This Day In Baseball
History: August 14, 1999
It was on this date in 1999 that
Texas Rangers catcher, Ivan Rodriquez, stole his 20th base of the
season which—along with his 24 home runs—made him the first 20-20 catcher in
the baseball history. The swipe came in the third inning of an 8-7 Rangers loss
to the White Sox at Comiskey Park II (now know as US Cellular Field) in
Chicago.
Rodriguez, affectionately know
as “Pudge”, would finish the season with 35 home runs and 25 stolen bases and
win the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award. Regarded as one of the
best defensive catchers of his day, Pudge was also an able player at the plate.
For his 21-year career, he collected 2844 hits (for a .296 average), 311 home
runs, 1332 RBIs and 127 stolen bases.
As far as awards go, he was an
All-star 14 times, won 13 Gold Glove Awards, seven Silver Slugger Awards, the
one MVP Award, and the 2003 NLCS MVP Award as he helped lead the Florida
Marlins to the World Series Championship that season.
Besides the Rangers and Marlins,
Rodriquez also played for the Tigers, Yankees, Astros and Nationals. He will be
eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2017 and has to be a favourite for next year’s
class.
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