Pudge Rodriguez Threw Out Tonight's First Pitch From Home Plate To Second Base

As expected, Ivan Rodriguez retired from baseball today after 21 seasons, and did so as a Texas Ranger—accepting a plaque from Nolan Ryan and then doing the honors of throwing out the first pitch before tonight's game against the New York Yankees.

He did so in a fittingly Pudge-like fashion, though, leaving the mound to take a spot behind home plate before firing a strike to Michael Young at second base. While the Yankees jumped out to an early lead on pitcher Derek Holland, we doubt it was enough to wipe smiles off Rangers fans' faces. [FSSW]