by: Randall Rosario
Fourteen time All-Star Ivan Rodriguez is ready to retire. He plans to announce his retirement in Arlington, Texas ending his memorable 21-year major league career that included a record of 13 Gold Gloves most by any catcher. Sources say that Rodriguez wishes to make the announcement when the Texas Rangers start a homestead Monday against the New York Yankees. Rodriguez, known as Pudge on the field, spent his first 12 seasons with the Texas Rangers and won the American League MVP with texas, batting .332 with 35 home runs and 113 RBIs.
He won a world series with the Florida Marlins in 2003 and also played with the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals. Rodriguez becomes the third longtime catcher to retire since last season ending, following Jorge Posada from the New York Yankees and Jason Varitek from the Boston Red Sox. Pudge is now 40 years old but ends his career a batting average of .296 life time, 2,884 hits, 311 home runs and 1,332 RBIs. He broke the record for most Golden Gloves held by Johnny Bench and hit .300 or better 10 times. He’s had a great career but he is ready to say good bye.
