Ivan Rodriguez

Bio:
Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez (born November 27, 1971 in Manati, Puerto Rico) is known for being a Major League Baseball star catcher.Ivan developed a love for baseball in his childhood, and was coached in Little League by his father Juan.He was originally a pitcher, but his dad thought his throws were too strong and moved him to playing catcher He played baseball at Lino Padron Rivera High School and was discovered by a scout. When he was just 16, Ivan signed with the Texas Rangers in July 1988. He played for their minor league teams for several years before making his MLB debut June 20, 1991, becoming the youngest person to start as a catcher at just 19-years-old. He became a prolific hitter in addition to throwing out base stealers, and in 1995 was named his team’s Player of the Year. Ivan was named American League MVP in 1999 after he set a new AL season record for home runs by a catcher with 35 trips around the bases. He went into free agency in 2002 after his contract with Texas expired, and signed with the Florida Marlins in 2003. He would go to play on five other MLB teams, including a second stint in Texas in 2009. He retired in 2012 as one of the most legendary catchers to ever play the game. On Jan. 18, 2017 with his name on the ballot for the first time, he was voted in to the MLB Hall of Fame with 76 percent of the Baseball Writers of America’s vote.

Best Known For:
Ivan is best known for being a Major League Baseball star and one of the best catchers to ever play the game.

Personal Life:
Ivan’s nickname is “Pudge” due to his short, stocky build. He was married to Maribel Rivera from 1991-2006. The couple has three children: Iván Derrek , 24, Amanda Christine, 21, and Ivanna Sofia, 17. In his retirement he has worked as an baseball analyst for Fox Sports Southwest.