Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez Set to Retire

Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez will formally retire as an active player Monday at the Rangers Ball Park in Arlington.

Rodriguez in one of the most decorated catchers in Major League history, playing 21 big league seasons. He came up to the Majors as a 19-year-old with the Rangers in 1991.

The strong armed catcher won 13 Gold Gloves and caught more games (2,427) than any other player in MLB history. The 40-year-old retires with a .296 career average and 311 home runs, and the 14-time All-Star batted .300 or better in 10 seasons.

Rodriguez ranks second in Rangers history in hits (1,747), doubles (352) and multihit games (490). He won the 1999 American League Most Valuable Player Award with the Rangers.

The Texas Rangers plan to honor the All-Star catcher with an on-field ceremony before facing the New York Yankees. He will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch.