Paco Rodriguez: U of Florida to the Dodgers' Bullpen in Only 96 Days

Paco Rodriguez's journey in baseball is one of grit, talent, and growth. He has not only made a name for himself in Major League Baseball, but also continues to motivate and educate athletes. This post explores his early days in baseball, professional achievements, the influence he has in the sport, and the potential of his post-playing endeavors. His pitching career is over, but his impact on the game may just be beginning.

Born on January 8, 1991, in Miami, Florida, Paco Rodriguez fell in love with baseball as a child. At the University of Florida, playing for the Gators, Rodriguez further refined his skills, mindset, and focus, which laid the groundwork for his career in pro ball.

Paco Rodriguez's professional launched on June 5, 2012 when the Los Angeles Dodgers chose him in the second round of the MLB Draft. It only took 19 2/3 minor league innings for the Dodgers to call him up to their bullpen. Making his MLB debut on September 9, 2012, he quickly established himself as a reliable piece of the Dodgers’ roster.

Elbow injuries during the 2015 season tested his resolve, yet he demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience. Setbacks with the elbow combined with knee discomfort and surgery restricted the duration of his Big League career, but his passion for the game can not be constrained. He has embraced mentorship, guiding younger players and sharing lessons from his personal experiences in the sport. Now, as an agent and youth coach, he teaches the importance of mental toughness and adapting to challenges, lessons he learned firsthand while facing those injuries and setbacks.

This episode is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you find your podcasts.

In this episode of Catch Up with JP, host Jeff Perro interviews former MLB pitcher Steven 'Paco' Rodriguez, who shares his journey from growing up in Miami as a Marlins fan to becoming a key player in the Dodgers bullpen. Rodriguez discusses his college experience at the University of Florida, his transition to professional baseball, the challenges he faced with injuries, and his eventual shift to coaching and mentoring young players. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, attention to detail, and the relationships built throughout his career.

Chapters

00:00 Growing Up a Baseball Fan

03:09 College Journey and Development

05:39 The College World Series Experience

08:18 Draft Day and Transition to Pro Ball

10:59 First Big League Experience

13:33 Success in the Big Leagues

15:59 Injury Challenges and Recovery

16:23 The Road to Recovery

18:46 Competing Again: The 2017 Season

21:07 Navigating Injuries and Setbacks

22:56 Transitioning to Coaching

26:13 Lessons Learned: Advice to My Younger Self

29:05 Reflecting on a Career in Baseball

31:19 Life as an Agent: Guiding the Next Generation

Shorts taken from this full interview are also available at our YouTube channel and all social media pages.