Ivan Rodriguez, Sports Illustrated Magazine
A few weeks ago I posted a blog about the pending retirement of Dontrelle Willis, former pitcher with the 2003 World Series Champions Florida Marlins. And now again today I read that Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez is set to announce his retirement.
I’m not sure why those 2003 Florida Marlins have a soft spot in my heart, but for sure I’ll always remember that World Series. Maybe it was because they were playing the New York Yankees and I didn’t give them a prayer for winning. Maybe it was because the combination of Dontrelle and Pudge was something truly awesome to watch. Or maybe it was because I watched the entire series from a condo in Puerto Vallarta; the first two games in Spanish before I figured out how to change the receiver to English. It was memorable because the Spanish speaking announcers were unashamedly cheering for the Yankees and their obvious disappointment was hilarious to listen to. And even though I couldn’t understand a word they were saying, there was no doubt in my mind what they were thinking!
Pudge Rodriguez with the Texas Rangers
Ivan Rodriguez will be eligible for nomination to the Hall of Fame in five years and undoubtedly will be inducted at some point. His list of credentials and honors is impressive indeed and he has chosen to retire as a Texas Ranger. But even though he only spent one year with the Florida Marlins, that’s what I’ll always remember him as. The Florida Marlins catcher in the 2003 World Series. Thanks for the memories Pudge Rodriguez. You deserve all the accolades you’re about to receive!
Related articles
- The “D-Train” Has Left the Station. “We Hardly Knew ye D” (garlicfriesandbaseball.wordpress.com)
- Mel Antonen: For first time in decades, Pudge on outside as spring camps open (sportsillustrated.cnn.com)
- At 40, Pudge hoping for another shot (sportsillustrated.cnn.com)
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