It might be the signature play of his career. Ivan Rodriguez held his ground at home plate as J.T. Snow of the San Francisco Giants barreled toward him. It was the top of the ninth inning of Game 4 of the 2003 NLDS, and the Florida Marlins had a one-run lead and were one out away from advancing to the NLCS. But if Snow scored, the game would be tied at 7-7, and there was a real chance for a deciding Game 5 in San Francisco.
Instead, Rodriguez held on to the throw even as Snow knocked his mask and helmet off and then leapt to his feet screaming with the ball still in his glove. Game and series over. Rodriguez wouldn’t change anything about that play. But during your average regular-season contest? The Nationals veteran catcher long ago learned to pick his battles with runners at the plate — a lesson he reiterated to reporters last week after being asked about the play that knocked Giants catcher Buster Posey out for the season with a broken left leg and torn ankle ligaments May 25.
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Rodriguez says the best way to handle that play as a catcher is to take the throw and immediately let your body go limp. The hit still hurts — a lot. But it also reduces the risk of serious injury. But that’s easier said than done, Rodriguez admitted, when the throw forces you to drop to your knees or plant a leg just before impact. Posey will position himself better next time. But on such a violent play a catcher can only do so much.
