Pudge Rodriguez to throw first pitch for Tigers on Opening Day

DETROIT – Former Detroit Tigers catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez will throw the first pitch Friday for Opening Day at Comerica Park, the team announced on Twitter.

In five season with the Tigers from 2004 to 2008, Rodriguez picked up 709 hits in 611 games, including 140 doubles, 17 triples and 62 home runs. He was a part of the 2006 Tigers team that earned a wildcard berth and won the AL pennant.

He also made four All-Star games and won three Gold Glove Awards in Detroit.

Rodriguez was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in January. He played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball, amassing 2,844 hits, 311 home runs and slugging .464. He was named to 14 All-Star teams, won 13 Gold Gloves, seven Silver Slugger Awards and an American League MVP in 1999.

WATCH: Pudge Rodriguez's priceless reaction to being inducted into HOF

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