A Frederick County resident, Phil Ranneberger was an outstanding athlete and professional baseball player. He spent most of his life involved in baseball. Starting with Little League in 1960, he continued his playing career with the Babe Ruth League through 1964. Pitching and playing the field, Ranneberger led his team to the Babe Ruth League World Series in New Mexico in 1963. Playing baseball for Frederick High School and playing American Legion Baseball 1965–1967, he helped to lead the Frederick AL team to the Maryland State Championship and to the Mid- Atlantic Regional Tournament in New Jersey. In 1967, Ranneberger was drafted by the New York Yankees and played professionally for two years. He was a powerful hitter and considered to be the best in Frederick County.