ESPN: Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez to Retire From Baseball - East Idaho News
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ESPN: Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez to Retire From Baseball

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Getty S 41912 Pudge?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1334835312485Rob Carr/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — One of the greatest catchers to ever play the game is calling it a career. ESPN is reporting that former Texas Rangers catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez will retire on Monday in Arlington as a member of the Rangers.

The 40-year old Rodriguez spent 21 seasons in Major League baseball and has a resume that will likely get his ticket punched to Cooperstown. He won the AL MVP in 1999 while with the Rangers, was a 14-time All-Star, and won a World Series title with the Florida Marlins in 2004.

He finishes his career with a .296 career batting average, 2,884 hits, 311 home runs, and 1,332 RBIs. He wasn’t just great with a bat, as Pudge won 13 Gold Glove Awards during his time as a player.

He is one of just five players in Major League Baseball history with a .290 average, 2,500 hits, 550 doubles, 300 home runs, and 1,300 RBIs. The others to reach those marks are Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, George Brett, and Barry Bonds.

Pudge ranks first of all-time among catchers in Major League history in games, runs and hits.

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