Ivan (Pudge) Rodriguez Ties Tony Pena for 1,950 Total Games Caught

Ivan (Pudge) Rodriguez caught in his 1,950 th Major League Baseball game last night in Detroit, matching Tony Pena for fourth place on the all time MLB players list of Most Games Caught. The Detroit Tigers front office made a brief announcement to fans after the completion of 5 and one half innings of todays game, played against the Chicago White Sox.

Detroit Tigers fans stood to give Pudge a standing ovation to show their respect to the catcher who started the team on their road to the American League Championship, when he signed on with the team in 2004. The catcher lifted his mask, as he stood behind the plate, to thank the fans and his team for recognizing him for his accomplishment. Rodriguez's work ethic and performance has made him a fan favorite in Detroit. At 35 years old, a healthy Rodriguez could possibly catch in the majors for three or four more years and, therefore have a chance to surpass Carlton Fisk's Major League Baseball leading 2,226 MLB games caught. It is even more probable that Pudge will catch in his 2000th game this year. The two other former MLB catchers who are currently above Rodriguez on the all time games caught list are Bob Boone with 2,225 and Gary Carter with a total 2,056 MLB games caught. Rodriguez currently has had 2,373 hits in his MLB career, also making it possible for him to reach the 3,000 hit mark, if he remains healthy. No other catcher in Major League Baseball history has ever reached the 3,000 hit mark.

Ivan began his MLB career in 1991 with the Texas Rangers and remained a Ranger for twelve seasons, until he signed with the Florida Marlins in 2003. His short, one season stint in Florida earned him a World Series ring and in 2004, he signed his current four year deal with the Detroit Tigers. Rodriguez is currently working the last year of his contract with Detroit, but Tiger fans hope that this year and his 2008 option year will not be his last as a Tiger. In his 17 year MLB career, Pudge has won 12 Gold Glove awards, 5 Silver Slugger awards, 1999 American League MVP, 2003 National League Championship Series MVP award and has been elected to appear in 13 All Star Games, 9 of which were consecutive.

The fans in Detroit and, I suspect, across Major League Baseball, look forward to watching Ivan Rodriguez break and surpass both his own personal best and MLB records in the next few years. But more than that, the Detroit Tiger's fans are simply looking forward to watching Pudge play on their home field with the enthusiasm and love for the game that he shows each and everyday he wears that Old English D.