Ivan Rodriguez Throws First Pitch At Rangers-Yankees Game From Home Plate (VIDEO)

Ivan Rodriguez threw out the first pitch from home plate in Monday's Rangers-Yankees game.

We can't think of a more fitting way for "Pudge" to have said goodbye.

Ivan Rodriguez spent more than1,500 games behind home plate for the Texas Rangers. After announcing his retirement after 21 seasons on Monday, the 40-year-old got one last moment as the Rangers' catcher.

Rodriguez threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Rangers-Yankees game. Rather than just climb atop the unfamiliar mound, though, Rodriguez also took a ceremonial toss from a familiar spot. Standing at home plate, the 13-time Gold Glove winner fired the ball to second baseman Michael Young.

Before the pitch, Rodriguez received a framed Rangers jersey with his name on it from Tom Grieve, the general manager who signed him in 1988. He also received a crystal memento from Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan and was treated to a video compilation of his greatest moments with the Rangers.

Rodriguz spent 13 years with the Rangers. He was named to 10 straight All-Star games during that span and won the 1999 A.L. MVP. Although he would win the World Series with the Florida Marlins in 2003 and return to the Fall Classic with the Detroit Tigers just a few seasons later, Rodriguez knew that there was no place like home plate in Arlington when he decided to hang up his gear for the last time.

From our partners

• The 50 Worst Sports Movies - Bleacher Report
• 20 Reasons Baseball Is The Worst - Bleacher Report
• Sports Stars Of The '90s: Where Are They Now? - Bleacher Report

Comments

[trying this again]

11:45 AM on 04/27/2012

I was there and I feel like I witnessed something special. It was my first game too.

[butchcliff]

07:25 AM on 04/27/2012

Now that was cool

[TommyMcCarthy]

05:03 PM on 04/24/2012

Wicked pissah....nawt lookin' good...

"Pudge"....is always and ever Carlton Fisk

[Longbaugh]

06:20 PM on 04/24/2012

Nope. Ivan was a better fielder and hitter.

[Sing Out and Slap Iron]

12:41 PM on 04/24/2012

Good luck Pudge in all your future endeavors and thanks for helping my Marlins win it all in 2003.

[shawman65]

12:24 PM on 04/24/2012

Pudge was the best catcher I ever saw. Bench was close. Pudge was better.

[JacksonHts]

09:26 AM on 04/24/2012

Agent Scott Boras who represented Pudge Rodriguez brought Alex Rodriguez to the Rangers ensuring they could not pay Pudge and he has to leave his team in his prime, in one of the all time agent conflict of interest stories. Ironically, the Rangers are the only team that offer Pudge a retirement celebration.

[DMH15]

01:38 PM on 04/24/2012

Cause us Rangers fans love Pudge in a very special way. It killed us to see him leave. I have made one trip to Cooperstown, and that was for Nolan's induction. I believe a second trip is in order in about 5 years when Pudge goes in as a Ranger.

[JacksonHts]

03:55 PM on 04/24/2012

I grew up in Puerto Rico so I have paid mind to Pudge's career. There was a time when PR had the station on its cable system that carried the Texas Rangers games (along with the Cubs, Mets, Braves stations if I am not mistaken), and am aware of the regard in which he was held. I think his agent had a conflict of interest, and I think he should have played out his career with the Rangers. He did win a Championship before ARod, which is worth something.