He's been playing baseball in the United States for nearly half his life -- but it wasn't until this week that Diamondbacks pitcher Fernando Rodney officially became an American citizen.
On Tuesday, the D-backs reliever tweeted that, at the age of 40, he has become a proud citizen of the USA.
I'm officially a US citizen ?? God bless America & Thank you for the opportunity.
Hijo de Republica Dominicana ?? ? #Flecha pic.twitter.com/ZyF3xtpDH9— Fernando Rodney (@F_Rodney56) May 2, 2017
Rodney, who is originally from Samaná, Dominican Republic, has played for eight Major League Baseball teams since 2002. The Diamondbacks signed Rodney, a three-time All-Star, to a 1-year deal in December.
Only four active MLB players have more career saves than Rodney's 267. He has struggled as a member of the D-backs thus far, but perhaps a renewed success on the mound will come with his new American citizenship.
