Ed Condron

Arlington, TX

After failing to draw interest in a playing job this offseason, Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez has decided to retire as a member of the Texas Rangers, with whom he spent the bulk of his stellar 21-year career in the Majors.

Rodriguez, 40, a former Major League Baseball catcher from Puerto Rico, will announce his retirement as a member of the Rangers as part of a pre-game ceremony prior to the game with the New York Yankees in Arlington.

Rodriguez, who becomes the third long-time catcher to retire since last season, will not only be remembered for his unparalleled endurance and durability, especially during his prime seasons, but for his passion for the game.

The 14-time All-Star Rodriguez, also known as "I-Rod", was hoping to play some baseball, but there were no offer for a starting job or anything close to it.

Rodriguez played 44 games for the Nationals in an injury-marred 2011 season. He hit just .218 in 124 at-bats for Washington last year.

Rodriguez began his two-decade-plus major league career in 1991 with Rangers, who first signed him out of Puerto Rico. He spent his first 12 years in a Rangers uniform, which is considered the best years of career.

In his first tour of Texas (1991-2002), Rodriguez emerged as one of the elite catchers in the game. During that span, he hit .305 with 215 and 829 RBI and was recognized to 10 straight All-Star Games with the Rangers.

Rodriguez, who is also regarded as one of the best defensive catchers of all time, won 10 of his 13 Gold Gloves and six of his seven Silver Slugger Awards while in Texas. He was recognized with the American League MVP award in 1999.

During his MVP season, he hit .332 with 35 homers and 113 RBI and stole 25 bases.

Though he did not win a playoff series with the Rangers, Rodriguez helped them capture their first AL West crown in 1996 and then two more in '98 and '99.

After leaving Texas in free agency after 2002, Rodriguez landed in Florida and helped the Marlins win the World Series in 2003. He also played in the 2006 World Series with the Tigers, with whom he was recognized to four All Star Games.

Rodriguez then played 28 games in his return to the Rangers at the end of the 2009 season. He then spent the past two seasons with the Nats, and became a free agent after the 2011 campaign.

Rodriguez, who also played for the Yankees and Houston Astros, concludes his career with a .296 batting average, 2,884 hits (2,749 as a catcher -- the highest total at the position), 311 home runs and 1,332 RBI.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez and the Rangers confirmed plans Thursday, with the club set to honor the All-Star catcher with an on-field ceremony at Rangers Ballpark. Rodriguez is slated to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

 

 

Pudge Rodriguez to Retire