Rodriguez, a standout shortstop at Rice University, had a successful professional baseball career, including a brief period with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is recognized for his role in Rice's championship seasons under coach Wayne Graham, participating in the 2006 College World Series. Rodriguez was a second-round draft pick for the Cleveland Indians and excelled as a college infielder, hitting over .300 in each of his three seasons at Rice. After a minor league career and time with the Pirates, he became a star in the Mexican League from 2018 until his retirement.