Video: Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez Retires with Texas Rangers
Long-time Texas Rangers catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez made the decision to accept the team’s offer to retire in the team’s jersey by signing a one-day contract and by throwing out the first-pitch prior to tonight’s game against the New York Yankees.
Pudge started out at the mound, and apparently was going to throw a traditional “pitch” to Michael Young who was situated behind the plate. Instead, the two switched places, with Rodriguez trotting behind the plate and Young out to second base.
Rodriguez then took the ball from behind home plate at the Ballpark at Arlington one last time, and fired a perfect strike down to Young covering the bag at second.
Just right.
Perfect was something Pudge Rodriguez was on many an afternoon at the Ballpark in Arlington. Undoubtedly a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and one of the game’s all-time greats behind the plate, Rodriguez was humble and gracious to fans in his brief remarks prior to making his throw to second to tie a bow on a career which few will ever match.
Rodriguez finishes his career with a .296 lifetime batting average, 311 home runs, 1,332 hits and 2,844 runs– all staggering numbers for a catcher. His throwing arm from behind the plate is also legendary, and helped him win 13 Gold Glove awards during his time in major league baseball.
There will never be another Pudge– he did things both at the plate and behind it which most catchers present and future will strive towards, but few will ever reach.
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Kris Hughes is the College Football Network Manager for Rant Sports. If you enjoy his takes, you can follow Kris on Twitter, check out his personal Facebook page, or stop by his personal Tumblr page.
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