After 23 professional seasons Arthur Rhodes finally has a World Series ring. Rhodes was drafted by the Orioles in the 2nd round of the 1988 MLB Draft as an 18 year old out of highschool. He played for 5 Orioles’ Minor League affiliates, Bluefield, Erie, Frederick, Hagerstown, and Rochester. He spent 3 full seasons in Western Maryland before getting the call to the big leagues on August 21st 1991. He was a starter from 91-95, and a reliever from 95-99. In 2000 Rhodes signed a large $13 million contract with the Mariners. After continued success there he signed another large contract with the Athletics in 2004. From there he truly became a journeyman going from Cleveland, to Philly, to Pittsburgh, to Seattle, to Florida, and to Cincinnati. In 2010 Rhodes was named to the All-Star team for the first time in his career. This past season he signed with the Texas Rangers but was designated for assignment on August 2nd. Ten days later he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals. Rhodes was the only player this season that was guaranteed a World Series ring regardless of the outcome. This is the second year in a row that a former Oriole was in that situation. Last season Chris Ray was traded from the Rangers to the Giants and was also guaranteed a ring. So congratulations to one of the longest tenured Orioles in recent history Arthur Rhodes for finally winning the big one at age 41. Unfortunately for Koji Uehara, Michael Gonzalez, Chris Davis, and Tommy Hunter they will not be receiving their first rings.
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