Marlins Historical Perspective: Appreciating Ivan Rodriguez

Ivan Rodriguez had a robust 21-season major league career.

His 13th season would see Ivan Rodriguez join the Marlins for the 2003 campaign. A 10-time all-star during his first stint with the Texas Rangers, Rodriguez’ season with the Marlins was his first non-Rangers major league season.

Rodriguez, who is turning 48-years-old today, signed with the Fish through free agency on January 28th, and in 144 regular season games for the Marlins, Pudge hit .297/.369/.474, with a career-high 55 walks, and a career second-best 10 steals. He clubbed 16 round-trippers with 85 RBI.

Although Rodriguez was only two years removed from six straight seasons of throwing out over half of base stealers, he only managed to cut down 33 percent of them with Florida. The Marlins played to a 91-71 record and the National League wildcard playoff berth. In Rodriguez’ appearances, the Marlins were 84-60, versus a 7-11 record without him. In the playoffs, Rodriguez was 21-for-67 with three homers and 17 RBI in 17 games. For his performance in the NLCS, he was named the MVP of the series.

On November 2nd, 2003, Rodriguez left Florida the same way he joined them, leaving via free agency. He later signed with the Detroit Tigers, making four more all-star teams on his way to the Hall of Fame.

Other Marlins Birthdays

Heath Haynes (51) joined the Montreal Expos in 1991 as an undrafted free agent out of Western Kentucky. After bouncing around the minors for seven seasons, he joined the Portland Sea Dogs, in the Double-A Eastern League in 1997. He was 4-0 with a 3.79 ERA and 39 K’s in 38 innings of work.

Brian Middleton (41) was chosen by Florida in the 53rd round of the 1997 draft, but didn’t sign. He eventually joined the Houston Astros after getting chosen in the 31st round four seasons later.

Jon Hunton (37) was Florida’s 28th round pick in 2001, but didn’t sign until the Chicago Cubs spent an 11th round pick on him three years later.

Mikie Mahtook (30) was Florida’s 39th round pick in 2008, but of course later on a first round pick in 2011 by the Tampa Bay Rays.

More from Marlins History

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• Miami Marlins players & the 2023 Hall of Fame
• Former Miami Marlins star is retiring
• Gary Sheffield or Mark Buehrle, will either Marlin make the Hall of Fame?
• Why don’t we see more dynasties? Part 3

Marlins Historical Transactions on this Date

2004 – Lenny Harris signed with Florida through free agency for the third season in a row.

Florida received two first-round compensatory picks from the San Francisco Giants for Armando Benitez. They eventually spent them on pitchers Aaron Thompson and Ryan Tucker.

2012 – The Marlins claimed first baseman Joe Mahoney off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. He spent most of the year with the triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs, but did go eight-for-29 in nine contests for the Marlins.

2017 – Miami signed RHP Drew Rucinski to a minor-league deal. In 32 relief appearances, Rucinski was 4-2 with a 4.33 ERA and 27 K’s in 35 innings.

2018 – On this date last year, the Marlins signed Bryan Holaday on a free agent deal for the second season in a row. He responded with a .278/.344/.435 line and  a career-high four home runs and 12 RBI in 43 contests.