Rangers' Delino DeShields changes jersey number to honor Ivan Rodriguez
Texas Rangers outfielder Delino DeShields wore No. 7 on his jersey in 2015 during his first season in Arlington, but announced on Friday that he's making a change.
The decision isn't merely an aesthetic, 'favorite number' type of thing . . . rather, DeShields is consciously paying tribute to one of the Rangers' most iconic players, catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez.
DeShields made the announcement on his Instagram page and clearly laid out the motivation behind the switch from No. 7 to No. 3:
Rodriguez, who will be eligible for the Hall of Fame after the 2016 season, gave DeShields a shout-out on Twitter commending him for the gesture:
Such a great person @LinoDeShields Class act and I appreciate it! I'm honored for this! #Pudge7 Thanks to everyone! pic.twitter.com/r8rgo22acN
— Ivan Rodriguez (@Pudge_Rodriguez) January 1, 2016
Rodriguez definitely seems like a strong candidate for the Hall after a 21-year career (13 of them with the Rangers) in which he hit .296/.334/.464, established a reputation for his skills behind the plate and racked up a cumulative WAR of 68.4.
Having his familiar No. 7 freed up by DeShields' switch, Rodriguez (whose own son is making strides in the minor leagues currently) could now see his number retired by the Rangers if/when they so choose to do so.
