The catcher makes his pitch

At 40 years told, catcher Ivan Rodriguez still wants to play baseball, only in 2012 no team is offering him a contract.

Given that, Rodriguez formally announces his retirement 12 years ago today in Texas, where he plays the first 13 seasons of a 21-year career that leads him to the Hall of Fame.

The Rangers have Rodriguez throw out the first pitch of their game that night against the New York Yankees.

Of course, instead of throwing that ceremonial first pitch from the mound, Rodriguez goes behind his familiar spot at the plate and makes his throw to second base, where Rangers All-Star infielder Michael Young catches the ball ahead of a non-existent baserunner.

Perhaps the Rangers should have thought to sign Rodriguez on the spot, given their quartet of catchers in 2012 struggle to throw out only 20 percent of would-be base stealers – a laughable number considering the 46 percent of would-be base stealers Rodriguez throws out between 1991 and 2011.

“It’s a very hard day for me,” Rodriguez says 12 years ago today. “It’s been a great, great run.”