After spending 21 years in major league baseball, Ivan Rodriguez hung up his talents on Monday in Texas, saying goodbye to the game that was one of the biggest parts of his life.
The Rangers honored Pudge's final farewells by allowing him to throw the ceremonial first pitch of the game. However, it wasn't any ordinary first pitch because Michael Young went to second base while Pudge stepped behind the plate. Pudge then fired the ball to Young at second from behind the plate to make everything feel right. After spending 12 seasons with the Rangers out of his 21 year career, Rangers fans overwhelmed Rodriguez with a lot of love and tons of respect.
Rodriguez holds the catching major league record with 2,427 games caught. He appeared in 14 all star games during his career hitting .296 with 311 home runs, and 1,332 RBIs. Pudge was an amazing defensive catcher and eventually incorporated an offensive game into his repertoire. His arm from behind the plate left base runners filled with fear, always terrified to steal.
It was an emotional goodbye for Rodriguez, realizing that his playing days are over. Pudge will always be remembered and it is a sad loss for baseball. However, he plans to stay involved in the game. He has been talking to Rangers president Nolan Ryan about a possible job with the organization.
The Rangers are considering retiring Pudge's number 7 jersey, but it is not a guarantee as of yet. He helped turn the whole organization around when he was playing for the Rangers and will always be remembered as one of the best to play the game from behind the plate.
It was a sad day for not only Rodriguez and his family, but also for the fans of the game. Growing up, baseball fans were fascinated by Pudge's play his whole career and it is a sad loss for baseball.
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-400_162-57419800/ivan-rodriguez-retires-after-stellar-21-year-career/
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