his friends’ Cowboys memorabilia. In 2023, he retired for the second time.
Schneidt enjoys playing golf, target shooting and thrifting. He is involved with the Cherokee County Senior Games and Friends of the Murphy Public Library.
What Schneidt said he likes the most about living in Cherokee County is “the quietness, especially after living near Dallas or big cities in Florida.”
He credits his veteran father, Arthur Schneidt, for the person he is today.
“He taught his children to be good people and good Americans. He was cool,” Anthony said.“He was in World War II, he was a singer, a hairdresser and state commander for Disabled American Veterans.”
In 10 years, he said, “I hope I’m still alive and here in Ranger. I’m comfortable and like going for walks on the property with my dogs.”