Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez is a catcher, currently with the Houston Astros. Last night, he set the record for the number of major league games caught in a career - 2,227.
Pudge came up with the Rangers in 1991, and spent 12 seasons with them. He was an All Star 10 times, won 10 Gold Gloves, and was regarded as one of the best, if not the best catcher in baseball during those times. The Rangers let him go before his 13th year rather than signing him to a long term contract - catchers generally don't have a long career span. Pudge then spent time with Detroit, New York, and LA before signing with the Astros this year.
Setting the record during an interleague game between the Rangers and Astros in Arlington was special, given his history with the Rangers. He received standing ovations before the game, and after the 3rd inning video tribute shown by both clubs on the scoreboard stadium.
A certain Hall of Famer, Pudge has been a class act and a role model for his entire career. In this age of steroids and lying before Congress, he is a bright spot for baseball.
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