Let's face it. If you were asked to catch a pitch from Nolan Ryan prior to the Texas Rangers' first ever World Series home game, you would say yes too, regardless of your current team affiliation.
↵Ivan Rodriguez, once the face of the Rangers organization, will be returning home to Texas tomorrow night to catch the ceremonial first pitch as his former team takes on the San Francisco Giants in Game 3 of the World Series.
↵It just doesn't feel right that a guy who is under contract with another team should participate in ceremonies with a different team. What did Pudge do to help the Rangers get there? Chris Calcaterra of NBC Sports Hardball Talk agrees that this is kind of odd, and he's got an analogy to back up his argument.
↵I know Pudge is loved in Texas, but until he retires, he’s just a guy the Rangers used to know. And in some way, this feels like a guy inviting his ex-girlfriend to his wedding.↵
On the other hand, Rodriguez will be entering the Baseball Hall Of Fame in Cooperstown in a few years wearing a Rangers jersey. Like Ryan, he's an important part of their history. And it's not like he's likely to be going to the World series with the Nationals anytime soon.