Wingnuts Re-Sign Team MVP, Former World Series Champ
Published on April 16, 2013 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts re-signed designated hitter John Rodriguez on Wednesday.
Rodriguez had one of the best offensive campaigns in Wingnuts' history last year, hitting .332 with 16 home runs and 81 RBI in 94 games played. The veteran hitter ranked prominently on the American Association leaderboards, and finished tied for sixth in batting average, tied for ninth in home runs, tied for fourth in RBI, 12th in on-base percentage (.400), and 11th in slugging percentage (.515). Rodriguez hit safely in 71 different games, and tallied multiple hits in 38 of them. A left-handed hitter and fielder, Rodriguez batted an impressive .374 with runners in scoring position (123 at bats), and added five more RBI in six playoff games. Rodriguez struck out just 44 times all season, and posted a .329 batting average against left-handed pitching. At the end of the year, Rodriguez was named the Wingnuts' Most Valuable Player.
"I have known John Rodriguez for a long time, and I can't say enough about what he means to our team," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "'J-Rod had a tremendous year for us, and having him is like having another coach. He is our leader and our go-to guy."
Rodriguez played two seasons in the Major Leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals (2005-06), helping the Redbirds win back-to-back National League Central Division crowns, as well as the 2006 World Series. Rodriguez hit .298 with 46 runs scored, 18 doubles, seven home runs, and 43 RBI in 158 Major League games. During his time with St. Louis, Rodriguez collected base hits against numerous all-stars, including Roger Clemens, Trevor Hoffman, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz.
Rodriguez enters his 17th year of professional baseball and was originally signed by the New York Yankees as a non-drafted free agent in 1996. Rodriguez is a career .280 hitter with 1,439 base hits, 214 home runs, and 864 RBI in 5,145 at bats over 1,538 games played. The 6-foot, 220-pound Rodriguez owns a lifetime .366 on-base percentage and a .477 slugging percentage. Rodriguez has averaged 91 runs scored, 31 doubles, 23 home runs, 92 RBI, and 66 walks per 162 games as a pro. The 35-year-old Rodriguez has a .301 batting average in more than 1,100 at bats with runners in scoring position, and has slugged eight career grand slams. In addition to his time with the Cardinals, Rodriguez has nine years of experience at the Triple-A level, and was a teammate of Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper with the International League's Columbus Clippers in 2004.
Rodriguez gives the Wingnuts 25 players officially under contract for the 2013 season. American Association club may carry up to 28 players during spring training, which begins May 4th.
2013 Wingnuts Signings
OF David Amberson
C Cole Armstrong
IF Blake Bergeron
C Kieran Bradford
RHP Mike Burns
LHP Anthony Capra
RHP Josh Dew
RHP Junior Guerra
RHP Lincoln Holdzkom
2B Jake Kahaulelio
SS Ryan Khoury
LHP Kristhiam Linares
RHP Jon Link
IF/OF Jared McDonald
3B Abel Nieves
OF Derek Perren
DH John Rodriguez
LHP Daniel Schmidt
RHP Bryce Shafer
RHP Chris Smith
IF Marc Tarantola
RHP Kyle Wahl
LHP Nick Walters
C Stephen Yoo
1B C.J. Ziegler
The 2013 season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins Thursday, May 16th against the Kansas City T-Bones at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Prior to the game, a ceremony honoring the life of bench coach Brian Rose will take place.
Beginning this season, fans can use cash at all points of sale in Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Debit and credit cards will still be accepted. Fans can resolve outstanding balances on cash cards from previous years until June 1st, 2013.
For season tickets, group outings, or party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
American Association Stories from April 16, 2013
- Wingnuts Re-Sign Team MVP, Former World Series Champ - Wichita Wingnuts
- Roster Shuffle Includes Addition of Former Japanese Major Leaguer - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- RedHawks Sign Pineda and Hess - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Free Home Game on May 11 Caps Canaries Exhibition Schedule - Sioux Falls Canaries
- 'Voice of the X's' Dave Nitz Returns for 5th Season - Sioux City Explorers
- T-Bones Re-Sign Former Big 12 Frosh of the Year Coleman; Add Lefty Pitcher - Kansas City Monarchs
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