Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, arguably the greatest
Texas Ranger of all time, will announce his retirement Monday back where it all
started in Arlington, Texas.
Although the Rangers have not made an official announcement, sources told The
Associated Press and other outlets that Rodriguez plans to officially end his
21-year major league career when the club opens a homestand Monday against the
New York Yankees.
Rodriguez, 40, played his first 12 seasons in Texas where he won over fans with
his laser arm, booming bat and constant hustle.
Rodriguez won the 1999 American League MVP while with the Rangers after hitting
.332 with 35 home runs and 113 RBI. He also had 25 stolen bases to become the
only catcher in MLB history to have a 20-homer, 20-stolen base season.
A 14-time All-Star, Rodriguez broke the record for Gold Gloves by a catcher
with 13, mainly because he was so efficient at throwing out base stealers with
his powerful, accurate arm. He led the AL nine times in caught stealing
percentage.
Although his biggest offensive numbers came in baseball's steroids era, when
the Rangers of that time were alleged to have several steroids users,
Rodriguez' longevity and defensive prowess are unquestioned.
He started 2,349 games at catcher — more than anyone in MLB history — and
finishes with 2,844 hits and a .296 career batting average.
Rodriguez signed with the Florida Marlins as a free agent in 2003 where he won
a World Series ring. After one season with the Marlins, he signed with the
Detroit Tigers and reached the World Series again in 2006.
Rodriguez also had stints with the Yankees and Astros and returned to the
Rangers for 28 games in 2009.
He spent the past two seasons with the Washington Nationals, but despite
interest from a handful of teams he was unable to land a job with a team this
season.
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
