He wasn’t always a Detroit Tiger, but when he was he was damn good one. Detroit Sports Nation would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez on his induction into Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
On behalf of the Detroit Tigers organization, congratulations to Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez on being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame pic.twitter.com/hscH2iYjl4
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) January 18, 2017
Rodriguez earned 76% of the vote, according to the BBWAA. 75% is required for induction into the Hall of Fame.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) January 18, 2017
The Story of My Life | By Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez https://t.co/efbMNOpN1E
— IRIZARRY 🇵🇷🪓⚾️🎼🐶💚🐯 (@irizarryjl) January 18, 2017
.jpg "ICYMI: Pudge Rodriguez inducted to MLB Hall of Fame; Raines and Bagwell too Tigers News Reports")
Pudge signed with the Tigers in February of 2004, after Detroit was coming off a franchise-worst 119-loss season, also one of the worst seasons in the MLB modern era. He had been named National League Championship Series MVP in 2003 and won the World Series with the then Florida Marlins. It was a “big get” for a team that was not in a very good place. The deal was for four years and $40 million, with an option for a fifth year. He eventually was traded to the New York Yankees for Kyle Farnsworth in 2008.
During his time with the Tigers, Pudge slashed .298/.328/.449 while notching 62 home runs and racking up 300 RBIs. His offensive production was only a part of what he brought to the table. It was his defense and leadership on the field that made him invaluable to his club. In 2006, just a few years after the record-setting 2003 campaign for losses, the Tigers went to the World Series, behind a young arm of Justin Verlander and a steady veteran backstop in Rodriguez.
Ivan Rodriguez is
1st among Cs in hits
5th in RBIs
3rd in WAR
4th in Peak WARWill he get in to the #HallofFame?https://t.co/kb6PID12fa pic.twitter.com/N4TJfoIel4
— Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) January 18, 2017
Pudge was a fan favorite, and he relished his time in Detroit. According to an interview with Tony Paul of the Detroit News, “it all started with the fans.” Rodriguez recalled his time in Comerica Park fondly saying, “The fans here…they were some of the biggest supporters for us.”
Among Pudge Rodriguez's long list of accomplishments: Saving the Tigers https://t.co/XpsaZFqAp0
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) January 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/JAJimenez27/status/821821502148513792
Congrats, Pudge! Well deserved! Pudge will be joined by two others come this summer when they the elected are enshrined. 23-year major league veteran Tim ‘Rock’ Raines is getting in, as is long-time Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell.
Congratulations to the #HOF2017 Class – Jeff Bagwell, @Pudge_Rodriguez and @TimRaines30! pic.twitter.com/VYftCDJbgs
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 18, 2017
As for a few other former Tigers, notably shortstop Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordoñez, they are no longer eligible after failing to receive the minimum.
Former Tiger outfielder Magglio Ordonez earned 0.7% of the vote and shortstop Carlos Guillen earned 0.0%. They are off the ballot.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) January 18, 2017
