Puerto Rico celebrates new Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez
Posted January 27, 2017 6:00 am
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Students shouted "Ivan! Ivan! Ivan!" as Ivan Rodriguez visited his former elementary school on Friday, part of a three-day celebration Puerto Rico planned for the newly elected Hall of Fame catcher.
The 14-time All-Star waved as he posed for pictures in his hometown of Vega Baja.
"What a joy to return to my school," he said. "I'm very happy that you're here with me on such a special day."
Hundreds of people followed Pudge, some carrying pictures, baseballs and flyers for him to sign. They joined him as he received a blessing at a church and cheered as he accepted the keys of the town, located on the island's north coast.
Rodriguez was a teenager when he debuted with the Rangers in 1991. He is the fourth native Puerto Rican in the Hall after Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda and Roberto Alomar.
"He should be an example to all of you," Gov. Ricardo Rossello told a group of students who had gathered to welcome Rodriguez.
Rodriguez announced he will pay for the cost to construct a roof for the basketball court at his former school. Retired since the 2011 season, he is a special assistant to Rangers general manager Jon Daniels.
Former Major League Baseball player Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez, who was received in his hometown school, José Gualberto Padilla Elementary, autographs a poster in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. The Puerto Rican catcher is visiting his native island to celebrate his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame last week. Rodriguez is the fourth native Puerto Rican in the hall and became the youngest inductee at 45 years old. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
The Associated Press
Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello, left, greets former Major League Baseball player Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez, in his hometown Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. The Puerto Rican catcher is visiting his native island to celebrate his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rodriguez is the fourth native Puerto Rican in the hall and became the youngest inductee at 45 years old. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
The Associated Press
Andres Waldemar, Recreation and Sports Department secretary and Education Department secretary Julia Keleher, accompany ormer Major League Baseball player Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez, left back, who was received in his hometown school, José Gualberto Padilla Elementary, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. The Puerto Rican catcher is visiting his native island to celebrate his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame last week. Rodriguez is the fourth native Puerto Rican in the hall and became the youngest inductee at 45 years old. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
The Associated Press
Former Major League Baseball player Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez, is honored at a ceremony in his hometown Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. The Puerto Rican catcher is visiting his native island to celebrate his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rodriguez is the fourth native Puerto Rican in the hall and became the youngest inductee at 45 years old. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
The Associated Press
Former Major League Baseball player Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez is blessed by a priest during a church service in his hometown Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. The Puerto Rican catcher is visiting his native island to celebrate his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rodriguez is the fourth native Puerto Rican in the hall and became the youngest inductee at 45 years old. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
The Associated Press
A student waits for former Major League Baseball player Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez, who was received in his hometown school, José Gualberto Padilla Elementary, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. The Puerto Rican catcher is visiting his native island to celebrate his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame last week. Rodriguez is the fourth native Puerto Rican in the hall and became the youngest inductee at 45 years old. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
The Associated Press
Students pose for a photo with Major League Baseball player Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez, who was received in his hometown school, José Gualberto Padilla Elementary, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. The Puerto Rican catcher is visiting his native island to celebrate his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame last week. Rodriguez is the fourth native Puerto Rican in the hall and became the youngest inductee at 45 years old. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
The Associated Press
A student raises his cap to an image of former Major League Baseball player Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez, who was received in his hometown school, José Gualberto Padilla Elementary, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. The Puerto Rican catcher is visiting his native island to celebrate his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame last week. Rodriguez is the fourth native Puerto Rican in the hall and became the youngest inductee at 45 years old. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
The Associated Press
A student looks at a coloring page and a poster featuring former Major League Baseball player Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez, who was received in his hometown school, José Gualberto Padilla Elementary, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. The Puerto Rican catcher is visiting his native island to celebrate his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame last week. Rodriguez is the fourth native Puerto Rican in the hall and became the youngest inductee at 45 years old. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
The Associated Press
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