|
After 12 years in Texas, Pudge gets a
ring in Florida
Written by Nelson Ortiz, Latinosportslegends.com
October 27, 2003 -- All-Star catcher of the Florida Marlins, Iván
"I-Rod" Rodríguez has played with many great players
during his 12 year stay with the Texas Rangers. Juan Gonzalez, Rafael
Palmiero, Alex Rodriguez to name a few.
But he has never made it to the World Series until now.
He left Texas with his heart broken when the Rangers decided not to him a new
contract last season because they were convinced his skills after 12 years
with the club were eroding.
"From a financial standpoint, we had to do it," said Rangers general manager John Hart, who added he had few if any chances to trade Rodriguez in 2002. "It kills you to lose a player with that kind of talent, but you see this all the time now. Every team has to make these types of decisions."
He remained a free agent until the Florida Marlins gave him a chance
and signed him to a one-year, $10 million deal.
Being let go by the Ranges, was perhaps the best thing that ever
happened to I-Rod since he got signed backed in 1988. Rodriguez played a
vital part in leading the Marlins to a World Series victory over the New
York Yankees. He was named MVP of the National League Championship
Series when he batted .321 with 10 RBIs. In the World Series, Rodriguez batting
with a .271, while playing excellent defense in catching all seven
games.
In World Series game seven, Rodriguez caught Josh Beckett's amazing performance
as he shut down the Yankees out on five hits on three days' rest,
winning the World Series for the Marlins. Give Rodriguez credit for
calling a masterful game for the young righthander, Beckett.
After the victory, Rodriguez celebrated with his teammates and kissed home
plate, knowing that his team just accomplished something many others
thought they could'nt do - defeat the mighty NY Yankees.
"I don't believe we won," he said. "But we did it."
"How long did it take me to get here?" asked Rodriguez. Thirteen years, someone answered.
"Thirteen years," he said, nodding. "Forever. "But now I'm a champion." Forever.
|
