We met for breakfast at JB's in Avondale. Front row left to right: James Green, Jimmy Ruiz, Rod Rodriquez, Jerry Mathais, and Jeep Hardon. Back row lef to rigt: Jack Villa, and Bill Chilcoat. Rod wasn't in our classes but was a very active supporter of athletic events in Tollesom.

I received a call last evening from Tolleson Historian and Author James Green that Tolleson Icon Rod Rodriquiz has passed away. Baseball has it's A-Rod, but Tolleson had it's T-Rod. He was a friend, mentor, and model to my generation of boys, as well to the people of Tolleson. He grew up on a ranch just west of Tolleson. When he finished Elementary School Mr. Kincaid, who was the High School Principal, called him to his home. He convinced Rod to go to High School, even though Rod said that he needed to go to work in the fields to help support the family. After High School Rod went into the Army in WWII and was wounded in action. He returned to Tolleson after the war and started his own radio repair shop on the canal bank on lateral 22. [91st Ave] My circle of friends used to hang out at his shop during our teenage years. Rod later built a nice facility on Van Buren Street which included a beauty shop operated by his wife Nellie. Rod was always at all of our ball games in High School, and sponsored and coached the Rod's Radio softball teams in the summer. He had the nickname Babe.. He was a fan of the Phoenix Senators baseball team, especially when they played the Juarez Indios. My friends and I always counted on him for a ride to the Senators games. Rod was a very involved civic leader in Tolleson. His son Larry is the current Police Chief there.
Rod will be missed but not forgotten. T-Rod has left the building!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bill Chilcoat
Tolleson Class of 1952