Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez had the privilege to catch some of the greatest pitchers in Major League history.
One such pitcher was fellow Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan during their time together on the Texas Rangers.
Ryan was an eight-time All-Star, a two-time ERA champion, and a 1969 World Series champion with the New York Mets.
When Ryan was pitching to Rodriguez, the veteran right-hander was in the twilight of his career.
However, Ryan was still the same competitor he always had been.
On the MLB podcast “Foul Territory,” Rodriguez talked about his time with Ryan and what it was like to catch such an impressive pitcher.
Hall of Famer Iván Rodríguez recalls what it was like catching for Nolan Ryan as a nervous rookie.
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Rodriguez recalled what took place before he caught a game with Ryan pitching, remembering former Rangers pitching coach Tom House.
House held a meeting with Rodriguez and Ryan, which then-manager Bobby Valentine would also attend.
Rodriguez recalled looking at the reports with Ryan.
However, Ryan would stop the meetings after reading the first report and cut straight to the chase.
Rodriguez then remembered Ryan simply going through the signs with him and reminding him that all he needed to do was put down fingers to call certain pitches.
Ryan also had Rodriguez point in or out when he called for a fastball and told his young catcher that if he did that, he would fully trust him.
The Hall of Famer pitched a gem, but the Rangers lost their lead.
Fortunately, Rodriguez picked up the game-winning hit and saved the day.
He remembered feeling very confident after that start with Ryan, knowing full well that the right-hander trusted him completely.
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