By: Stickland H.R. No. 148
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Former Texas Ranger Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez is being
inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a member of the
Class of 2017, and this honor provides recognition for an athlete
who is one of the best catchers in history; and
WHEREAS, born on November 27, 1971, in Manati, Puerto Rico,
Mr. Rodriguez learned baseball at an early age. Mr. RodrÃguez
attended Lino Padron Rivera High School, where he was discovered by
scout Luis Rosa. RodrÃguez signed a contract with the Texas Rangers
in July 1988, at the age of 16, and began his professional baseball
career; and
WHEREAS Mr. Rodriguez made his Major League debut with the
Texas Rangers at the age of 19 on June 19, 1991. Mr. Rodriguez
immediately established himself as one of baseball's best
all-around players--equally as formidable behind the plate playing
defense as he was offensively at the plate; and
WHEREAS over his 21 season career, Mr. Rodriguez played a
majority with the Texas Rangers, including one season with the
Houston Astros, leading him to become a favorite athlete of
baseball fans of all ages all over Texas; and
WHEREAS during his career, Mr. Rodriguez was a 14-time
All-Star; 13-time Gold Glove Award winner; 7-time Silver Slugger
Award winner; AL MVP in 1999 with the Texas Rangers; and a World
Series Champion in 2003 with the Florida Marlins.
WHEREAS while widely regarded as one of the best defensive
catchers of all time, Mr. Rodriguez finished in career in the
top-ten in runs scored, home runs, runs batted in, hits, doubles,
and career batting average among catchers in baseball history; and
WHEREAS
Mr. Rodriguez was not only a wonderful teammate and
ballplayer, but also great ambassador of the game and beloved
philanthropist; and
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulates Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez on his
election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez as an expression of high regard
by the Texas House of Representatives.