Detroit Tigers 5 all-time best catchers in franchise history

4. Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez

Pudge played about four and a half seasons for the Tigers. He was traded to the Yankees at the 2008 trade deadline. And I mean, how could I not include Pudge?

Pudge was fresh off a World Series title with the Marlins in 2003. The Detroit Tigers were fresh off one of the worst seasons in MLB history. Still, then-GM Dave Dombrowski was able to convince the All-Star catcher to come to Detroit. He had to overpay him a bit, but I think it's safe to say it was worth it in the end.

Adding Rodriguez to the mix was huge for this team. He was able to aid a young pitching staff while contributing big time offensively. His defensive prowess was unmatched behind the plate, winning four Gold Glove Awards during his time in Detroit. He was also a four-time All-Star as a Tiger.

There are a couple things that Tigers fans will remember him most for. The first is his performance in 2005 Home Run Derby at Comerica Park. He surprisingly finished second behind Bobby Abreu, who put on quite the performance himself.

The other is helping the 2006 Detroit Tigers reach the World Series. He was such an integral part of that team. He was just so clutch and an enormous leader.

My personal favorite Pudge moment came during that 2006 season when he hit a walk-off home run against Cleveland. It was the first walk-off home run I had ever seen.

Pudge was a fan favorite in Detroit, and for good reason. He was just a great player.