20/04/2021 1 Minute Read

NPB's Nippon Ham Fighters sign Dominican WBSC Premier12 star 'El Felino' Ronny Rodriguez

A .400 hitter with the Dominican Republic in 2015, he made his MLB debut three years later. He also made a name as a rapper, nicknamed 'El Felino'.

The Nippon Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) have brought on Ronny Rodriguez, their latest import player.

The Fighters are currently in last place in the Pacific League, behind the first-place Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.

The 29-year-old utility represented the Dominican Republic at the inaugural WBSC Premier12 in 2015. Rodriguez started four games at shortstop, going 5-for-14. He pinch-hit in a fifth game, collecting a hit. His overall batting average was .400.

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The Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball (MLB) signed Rodriguez as an international free agent in 2010. He didn't reach the MLB level until the 2018 season. After hitting 8 home runs in 48 games at Triple-A for the Detroit Tigers, he was promoted to the MLB club. He played 146 MLB games over two seasons.

"I'm 100% ready," said Rodriguez during a press conference. "I want to play as soon as possible."

Rodriguez can potentially cover various infield and outfield positions for the Fighters.

The fans became curious about him as they learned of his performances as a rapper, nicknamed El Felino.