PUDGE

The cat who brought repectability back to the 'D' retired on Monday.
In 2003 the Detroit Tigers finished the season with 43 wins and 119 losses.
Motown was 'No Man's Land.' It wasn't exactly a coveted destination for free agents.
That all changed in 2004 when Pudge Rodriguez signed a 4-year, $40 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.
Suddenly, Detroit was a cool place to play ball. Make no mistake about it - Pudge paved the path for Magglio Ordonez, Kenny Rogers, Miguel Cabrera, Johnny Damon and Prince Fielder.

Pudge will soon be in the Hall of Fame.
A 21 year career in MLB.
Surpassed Carlton Fisk's record of 2,226 games caught - Pudge caught 2,427 games.
A career batting average of .296 with 311 home runs and 1,332 RBIs in 2,543 games overall with Texas (1991-2002, 2009), Florida (2003), Detroit (2004-08), the Yankees (2008), Houston (2009), and Washington (2010-11).
His 13 Gold Gloves were the most for a catcher.
Selected to 14 All-Star games.
Won 7 Silver Slugger Awards.
Most pickoffs by a catcher - 81.
Most doubles by a catcher in a season - 44.
Caught Kenny Rogers' perfect game (1994)
Caught Justin Verlander's no-hitter (2007)
American League MVP Award (1999)
National League Championship Series MVP (2003)
World Series Championship with Florida Marlins (2003)