Academy Notebook: Iván 'Pudge' Rodríguez hitting clinic at the Youth Academy

Iván Rodríguez Hosts hitting clinic for Youth Academy athletes

This year’s winners of the Rangers RBI postseason tournaments were treated to an extra special prize, beyond a trophy and bragging rights. Former Texas Rangers catcher and Baseball Hall of Famer, Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez hosted an exclusive hitting clinic for the 2021 champs.

“It's not every day that you have a Rangers Hall of Famer, a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and arguably the greatest catcher in the history of the sport come out and work with the kids,” said Juan Leonel Gárciga, Director of Youth Baseball & Academy Programs. “It's a really unique experience that we're able to offer to a small group of athletes who participate in RBI and are regular Academy participants.”

Around 25 high school-aged baseball and softball players gathered at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy on Wednesday, Aug. 11, to learn from one of the greats.

“It’s an unbelievable experience to learn from an MLB great like Pudge Rodríguez. It's an incredible opportunity to come out here, get the chance to work with him and pick his brain,” said Marlin Mansfield, Rangers RBI senior baseball champion.

To kick off the clinic, Rodriguez overviewed the principles of hitting and added in a few of his favorite tips. Athletes took turns participating in hitting drills in the Globe Life Training Center with help from Youth Academy coaches. Rodriguez served as a roving instructor, offering one-on-one feedback before and after athletes stepped up to the plate.

“I asked him what he focuses on in the cages when he is by himself working alone,” said Mansfield. “He said that he focused on getting his bat through the zone, keeping it level and trying to work the ball the opposite way.”

Pudge is no stranger at the Youth Academy, leaving his mark as one of the most involved Texas Rangers alumni, visiting West Dallas multiple times per year to work with the young athletes. He’s worked at summer training sessions, hosted a catcher’s camp and has now added this hitting clinic to his list of contributions.

The Gophers, back-to-back Rangers RBI Softball Champions, the Vikings, Senior Baseball three-time champions, and Hickory, the Junior Baseball Champions, all had the opportunity to learn from Rodriguez.

During next year’s Ranger RBI season, these athletes will continue swinging for the fences.

Players Alliance Gear for Good Tour at Globe Life Field

This Sunday, on Aug. 15, the Texas Rangers will host the Players Alliance Gear for Good Tour. Before the game versus the Oakland A’s, 15 Youth Academy baseball players will have an experience to remember.

The Players Alliance is generously gifting customized gear packs to each athlete, with hats, t-shirts, gloves and more. Youth Academy athletes will experience an extensive tour of the newly constructed Globe Life Field while learning about Texas baseball along the way.

Following the tour, they will have an opportunity to talk baseball with some of their favorite Texas Rangers players and coaches. Pitcher Taylor Hearn, an active member of the Players Alliance and involved member of the North Texas community, will be joined by Jharel Cotton, DeMarcus Evans, coach Tony Beasley and coach Callix Crabbe.

Additionally, the kids will have an opportunity to meet members of the Rangers front office like Rebekah Skeete, cybersecurity analyst and member of the Texas Rangers Impact and Community Inclusion Council.

After all activities conclude, the athletes and their families will be invited to stay and enjoy some Texas Rangers Baseball.

Whataburger Rising Stars

Each year, Texas Rangers Youth Academy partners with Whataburger for the Whataburger Rising Stars Program, highlighting exceptional moments from the Rangers RBI season. The program recognizes performance on and off the field with a focus in the areas of sportsmanship, on-field performance, academic excellence, and displays of perseverance and dedication.

Players in the Rangers RBI league are nominated by their coaches and selected by the Texas Rangers Youth Academy staff. During the coming weeks, winners will receive individual recognition in the Academy Notebook for their hard work.

2021 Whataburger Rising Stars winners include Josue Pina, Christian Lopez, Angelyna Grisham, Giovanca Frias, Hannah Pacheco, Rafael Carbajal, Joseph Jones, Briana Rodriguez and William Terry.