Mets closer and LatinoMVP recipient, Francisco Rodriguez (LS/Bill Menzel)

Editor's Note: There will be a luncheon at Citi Field on Tuesday, August 18 to present the  National League LatinoMVP Pitcher of the Year for 08 to  Johan Santana and  American League LatinoMVP Relief Pitcher of the 08 season to Francisco Rodríguez. It will be from 1 to 3 PM. For more information, please call: 718 402 9310

New York—Inside Citifield, one knows the moment when Mets closer and LatinoMVP recipient, Francisco Rodriguez is about to enter a game. With the multicolored scoreboard graphics spelling out his name, pulsating music and ecstatic Met fans awaiting his entrance onto the field, Rodriguez knows it’s all part of the package of pitching in New York.

Friday was no different, as Rodriguez would earn his 26th save of the year. The Mets would take the series opener 3-0 against the San Francisco Giants, defeating the team that once called New York its beloved home.

The public knows this Caracas native, a four-time All-Star as one of the most feared closers in the game who in 2008 recorded an unprecedented 62 saves, establishing a new MLB record.

On Tuesday, August 18, the Latino Sports Broadcasters and Writers Association will present Rodriguez with the LATINOMVP award, commemorating his record-breaking season with his former team, the Los Angeles Angels.

Inside the Mets clubhouse, Rodriguez would take a few moments and talk EXCLUSIVELY with LatinoSports and share his thoughts on winning the award, how he compares to legendary Latino ballplayers and what it takes to be simply prepared on a daily basis.

Danny Torres: Firstly, congratulations. You’ve received a number of awards throughout your career, yet this award you are recognized by the Latin-American press for your achievement, how does it feel?

Francisco Rodriguez: “Well, I feel very appreciative that my job is recognized. It’s important for the Latino ballplayer that the Latin-American press gives their vote of confidence and appreciation for what you do. I accept it with much respect and I’m content and very proud.”

DT: For a ballplayer, fans feel it’s very important to see their players in the community. Considering this is your first year with the Mets, is this something you would like to do in the future?

FR: “At this moment, the situation hasn’t presented itself. Whether as a ballplayer or public figure, you would like to participate in the community, but sometimes scheduling can be tight and unfortunately that can be a problem. At the present time, an event hasn’t come to my attention, but certainly I would like to be involved and I would do it with great pride.”

DT:  Throughout Major League history, there have been some prominent Latino superstars such as Roberto Clemente, Tony Oliva, Juan Marichal and Luis Aparicio. Do you ever think that one day when you’re career is complete, fans can also include your name in that group?

FR: “Simply put, those players are legends. They completely engulfed themselves into their team, wore the jersey and represented their country with immense pride. They all had memorable moments in the majors. You wish to be compared to those players when you retire. It would be something to see your name along side those players. You work on it daily to be compared with the likes of Marichal and Tiant. You have the desire to be on that same level and it’s a lot of hard work and sacrifice to obtain those beautiful things.”

DT:  What do you feel you need to pay attention to in order to be the very best ballplayer?

FR: “The preparation of a ballplayer is daily. It’s not simply playing baseball but a daily routine and discipline. This game is very difficult and nothing is easy. You ice your arm, eat well and have a routine that works for you. In order to succeed when the moment comes to enter the game, my hope is that my body is prepared physically and I’m mentally ready.”

DT: Thanks Francisco. Good Luck today.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites