Ivan Rodriguez; Pudge

Backwards K Pod

As Ivan Rodriguez was awaiting the ceremonial first pitch, from former President George W. Bush, at Game One of the 2023 World Series, Pudge ostensibly saw his baseball life flash before his eyes. The kid from the Puerto Rico countryside, who would run around Vega Baja, carrying a stick-bat, and a ball made of rolled-up tape. That same kid who would sign a contract with the Texas Rangers, at the age of 16, after team scouts witness him throw a single 93 MPH pea to second base. Through his amazing career, as arguably, one of the greatest all-arond catchers to ever play the game. Culminating with his induction into the National Baseball Hall Of Fame, in Cooperstown, New York, as only the second catcher in the game's history, to earn induction in his first year of eligibility. This is the Journey of the short and stocky catcher, the fans called Pudge. #IvanRodriguez #TexasRangers #MiamiMarlins #DetroitTigers #PuertoRico #GeorgeWBush #SandyJohnson #OmarMinaya #LuisRosa #MannyBatista #Pudge #JohnnyBench #JeffConine