Ricardo ‘Chico’ Rodríguez

Ricardo Rodríguez

• High School Escuela Normal Juan Demóstenes Arosemena

• Born December 5, 1930 in Panama

Biographical Information

Chico Rodríguez was born in Panama and played there until 1960. In an interview, he said he played for the Panamanian national team in 1950, 1955, 1959 and 1960, but it is unclear in which events. He then moved to Ecuador and became a citizen there. He was MVP of the 1963 South American Championship as the Ecuadorian national team won their first South American Championship. He led the tourney with three home runs. He also helped Ecuador win the 1966 South American Championship; in the 50 years since, they have not won the title again. He remained active as a player until age 56 and also coached youth baseball and was an umpire.

Sources

• Interview with Rodriguez
• Biography of Rodriguez
• South American Championships
• Ecuadorian baseball in the 1960s