One of the best catchers in baseball history, and certainly Rangers history, will hang up his glove for good today. Pudge Rodriguez will officially announce his retirement after 21 years in the league. The best part - he'll do it where it all began - in Texas.

Pudge began his career with Texas in 1991 at the age of 19. He owns 13 Gold Glove awards and has caught in more games than anyone else in major league history (2,427). Pudge, who is now 40, leaves the league with a .296 career average and 311 home runs. He is also a 14 time all-star and won the 1999 American League Most Valuable Player Award.

Pudge played 1,500 of his career games wearing a Texas Rangers uniform. He ranks second in team history in hits, doubles, and multi-game hits.

Pudge also played for the Marlins, Tigers, Yankees and Astros before making a return to Texas in 2009. He finished his career with two seasons with the Washington Nationals.

Pudge will make the anouncement during a 2 p.m. press conference today (4/23). Then, the Rangers will honor him with an on-field ceremony at 5:30 p.m. prior to todays (4/23) game against the Yankees, and he will also get to throw out the ceremonial first pitch! I wonder if Nolan will catch for him?

Here's an old Coke commercial I found that features Pudge. Thanks for the memories Pudge!

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