Catcher Texas Rangers
1991 - present Bats/Throws Right
5'9'' / 205 lbs. D.O.B. 11/30/71
I just updated the site (March 24) so hopefully those of you who are returning visitors will notice the changes. There is now a news section, the counter is new and there is now a guest book (so PLEASE sign!) Also, I'm looking for ideas on how to better promote this site...e-mail or leave a message and let me know. Thanks. Meghan
By the way I know there's still a few kinks to work out on the page. I'm getting to it. I PROMISE!
*Ivan was named to another all-star game last year, he is within one of breaking the record of Johnny Bench
*received his ninth Rawlings Gold Glove Award
*Ivan threw out his first baserunner of the year on opening day (see new section for more details)
i.e. WHEN THE SEASON STARTS
Full name is Ivan Torres Rodriguez
Nickname is Pudge
Was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, now lives in Rio Piedros, Puerto Rico
Started and participates in a foundation to help sick children (started in '95)
Is happily married with two children to Maribel Rivera (Junr 21, 1991)
Was promoted to major leagues from AAA-Tulsa the same day
Has two children. Ivan Dereck (6/5/92) and Amanda Christin (6/21/95)
Is said to have best arm in baseball
Has remarkable speed for a catcher
Has a record nine RBI's in one game
He bites his nails
Has been with Texas his entire MLB career
first time in post season was '96, AL West
In July '97, took mom's advice to stay with Rangers
Part of deal has him donating a half million from his contract to charity with the Rangers doing the same
Played the position of pitcher in little league but became a catcher on dad's advice.
Texas Rangers Baseball Club
P.O. box 90111
Arlington Texas 76004-3111
* 9 consecutive Gold Gloves
(behind Johnny Bench -10)
second most for a catcher
*five consecutive Silver sluggers (94-97)
*Record 9 RBI's in one game
* Voted in to all star game 8 consecutive times (92-99)
* Rangers player of the year '95
* Led AL catchers in hitting '94, has great speed
* youngest player in MLB in 91 and 92
*he was signed by the Rangers at the age of 16! (07/27/88)
* was first playing in 1991 (at 19) and made the starting line-up 88 times his first year
*3rd youngest player ever to be promoted to the Rangers
*has hit .301, had 51 HR's 230 RBI's for the last 3 years
*has a record for highest number ofAll Star games by a Ranger
*has had the highest throw out percentage in the Major Leagues 5 out of the last 7 years
*threw out 51.9% of base stealers last season, third straight year having the highest rate
*been on the DL only once, missing only 12 games (June 6-27,1992)
*was AL player of the month, April 1998
