Congrats to Pudge, who was elected to the Hall of fame today. He goes in with Jeff Bagwell & Tim Raines (plus Bud Selig & John Schuerholz).
Two catchers have reached the Hall of Fame on 1st ballot: Johnny Bench and Pudge Rodriguez.
Pudge is now the youngest member of the Hall of Fame.
No word as to what cap he will wear yet. We as Rangers fans expect it to be a Rangers cap, but the official word isn’t out yet. However, Pudge had this to say about the matter:
Ivan Rodriguez makes it official: He will wear a #Rangers cap on his Hall of Fame plaque.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) January 19, 2017
Only the HOF is “official”, but that post is darned close.
Here’s a couple of videos of him taking the call at home.
I have no words, best call ever! A dream that came true today! So thankful! Thank you thank you God bless you all #Pudge7HOF pic.twitter.com/Od0bNONZjv
— Ivan Pudge Rodriguez (@Pudge_Rodriguez) January 18, 2017
Gracias, Gracias, gracias, muchas gracias, es tan grande la emoción.... bendiciones a todos #Pudge7HOF pic.twitter.com/gGjTNJMFD4
— Ivan Pudge Rodriguez (@Pudge_Rodriguez) January 18, 2017
I saw Pudge play almost all of his career in Texas, including the back half of the 2009 season when he returned via trade. Was an awesome player to watch, and steroids charges be damned. I’m glad to see him going in. Only the second catcher ever (Bench) to go in on the first ballot. While I can’t make it to the ceremony, I’ll definitely be watching it.
And finally, some tweets from his teams congratulating him.
It's Official: @Pudge_Rodriguez is going to the @baseballhall! #PudgeHOF pic.twitter.com/v4YG23ng5r
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) January 18, 2017
You brought a championship mentality to a young team and helped start an era of baseball excellence in Detroit.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) January 18, 2017
Congrats @Pudge_Rodriguez! pic.twitter.com/AK1381hKMw
First our champion. Now a legend.
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) January 18, 2017
Congratulations, Pudge!#HOF2017 pic.twitter.com/qrkdbFQj8R
Congrats to former Expos OF Tim Raines and former #Nats C Ivan Rodriguez on their election to the @baseballhall! pic.twitter.com/ud4DC4ogNA
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) January 18, 2017
The Yankees did not congratulate him on his induction, but he was only a Yankee for about eight weeks. The Astros didn’t, either – but then they had their own guy go in today, so that’s understandable.