Alex rodriguez wife
Alex Rodriguez
American baseball player (born )
This article is about the baseball player. For others of the same name, see Alex Rodriguez (disambiguation).
Baseball player
| Alex Rodriguez | |
|---|---|
Rodriguez in | |
| Shortstop / Third baseman | |
| Born: () July 27, (age&#;49) New York City, New York, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| July 8,&#;,&#;for the&#;Seattle Mariners | |
| August 12,&#;,&#;for the&#;New York Yankees | |
| Batting average | |
| Hits | 3, |
| Home runs | |
| Runs batted in | 2, |
| Stats at Baseball Reference&#; | |
| |
Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez (born July 27, ), nicknamed "A-Rod", is an American former professional baseball player and businessman, who played as shortstop and third baseman.
Rodriguez played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners (–), Texas Rangers (–), and New York Yankees (–, –). Rodriguez is the chairman and chief executive officer of A-Rod Corp as well as the chairman of Presidente beer.[1] He was part of a failed attempt to purchase a controlling interest in the National Basketball Association's Minnesota Timberwolves.[2] Rodriguez began his professional baseball career as one of the sport's most highly touted prospects, and is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time.[3][4][5]
With a career batting average, Rodriguez amassed over home runs (), over 2, runs batted in (RBI), over 2, runs scored, over 3, hits, and over stolen bases, the only player in MLB history to achieve all of those feats.
He was also a time All-Star, winning three American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, 10 Silver Slugger Awards, and two Gold Glove Awards. Rodriguez is also the career record holder for grand slams. He twice broke the record for the largest sports contract ever signed. He also admitted using banned performance-enhancing drugs from to and was consequently suspended for the entire season.[6][7] Rodriguez is ranked first in career Wins Above Replacement for shortstops of the modern era (post–).[8]
The Mariners selected Rodriguez first overall in the MLB draft, and he debuted in the major leagues the following year at the age of In , he became the Mariners' starting shortstop, won the major league batting title, and finished second in voting for the AL MVP Award.
His combination of power, speed, and defense made him a cornerstone of the franchise, but he left the team via free agency after the season to join the Rangers. The year, $&#;million contract he signed was the richest in baseball history at the time. He played at a high level in his three years with Texas, highlighted by his first AL MVP Award win in , but the team failed to make the playoffs during his tenure.
Before the season, Rodriguez was traded to the Yankees, for whom he converted to a third baseman to accommodate their shortstop Derek Jeter. He was named AL MVP in and He opted out of his contract after the season, then signed a new year, $&#;million deal with the Yankees, breaking his own record for the sport's most lucrative contract.[9] He became the youngest player to hit home runs, reaching the milestone in He helped the Yankees win the World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies, which was Rodriguez's only championship title.
Toward the end of his career, he was hampered by hip and knee injuries, which caused him to become exclusively a designated hitter.[10] He played his final game in professional baseball on August 12,
Despite denying in a interview that he had ever used performance-enhancing drugs, Rodriguez admitted in to having used steroids, saying he used them from to when playing for the Rangers due to "an enormous amount of pressure" to perform.[6][7] While recovering from a hip injury in , Rodriguez made headlines by feuding with team management over his rehabilitation and for having allegedly obtained performance-enhancing drugs as part of the Biogenesis baseball scandal.
In August , MLB announced a game suspension for Rodriguez for his involvement in the scandal.[11] After an arbitration hearing, the suspension was reduced to games, which kept him off the field for the entire season.[12]
After retiring as a player, Rodriguez became a media personality, serving as a broadcaster for Fox Sports 1,[13] a cast member of Shark Tank[14] and a member of the ABC News network.[15] In January , ESPN announced that Rodriguez would be joining the broadcast team of Sunday Night Baseball.[16] In January , CNBC announced Rodriguez would be the host of the show Back In The Game, where he would help former athletes make a comeback in their personal lives; the first episode debuted on the network in March [17]
Early life
Rodriguez was born in in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan to Dominican immigrants Víctor Manuel Rodríguez Marcano and Lourdes Nelly Navarro Melo from San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic.[18][19] He was raised alongside his two half-siblings, Joe and Suzy, from his mother's first marriage.[20] In , when he was four years old, the family moved to the Dominican Republic, then to Miami, Florida, when he was in the fourth grade.[21] His father played baseball for a team in the Dominican Republic and introduced him to the sport as a child.
Growing up, Rodriguez's favorite baseball players were Keith Hernandez, Dale Murphy, and Cal Ripken Jr., and his favorite team was the New York Mets.[22]
At the end of his freshman year at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Rodriguez transferred to Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay, Florida, where he was a star shortstop on the baseball team and played quarterback on the football team.[22] In games he batted with 90 stolen bases.
Westminster won the high school national championship in his junior year. He was first team prep All-American as a senior, hitting with nine home runs, 36 runs batted in (RBIs), and 35 stolen bases in 35 attempts in 33 games. He was selected as the USA Baseball Junior Player of the Year and as Gatorade's national baseball student-athlete of the year.
In , Rodriguez became the first high school player to try out for the United States national baseball team. He was regarded as the top prospect in the country.[23][24]
Rodriguez signed a letter of intent to play baseball for University of Miami and was also recruited by Miami to play quarterback for its football team.
Rodriguez turned down the University of Miami baseball scholarship offer and never played college baseball, opting instead to sign with the Seattle Mariners after being selected first overall in the amateur draft at the age of [25]
Professional career
Draft and minor leagues
The Seattle Mariners selected Rodriguez with the first overall selection of the Major League Baseball draft.[25] The Mariners signed him to a three-year contract worth $&#;million, and a $1&#;million signing bonus.[26]
Seattle Mariners
–
In , Rodriguez made his professional baseball debut as a minor league player with the Appleton Foxes of the Class AMidwest League.[27] He was promoted to the Jacksonville Suns of the Class AASouthern League.
He played in 17 games for Jacksonville, then was promoted to Calgary for 32 games before moving up to the major leagues.[28][29] On July 8, , Rodriguez debuted in the major leagues as a starting shortstop, just the third year-old major league shortstop since [30][31] He was also the first year-old major league player in 10 years, and the youngest position player in Seattle history.[32] As of , he is the most recent player to appear in an MLB game at the age of Rodriguez recorded his first major league hit when he singled off of Sergio Valdez on July 9 at Fenway Park.[33] Rodriguez played in 17 games for the Mariners, compiling a batting average, two RBIs, and three stolen bases.
In August, The Mariners optioned Rodriguez to the Calgary Cannons of the Class AAAPacific Coast League (PCL).[34][35] In 32 games for Calgary, he had 37 hits in at-bats for a batting average. He also compiled six home runs and 21 RBIs.[36]
Rodriguez split most of the season between the Mariners and the Tacoma Rainiers of the PCL.[37] He connected for his first major league home run off Kansas City's Tom Gordon on June Rodriguez permanently joined the major league roster in August and got his first taste of postseason play, albeit just two at-bats.
Again, he was the youngest player in Major League Baseball.[38] During the season, Rodriguez played in 48 games, batting with five home runs, 19 RBI, and four stolen bases.[30]
–
The following year, Rodriguez took over as the Mariners' regular shortstop and had his breakout season.
He led the American League (AL) with a batting average, the highest for an AL right-handed batter since Joe DiMaggio hit in and the third-highest ever for a shortstop. He also had 36 home runs with RBIs.[39] At 21 years and one month, he was the 3rd youngest AL batting leader ever behind Al Kaline (20) in and Ty Cobb (20) in , and the third-youngest player in history with 35+ homers.
Alex rodriguez actor csi miami: Attended Westminster Christian School, a prestigious private school known for their athletics and fine arts programs, for high school. Contribute to this page Suggest an edit or add missing content. Signed a million dollar contract to play shortstop for the Texas Rangers in We don't have to set a nice table.
He was also the first major league shortstop to win a batting title since , and the first in the AL since At age 20 years, 11 months, he was the youngest shortstop in All-Star Game history. He also led the AL in runs (), total bases (), and doubles (54) and ranked among the league leaders in base hits (second, ), extra-base hits (second, 91), multi-hit games (third, 65), slugging (fourth, ), RBI (eighth, ), and on-base percentage (eighth, ).
Rodriguez posted the highest totals ever for a shortstop in runs, hits, doubles, extra-base hits, and slugging, and tied most total bases, and established Seattle club records for average, runs, hits, doubles, and total bases, in a season that statistical analysts consider the best ever by a shortstop.[40]
The Sporting News and Associated Press selected Rodriguez as their Major League Player of the Year.
He finished second to Juan González in balloting for the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. He finished three points behind González (–), matching the second closest AL MVP voting in history.[41]
In , Rodriguez batted with 23 home runs and 84 RBIs.
I can do bad all by myself When was Alex Rodriguez born? Alex Rodriguez. Personal details Edit. Keeping Up with the Kardashians 1 episode as Self.He hit for the cycle on June 5, becoming the second Mariner, and at 21 years, 10 months, the fifth-youngest player in history, to accomplish the feat.[42] He was the fan's choice to start the All-Star Game at shortstop for the AL team, becoming the first player other than Ripken to start at shortstop in 13 years. It was the first All-Star start of his career and his second All-Star Game in two years.[43]
–
Rodriguez rebounded in , when he set the AL record for homers by a shortstop and became just the third member of the 40–40 club, (with 42 home runs and 46 stolen bases) and one of just 3 shortstops in history to hit 40 home runs in a season.
His Power-speed number was, through at least , the highest single season Power/Speed Number ever.[44] He was selected as Players Choice AL Player of the Year,[45] won his second Silver Slugger Award,[46] and finished ninth in the MVP voting.[47]
In , Rodriguez had a average, 42 home runs, and RBIs,[30] despite missing over 30 games with an injury and playing the second half of the season at Safeco Field,[48] a considerably less hitter-friendly ballpark than the Kingdome.[49] At the time, he was the youngest-ever player to record home runs and stolen bases, at 23 years and days of age.[50] In April , Mike Trout reached the same milestone at 23 years and days old.[50]
Rodriguez entered as the cornerstone player of the Mariners franchise,[51] which had recently traded superstars Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey Jr..[52] Rodriguez put up great numbers, hitting 41 home runs with RBIs and a batting average.[30] He set a career high for walks () and became the only shortstop to have runs, RBI, and walks in the same season.[53] He hit well in the playoffs as well ( batting average and slugging percentage),[30] but Seattle lost to the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.[54] He was selected as the Major League Player of the Year by Baseball America and finished third in the AL MVP voting.[55]
Texas Rangers
Rodriguez became a free agent after the season.
He eventually signed with the Texas Rangers, who had fallen to last place in their division in The contract was at the time the most lucrative contract in sports history: a year deal worth $&#;million (equivalent to $&#;million in ). The deal was worth $63&#;million more than the second-richest baseball deal.[56] The contract was highly criticized, because it tied up valuable payroll space that could have been spent to improve other areas, such as pitching.[57][58]Dave McNally, one of the players who had successfully challenged the reserve clause in the s to create free agency in baseball, said, "My first thought when I saw [reports that Rodriguez had signed] was: Did Texas offer him $ million and he wanted two more?
How did they get to $ million?"[59]
In an interview eight years later, Rodriguez said he regretted signing with the Texas Rangers and wished he had signed with the New York Mets instead, and that he had heeded the advice of his agent, Scott Boras. (See Opt out controversy.)[60]
–
Rodriguez's power-hitting numbers improved with his move to the Texas Rangers.
In his first season there, Rodriguez produced one of the top offensive seasons ever for a shortstop, leading the American League with 52 home runs, runs scored, and total bases.[30] He became the first player since with 50 homers and hits in a season, the third shortstop to ever lead the league in homers, and the second AL player in the last 34 seasons (beginning ) to lead the league in runs, homers, and total bases; his total base figure is the most ever for a major league shortstop.
His 52 homers made him the sixth youngest to ever reach 50 homers and were the highest total ever by a shortstop, surpassing Ernie Banks' record of 47 in , and also the most ever for an infielder other than a first baseman, breaking Phillies 3B Mike Schmidt's mark of 48 in [61] It was his fifth homer campaign, tying Banks for most ever by a shortstop.
He also tied for the league lead in extra-base hits (87) and ranked third in RBIs () and slugging (). He was also among the AL leaders in hits (fourth, ), average (seventh, ), and on-base percentage (eighth, ). He established Rangers club records for homers, runs, total bases, and hit by pitches, had the second-most extra-base hits, and the fourth-highest RBI total.
He led the club in runs, hits, doubles (34), homers, RBI, slugging, and on-base percentage and was second in walks (75), stolen bases (18), and game-winning RBI (14) while posting career highs for homers, RBI, and total bases. Rodriguez started games at shortstop and one as the DH, the only major league player to start all of his team's games in
Rodriguez followed the previous year with a major league-best 57 home runs, RBIs and total bases in ,[30] becoming the first player to lead the majors in all three categories since His nine home runs in April matched a team record that was shared (through ) with Iván Rodríguez (), Carl Everett (), and Ian Kinsler ().
He had the sixth-most home runs in AL history, the most since Roger Maris' league record 61 in and the most ever for a shortstop for the second straight year. He won the Babe Ruth Home Run Award for leading MLB in homers that season.[62] He also won his first Gold Glove Award, awarded for outstanding defense.
His home runs in –02 are the most ever by an American League right-handed batter in consecutive seasons. However, the Rangers finished last in the AL Western division in both years. He finished second in the MVP balloting to fellow shortstop Miguel Tejada, whose win Oakland Athletics won the same division.[63]
The season was Rodriguez's last year with the Rangers.
He led the American League in home runs, runs scored, and slugging percentage, and won his second consecutive Gold Glove Award. He also led the league in fewest at-bats per home run () and became the youngest player to hit homers. He was tied with Jim Thome for the MLB lead in homers, and he won his second Babe Ruth Home Run Award.[64][65]
Following five top finishes in the AL MVP voting between and , Rodriguez won his first MVP trophy.
Rodriguez, a two-time runner up in the balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, joined outfielder Andre Dawson from the Chicago Cubs as the only players to play on last-place teams and win the award.[66]
Following the season, Texas set out to part ways with Rodriguez and his expensive contract.
The Rangers initially agreed to a trade with the Boston Red Sox, sending Rodriguez to Boston for Manny Ramirez, year old pitching prospect Jon Lester, and cash considerations. However, the Major League Baseball Players Association vetoed the deal because it called for a voluntary reduction in salary by Rodriguez.[67] Despite the failed deal with the Red Sox, the Rangers named him team captain during that off-season.[68]
New York Yankees
Yankees third baseman Aaron Boone suffered a knee injury while playing a game of pickup basketball that sidelined him for the entire season, creating a hole at third base.[69]
On February 15, , the Rangers traded Rodriguez to the New York Yankees for second baseman Alfonso Soriano and a player to be named later (Joaquín Árias was sent to the Rangers on March 24).
The Rangers also agreed to pay $67&#;million of the $&#;million left on Rodriguez's contract. Rodriguez agreed to switch positions from shortstop to third base, paving the way for the trade, because the popular Derek Jeter was already entrenched at shortstop. This was only the second time in MLB history that a reigning MVP was traded, with the first coming in when Eddie Collins was traded to the Chicago White Sox from the Philadelphia Athletics for cash considerations.[70] Rodriguez also had to switch uniform numbers; he had worn 3 his entire career, but the number was retired by the Yankees in honor of Babe Ruth.
Instead, Rodriguez chose to change his number to 13, in honor of Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino. A Miami native himself, Rodriguez had grown up watching Marino and also wore number 13 when he played quarterback in high school.[71]
During his first season with the Yankees, Rodriguez hit with 36 home runs, RBIs, runs scored and 28 stolen bases.[30] He became one of only three players in Major League history to compile at least 35 home runs, runs and RBIs in seven consecutive seasons, joining Hall of Famers Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx.
The runs marked the ninth straight season in which he scored at least runs, the longest such streak in the Major Leagues since Hank Aaron did it in 13 straight seasons from to , and the longest in the American League since Mickey Mantle did it also in nine straight seasons from to During the season, he also became the youngest player ever to reach home runs and the third youngest to reach 1, RBIs.
He was elected to the American League All-Star Team, the eighth All-Star selection of his career and the first as a third baseman. On July 24, , Rodriguez was hit by a pitch from Bronson Arroyo, which led to a scuffle with Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, and a bench-clearing brawl between both teams.
On defense, he had the lowest range factor among non-platoon AL third basemen () in his first year at the position.[72] He finished 14th in balloting for the AL MVP Award.[73]
In the ALDS, Rodriguez was a dominant hitter against the Minnesota Twins, batting and slugging while delivering two key extra-inning hits.
Following the series win, Rodriguez's first season with the Yankees culminated in a dramatic playoff series against the team he had almost ended up playing for: the Yankees' bitter rival, the Boston Red Sox. In that series (ALCS) he equaled the single-game post-season record with five runs scored in Game 3 at Boston.
One of the most controversial plays of Rodriguez's career occurred late in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. With one out and Derek Jeter on first base in the bottom of the eighth inning, Rodriguez hit a slow roller between the pitcher's mound and the first-base line. Red Sox pitcherBronson Arroyo fielded the ball and ran towards Rodriguez to apply a tag.
As Arroyo reached towards him, Rodriguez swatted at his glove, knocking the ball loose. As the ball rolled away, Jeter scored all the way from first as Rodriguez took second on the play, which was initially ruled an error on Arroyo. However, the umpires quickly huddled, then ruled that Rodriguez was out for interference. Jeter was sent back to first base, and his run was nullified.[74] The Yankees would then lose the ALCS to the eventual World Series champion Red Sox after leading the series three games to none.
–
In , Rodriguez hit , leading the American League with runs and 48 home runs while driving in runs.[30] He became the first Yankee to win the American League home run title since Reggie Jackson (41) in He also became one of only two players in Major League history to compile at least 35 home runs, runs and RBIs in eight consecutive seasons (Jimmie Foxx accomplished the feat in nine straight seasons from to ).
Rodriguez established the franchise record for most home runs in a single season by a right-handed batter (broke Joe DiMaggio's mark of 46 in ). His 47 home runs from the third base position are a single-season American League record. Rodriguez hit 26 home runs at Yankee Stadium in , establishing the single-season club record for right-handed batters (previously held by DiMaggio in and Gary Sheffield in ).
On June 8, at 29 years, days old, he became the youngest player in MLB history to reach the home run mark.
Alex rodriguez actor biography Back in the Game 5 episodes as Self - Host. Made major league debut on 8 July Self - Seattle Mariners Shortstop. WCW Monday Nitro.also marked the tenth straight season that Rodriguez scored at least runs. On defense, however, he had the lowest range factor in the league at third for the second straight season ().[75]
On April 26, Rodriguez hit three home runs off Angels' pitcher Bartolo Colón and drove in 10 runs. The 10 RBIs were the most by a Yankee since Tony Lazzeri established the franchise and American League record with 11 on May 24, Rodriguez became the 11th major leaguer to accomplish the feat.[76]
Rodriguez won his second AL MVP Award in three seasons, becoming the fifth player to win this award with two different teams, joining Mickey Cochrane, Jimmie Foxx, Frank Robinson and Barry Bonds.
He also became the first AL player from outside the American League West to win the award since Mo Vaughn of the Boston Red Sox won in Rodriguez was also named the shortstop on the Major League Baseball Latino Legends Team in
Prior to the season, Rodriguez opted to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.[77]
Rodriguez was again an All-Star in His 2,th hit, on July 21, − six days prior to his 31st birthday − was also his th home run.
Rodriguez became the youngest player in baseball history to reach home runs (surpassing Ken Griffey Jr., by days), and the eighth player to reach 2, hits before turning Ty Cobb reached the mark while still 29, while Rogers Hornsby, Mel Ott, Hank Aaron, Joe Medwick, Jimmie Foxx, and Robin Yount all achieved their 2,th hit at age All seven are members of baseball's Hall of Fame.
For the season, Rodriguez finished fourth in the league in RBI (), fifth in runs scored (), eighth in home runs (35) and walks (90), and ninth in OBP (). He also led all AL third basemen in errors, with 24, and had the lowest fielding percentage () and—for the third straight season—range factor () among them.[30] Rodriguez also became the second player in Major League history to record at least 35 home runs, runs, and RBIs in nine consecutive seasons, joining Foxx.
It was Rodriguez's 11th consecutive season with more than runs scored, the longest such streak in American League history since Lou Gehrig did so in 13 straight seasons (–38). Despite this success, it was perceived as one of his lesser-accomplished seasons and was harshly criticized throughout the season. He has commented that was his most difficult season as a professional.[78]
When Rodriguez reported to camp in , he had reduced his body fat from 16% the year before to 9%.
He made light of this fact during a Late Show with David Letterman sketch that was filmed during Spring training, which featured him shirtless being rubbed down with suntan lotion. He revealed to the press that he and Jeter were no longer close friends.[79] Rodriguez also reduced his high leg kick at the plate, increasing his bat speed, making him less-apt to strike out and a more dangerous hitter.[80]
In the Yankees' fourth game of the season, Rodriguez hit two home runs against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium, including his 14th-career grand slam to end the game.
The walk-off grand slam was the third of his career, tying the major league mark for game-ending grand slams shared by Vern Stephens and Cy Williams.[81][82] Rodriguez also began the season by becoming the ninth major leaguer—and first Yankee—to hit six home runs in the first seven games of the season.
Rodriguez also became the first Yankee to hit seven home runs in the first ten games of the season.[83]
On April 23, Rodriguez became the first player in major league history to hit 14 home runs in a span of 18 games, and also tied the MLB record for most home runs in April. His total of 34 RBIs in April was one short of Juan González' AL and MLB record.[84] In a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 30, Rodriguez sparked controversy when he shouted during a routine play and an infielder let a pop fly drop, costing the Blue Jays three runs.
The Yankees went on to win the game, 10–5.[85] On July 12, Rodriguez hit his th career home run in a Yankees uniform. This made him the first, and so far only, player in major league history to ever hit home runs for three different teams.[86] He became the third player to hit at least home runs for three teams, following Reggie Jackson and Darrell Evans.[87]
Rodriguez hit his th career home run against pitcher Kyle Davies of the Kansas City Royals on August 4.
Rodriguez became the youngest player ever to reach home runs at 32 years, 8 days.[88] He surpassed the nearly year record held by Jimmie Foxx, who hit his th home run at 32 years, days during the final week of the major league baseball season.[88] On September 25, Rodriguez became the fifth Major League player to record a home run, RBI season when he hit a grand slam.[89] As of , Rodriguez is the most recent player to have recorded at least RBIs in one season.[90]
In , Rodriguez became the first player in major league history to have at least 35 home runs, runs, and RBIs in 10 consecutive seasons, surpassing Jimmie Foxx (nine consecutive seasons).
He led the AL in home runs (54), RBIs (), slugging percentage (), OPS (), total bases (), and times on base (), and was second in hit by pitch (21), extra-base hits (85), and at bats per home run (), fourth in on-base percentage () and sacrifice flies (9), seventh in walks (95) and plate appearances (), eighth in intentional walks (11), and ninth in games ().[30] He led MLB in home runs and won his third Babe Ruth Home Run Award.[91]
After the season, Rodriguez was named the AL MVP for the third time in his career, receiving 26 first-place votes out of a possible [92] He also won the Silver Slugger Award for his position,[93] the Players Choice Award for Outstanding AL Player, and the Players Choice Award for Player of the Year.[94]
Opt-out controversy
The season marked the last year of Rodriguez's year, $&#;million contract before he opted out and became a free agent again.
Rodriguez had repeatedly stated during the season that he would like to remain a Yankee for the rest of his career.[95] On October 28, , Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, announced that he would not renew his contract with the Yankees citing that he "was unsure of the future composition" of the team. Because of the opt-out, the Yankees also lost $ million in remaining payments from the Rangers as part of their agreement from the trade.[96] Rodriguez received a slew of criticism from fans and writers alike not only for opting out, but also for not meeting with Yankee management before he did.
He was further criticized for the timing of his announcement, during the eighth inning of Game 4 of the World Series, as the Boston Red Sox were wrapping up their victory over the Colorado Rockies; even MLB's chief operating officer, Bob DuPuy, called it an attempt by Boras to "try to put his selfish interests and that of one individual player above the overall good of the game."[97]
Teammate Mariano Rivera convinced Rodriguez to contact the New York Yankees ownership.[98] He contacted them directly, bypassing Boras (Boras also apologized for the timing of the announcement).
Subsequently, Rodriguez issued a statement on his website, saying that he wished to stay with the Yankees.[99] On November 15, , the New York Yankees and Rodriguez agreed on the "basic framework" of a year, $&#;million contract that would have him playing until he was [] The contract, finalized December 13, included various multimillion-dollar incentives for breaking career home run milestones.[]
Rodriguez hit his th home run in a September 3, , game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The opposing manager objected that the ball was foul, and for the first time in MLB history, instant replay (a process officially introduced a few days earlier) was used to review the play and uphold the umpires' ruling.[] He was one of only four batters in the AL to have at least 18 home runs and 18 stolen bases in both and , along with Torii Hunter, Ian Kinsler, and Grady Sizemore.
Rodriguez hit a home run every at-bats in , the second-best ratio on the team behind Jason Giambi.[] Rodriguez played games during the season with a average, 35 home runs, RBI, and an AL best slugging percentage.[30]
Early Report of positive test for steroids
On February 7, , Sports Illustrated reported that Rodriguez tested positive for testosterone and the anabolic steroidPrimobolan in [] Rodriguez's name appears on a government-sealed list of major-league players (out of tested[]) who came up positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
The report was compiled as part of Major League Baseball's survey to see whether mandatory random drug testing program might be necessary. At the time, there was no penalty or punishment for a positive steroid test. Rodriguez did not immediately confirm the allegations, deferring at first to the players' union.[][] Two days after the allegations, Rodriguez admitted to steroid use from until , claiming that he ceased using such substances after spring training that year.[6][7]
regular season
Prior to the season, Rodriguez was scheduled to represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, but he was forced to withdraw when an MRI revealed a cyst in his right hip.
When he went to have the cyst drained, it was discovered that he was also suffering from a torn labrum in the same hip. Rodriguez opted to undergo an arthroscopic procedure with a recovery period of six to nine weeks, instead of the usual three to four months.[] Although the procedure should have allowed him to make it through the season without any complications, he required a second, more extensive surgery in the off-season.[]
After missing spring training and the first month of the season, Rodriguez returned to the Yankees in a May 8 game against the Baltimore Orioles and hit a three-run home run on the first pitch of his first at-bat.[] The Yankees had stumbled to a 13–15 record in Rodriguez' absence, and his return fortified the lineup and provided much-needed protection for three-hole hitter Mark Teixeira, who was a notoriously slow starter.
Rodriguez also supplied some late-game heroics. On May 16, his two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the eleventh inning gave the Yankees a 6–4 win over the Minnesota Twins.[] One week later, he hit a game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the ninth off Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge in a game the Yankees would go on to win, 5–4.[]
By early June, the Yankees had surged to first place in the AL East.
The club's fortunes changed later in the month, when Rodriguez fell into a slump that saw his batting average plummet as the Yankees fell to second place. On June 23, Rodriguez became the eighth active player to reach 8, career at-bats in the seventh inning of the Yankees and Braves game.[] On June 25, Rodriguez belted homer of his career, off Atlanta Braves starter Derek Lowe, and tying Reggie Jackson for 11th on the all-time home run list.[] On June 26, Rodriguez surpassed Jackson for 11th on the all-time home run list, against the New York Mets in the Subway Series,[] and against the Angels on July 11, Rodriguez passed Rafael Palmeiro for 10th place;[] it was his 65th home run against Anaheim, the most by any active player against an opponent.
On October 4, , during the final game of the season, Rodriguez hit two home runs in the sixth inning that drove in seven runs, setting an American League record for most RBI by a batter in a single inning, and giving him his 12th consecutive season, 13 overall, of reaching 30 home runs and RBIs, breaking a tie with Manny Ramirez, Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx for the most in MLB history.[]
postseason
Dating back to Game 4 of the AL Championship Series, Rodriguez had batted with 38 runners on base over a span of 61 postseason at-bats.
He stranded every one of them, going 0-for with runners on base.[] However, in the first game of the ALDS against Minnesota, he hit two RBI singles − both coming with two outs. In Game 2, he hit an RBI single in the sixth, and hit a game-tying homer off closer Joe Nathan in the bottom of the ninth inning.
In Game 3, he again hit a game-tying home run. In the ALCS, Rodriguez hit his third game-tying home run of the postseason in Game 2 in the bottom of the 11th against Angels closer Brian Fuentes.[] For the series, he batted 9–21 () with three home runs and six runs batted in.
The Yankees faced the Phillies in the World Series.
In Game 3, Rodriguez hit what appeared to be a double off a camera perched atop the outfield wall, but after protest by Yankee manager Joe Girardi, the play was reviewed and ruled a home run. In Game 4, Rodriguez drove in the go-ahead run with two outs in the ninth inning off closer Brad Lidge. The Yankees would go on to win the game 7–4 to take a 3-games-to-1 lead in the series.
Despite a 2–4 performance with three RBI in Game 5, the Yankees lost 8–6 to force the Series to return to the Bronx for Game 6. Rodriguez was 1–2 with 2 walks and two runs scored in Game 6, as the Yankees went on to defeat the Phillies 7–3 for their 27th World Series Championship, the first of Rodriguez's career. Having reversed his postseason misfortunes, he was the Babe Ruth Award winner as the postseason MVP,[] in which he batted with six home runs and 18 RBI.[]
–
On August 4, , on the three-year anniversary of his th home run, Rodriguez became the seventh player in major league history to hit home runs, hitting number off Shaun Marcum of the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming the youngest player to do so at 35 years and 8 days old.[] On August 14, Rodriguez hit three home runs in a game against the Kansas City Royals.
In the top of the sixth, he hit his first, a solo dinger to left center. In the top of the seventh, he hit his second, a two-run shot to dead center. In the top of the ninth, he hit his third, a towering two-run blast into the waterfall in Kauffman Stadium.[] On September 6, he recorded his th RBI; it was the 14th year he had reached the mark, the most times of any player in baseball history.
On September 29, he hit his 30th home run of the season, recording his major league record 13th straight year of at least 30 home runs and RBIs, breaking a tie with Jimmie Foxx, who had 12 seasons.
In , Rodriguez batted with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs prior to the All-Star break. Despite good production, Rodriguez suffered the longest single-season home run drought of his career by not hitting one in 85 at-bats.
Although elected to start the game, Rodriguez opted for arthroscopic surgery on his knee to repair a torn meniscus that impacted his power, and was placed on the disabled list.[] On top of recovery, Rodriguez was facing serious allegations that he participated in illegal, underground poker games. One of those games reportedly turned violent and cocaine was openly used.
However, Rodriguez denied through a representative that he ever participated in illegal poker games. An MLB Executive has said that if Rodriguez was indeed proven guilty, he may face a suspension; MLB had warned Rodriguez in not to participate in such games.[]
Rodriguez returned to the Yankees on August 21, playing third base against the Minnesota Twins, going 0-for He sustained another injury with a jammed thumb while trying to make a play in that game.
Alex rodriguez katy perry The Turnaround as Self archive footage. Married longtime girlfriend Cynthia Scurtis in a small ceremony in Dallas, followed by a reception at his 7,square-foot mansion. Became the youngest 27 years, days player to hit home runs, breaking the record set by Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx 27 years, days [2 April ]. More to explore.He returned to the Yankees on August 25, going 2-for-4 with two singles in a win for the Yankees over the Oakland Athletics. On August 26, Rodriguez hit his first home run since coming off the disabled list, a solo shot off Baltimore Orioles pitcher Tommy Hunter. He concluded the season with 16&#;home runs and 62&#;RBIs in 99&#;games, ending his major league-record streak of 13&#;straight seasons of 30&#;homers and &#;RBIs.[]
Rodriguez hit his 23rd career grand slam off Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jonny Venters on June 12, , which tied Lou Gehrig for the most in MLB history.[] In a road loss versus the Seattle Mariners on July 24, , Rodriguez took a hit to the hand during an eighth-inning at bat versus Seattle starting pitcher Félix Hernández.
The injury was later described as a non-displaced fracture.[] Rodriguez was placed on the disabled list. Earlier in the same game, Hernandez struck out Rodriguez in the sixth inning, making Rodriguez the fifth player to record 2, career strikeouts in MLB history.[]
During the postseason, Rodriguez was removed for a pinch hitter multiple times and did not start many times.
He batted 3-for overall, and went 0-for with 12 strikeouts against right-handed pitchers.[] He batted in the ALCS.[] The Yankees were eliminated by the Tigers in the ALCS.
On January 16, , Rodriguez underwent arthroscopic surgery in his hip to repair a torn labrum.
It was the second time in four years that he had the surgery, although the operation was more serious than before. Rodriguez began the season on the day disabled list.[]
While rehabilitating his hip, Rodriguez was embroiled in a series of negative headlines: he became a central figure of the Biogenesis baseball scandal and MLB's investigation into his possible connection to performance-enhancing drugs.[] Around the same time, Rodriguez announced on Twitter that his doctor had medically cleared him to play in games.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, much to his dismay, soon revealed that Rodriguez's doctor did not have such authority to clear him.[]
Rodriguez played his first rehab assignment game on July 2, , with the Yankees Class-A Low affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs.[] He continued his rehabilitation and played for the Yankees Triple-A team, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on July [] Two days prior to his scheduled promotion to the major league roster, Rodriguez sustained a new injury, as an MRI later revealed a Grade 1 quad strain, delaying his return and forcing him to continue rehabilitating in the minor leagues.
Rodriguez independently sought a second opinion on his quad strain on July 24 with a doctor who stated that there did not appear to be an injury; the Yankees front office expressed further dismay, claiming that he violated league rules for seeking a second opinion without the team's permission.[] He completed his rehabilitation program with the Yankees' Double-A affiliate Trenton Thunder.[]
Rodriguez made his return with the Yankees on August 5, which was the same day that MLB announced he would be suspended—pending an appeal—through the season for his role in the Biogenesis scandal.[] On August 11, Rodriguez hit his first home run of the season off Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander.[] With the home run, Rodriguez passed Stan Musial for fifth place in career RBIs.[] Rodriguez continued to feud with the Yankees front office following his return, as his lawyers accused the team, and specifically Christopher S.
Ahmad, of mishandling his hip injury in several ways; Rodriguez's legal team contended that the team withheld the injury from him and continued to play him in , despite his condition. Yankees team president Randy Levine expressed negative comments towards Rodriguez, saying that he would "feel happy if Rodriguez never played again".[] In response to the accusations, Cashman said, "I'm not comfortable talking to Alex about this because we feel we are in a litigious environment.
Hello and goodbye, that's about it." He added, "It's not just Yankees' management. He's putting it at the level of our trainers, our medical staff. The organization. The team."[]
During a game against the Red Sox on August 18, , Rodriguez was involved in key moments against Ryan Dempster. The first time he faced Dempster, Rodriguez was hit by a pitch on a 3–0 count, leading to home plate umpire Brian O'Nora warning both benches and ejecting Girardi, while Dempster was allowed to stay in the game.
Later in the top of the sixth inning, Rodriguez encountered Dempster again, hitting a foot home run to straightaway center.[] The Yankees won 9–6, and Dempster, who hit Rodriguez before, was suspended five games by the league with an undisclosed fine (although he did not miss a start).[]
On September 20, at Yankee Stadium, Rodriguez hit his 24th career grand slam, an opposite field th career home run, off George Kontos of the San Francisco Giants, breaking the all-time grand slam record, formerly held by Lou Gehrig.[] For the season, Rodriguez played in only 44 games batting with seven home runs and 19 RBI.[30]
Suspension due to Biogenesis scandal
Rodriguez's suspension that was announced the previous season but delayed pending an appeal, was upheld, resulting in him being suspended for the entirety of the regular season and postseason.[] At the end of the season, general manager Brian Cashman announced that Rodriguez would no longer serve as an everyday third baseman after the team's signing of Chase Headley, and would instead serve as a designated hitter.[10]
In the off-season, during the week of January 19, , it was reported that Rodriguez met with new Commissioner of BaseballRob Manfred.
The pair reportedly had a "positive discussionin which Rodriguez apologized, while promising to behave in the future".[] On February 17, , Rodriguez issued a hand-written letter of apology to "Major League Baseball, the Yankees, the Steinbrenner family, the Players Association and you, the fans".[]
Rodriguez reported to New York Yankees' spring training camp three days early.[][][] Girardi planned to play Rodriguez at first base during spring training to assess whether he could be played there, a first for his career.[][]
Rodriguez played his first game after his suspension on opening day against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.
He served as the designated hitter, going 1 for 2 with a walk as the Yankees lost to the Blue Jays 1–6.[] On April 17, his first multi-HR game – and third and fourth home runs – of the season included a blast off Nate Karns of Tampa Bay that traveled feet (&#;m), providing four total RBIs in a 5–4 win.[] In a pinch-hit appearance against the Red Sox on May 1, Rodriguez hit his th career home run off reliever Junichi Tazawa, tying Willie Mays for fourth place on the all-time home run list.[] On May 7, Rodriguez hit his st career home run off Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman for sole possession of fourth place on the all-time home run list.[] On May 27, Rodriguez set an AL record for the most career RBI, passing Lou Gehrig, also moving him into third on the all-time list.[]
With his th career home run against Bud Norris of the Orioles on June 13, Rodriguez drove in his 2,th and 2,st career runs.
However, opinions varied on whether he was the second (Elias Sports Bureau, trailing Aaron), third (MLB, trailing Aaron and Ruth),[] or fourth player (, trailing Aaron, Ruth, and Cap Anson) in MLB history to attain 2, RBIs.[] Rodriguez' next home run was also his 3,th career hit, making him the 29th player to reach the milestone.
He hit it against the Tigers' Justin Verlander in a 7–2 win, joining Wade Boggs and Jeter – both former Yankees – as the only players to hit a home run for his 3,th hit.[] With his next hit on June 20, Rodriguez surpassed Roberto Clemente, the eleventh player in MLB history to have recorded 3, hits.[] On July 25, against the Twins in Minnesota, and two days before his 40th birthday, Rodríguez became the fifth-oldest player to hit three home runs in one game.[]
In his first 95 games of the season, Rodriguez hit 24 homers and produced an OPS of [] After being mired in a at-bat slump without a home run until August 18 against the Twins, he hit his 25th home run which was also his 25th career grand slam, extending his major league record.
The home run also drove in the go-ahead runs for an 8–4 Yankees win.[]
From August 1 until the end of the season, Rodriguez appeared in 56 games, batting , OPS, nine home runs, and struck out 59 times in at-bats.[] The first base experiment yielded two total appearances in [] He finished with 33 home runs, 86 RBI, hits, and a batting average.[30] He led the Yankees in home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, on-base plus slugging, and bases-on-balls.
Rodriguez reached 30+ home runs for the 15th time in his career, tying Aaron for the most home-run seasons in history.[]
On April 17, , Rodriguez became the 19th player to make 12, career plate appearances. On May 4, the Yankees placed him on the day disabled list due to a right hamstring strain.[] On May 24, the Yankees sent him on a rehab assignment to the Double-A Trenton Thunder,[] and activated him on May [] The next day, he hit his 30th career home run at Tropicana Field, which traveled an estimated feet (&#;m), as the Yankees defeated Tampa Bay, 4–1.[] However, for much of the season, Rodriguez notably struggled to adequately produce, enduring prolonged slumps as his role dwindled from everyday designated hitter to pinch hitter.
In July, he had two extra base hits, including his th career home run.[]
At a press conference held on August 7, Rodriguez announced that he would play in his final game for the Yankees on the following Friday, August 12, against the Rays at Yankee Stadium. It was also noted that the Yankees would sign him to a new contract that would keep him in the organization through as a special instructor and advisor.
In the offseason, Rodriguez would join the Yankees' front office as a special advisor.[] The club commemorated Rodriguez's final game as a Yankee, thanking him in front of a sold-out crowd for his efforts with a tribute of highlights on the stadium videoboard, a presentation of a framed number 13 jersey, and a base autographed by teammates.[][] At the plate, he batted third and started as the designated hitter, going 1-for-4 with an RBI double.
In the ninth inning, he was brought onto the field at third base for one batter − his only defensive appearance for the Yankees in [] − and departed the field to a "raucous ovation" from the fans.[] The next day, the Yankees granted him his unconditional release.[] His vacated roster spot was filled by future MVP Aaron Judge.[]
Rumors swirled regarding Rodriguez's future in baseball; the Miami Marlins were interested in signing him to play first base until his spokesman Ron Berkowitz emailed the media on August 15 and said on behalf of Rodriguez, "I want to put all this talk to rest about Alex playing for any team this season.
It's not happening. Like he said Friday night, he is happy and he is going to take some time to relax and hang with his family and friends."[] Rodriguez ended the season playing 65 games with a batting average, nine home runs and 31 RBIs.[30]
In January , Rodriguez's spokesman said that he would not play for any other team in the coming year, and would remain a "special advisor" to Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner.[]
Media career
Television
Rodriguez became a guest judge on Shark Tank in [] That same year, he signed a deal with ABC News network to serve as a contributor to ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and Nightline.[]
Rodriguez is an MLB studio analyst for FOX Sports, working alongside Kevin Burkhardt, David Ortiz and Derek Jeter.[13] During his tenure as analyst, FOX Sports' MLB studio show won back-to-back Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Studio Show during the network's coverage of the and postseason.
Rodriguez was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio and Sports Event Analyst in [] Rodriguez joined ESPN in as a Sunday Night Baseball analyst, alongside Matt Vasgersian and Buster Olney.[] In the season, Rodriguez moved to a simulcast on ESPN2 that he co-hosts with Michael Kay.[][]
Rodriguez became the host of the show Back in the Game with the first episode debuting on CNBC in March The series focuses on Rodriguez mentoring athletes and entertainers who have fallen on hard times.
Adam rodriguez actor Is youngest player ever to hit home runs on August 4, and youngest to hit home runs on August 4, After signing a year, million deal, "It's not about the money. Learn more. Has three half-siblings, Victor, Joe and Suzy.A four-episode series debuted in November and featured Evander Holyfield, Ryan Lochte, Brian Dunkleman, and Nicole Eggert.[]
In July , it was announced that Rodriguez would be part of the judging panel for the Forbes' Next list, a franchise which focuses on entrepreneurs from marginalized communities.[]
Rodriguez appeared in The Captain, a miniseries about Jeter's life and career.
Rodriguez and Jeter discussed the rift in their friendship.[][]
Advertisements
Rodriguez was featured in a Pepsi Cola commercial as a truck driver in a fleet of delivery trucks simulating players in a baseball game. At the end of the commercial when he drives his vehicle to make a catch, he is told by his approving partner in the truck that he has a future in the beverage delivery business.[]
Rodriguez is featured in a commercial for Guitar Hero World Tour, where he plays the guitar along with athletes Tony Hawk on drums, Kobe Bryant on vocals, and Michael Phelps on guitar.
The commercial is a spoof of the scene from Risky Business where Tom Cruise is dancing to "Old Time Rock and Roll".[]
In , Rodriguez was featured in a Planters Super Bowl commercial, where he is watching the game and about to snack on some kale chips but Mr. Peanut drives in to stop him from eating kale and instead snack on some Peanuts.[] In , Rodriguez was featured in a Presidente beer Super Bowl commercial.[] He appeared in the SuperbowlHard Rock ad which also featured Jennifer Lopez.[]
In , Rodriguez teamed up with cosmetics company, Hims to launch a line of make-up for men, beginning with its first product - a concealer stick.
His ex Jennifer Lopez is a co-investor.[] In , Rodriguez appeared in a DirectTV commercial with Ortiz and former Mariners teammates Griffey Jr. and Johnson.[]
Criticism
Due to the unsuccessful nature of the Yankees postseasons from to , along with Rodriguez's sub batting average in the postseasons of and ,[30] Rodriguez drew criticism in the New York area, both from writers, such as the New York Post's Joel Sherman, and players, such as then-teammate, Jason Giambi.[][] Prior to , Rodriguez had received the nickname "The Cooler" among some players because of the perceived tendency for teams to turn cold when he joins them and hot when he leaves.[][][][] According to Yankee manager Joe Torre's book, The Yankee Years, Rodriguez earned the nickname "A-Fraud" from teammates and particularly from clubhouse attendants who were said to resent his demands.[] "It was [said] in front of him," Torre later said of the nickname.
"A lot of that stuff that went on in the clubhouse was more tongue-in-cheek, fun type stuff," he explained.[]
Much of the criticism regarding Rodriguez focuses on his alleged inability to produce hits in clutch situations.[][] In , Rodriguez hit only with runners in scoring position and two outs.
In 95 plate appearances, he walked 20 times and was hit by three pitches, and he had only 19 hits. Of the 41 times Rodriguez struck out with two outs, 20 came with runners in scoring position.[]
Because of the Yankees' successful history, he was compared unfavorably to other Yankees greats who have performed exceptionally well in the postseason, such as Reggie Jackson.[][][][][][] However, after his performance in the postseason, Rodriguez started receiving many positive comparisons to Reggie Jackson, even being selected as "Mr.
October" by Jackson and USA Today.[]
Rodriguez answered many of the criticisms of his postseason performance by performing exceptionally well in the postseason, where he posted a batting average and hit six home-runs in 52 at-bats during the Yankees' 15 post-season games.[]
Use of performance-enhancing drugs
In July , former outfielder and steroid-userJose Canseco said that he was planning to publish another book about Major League Baseball, to follow his bestseller Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big.
Canseco said his new book would have "other stuff" on Rodriguez, and called him a hypocrite.[] At the time, Rodriguez denied accusations of steroid use.[] In a interview with Katie Couric, Rodriguez flatly denied ever having used performance-enhancing drugs.[]
In February , Selena Roberts and David Epstein of Sports Illustrated reported that Rodriguez had tested positive for two anabolic steroids, testosterone and Primobolan, during his season playing for the Texas Rangers, the same season in which he captured his first American League Most Valuable Player award, broke career home runs (hitting 47 that year),[] and earned one of his ten Silver Slugger Awards.
The information had been part of a government-sealed report detailing major league players (out of players tested)[] who tested positive for performance enhancers during a drug survey. Approved by the players themselves with the promise of anonymity,[] the survey was conducted by Major League Baseball to see whether a mandatory drug testing program might be necessary.
At the time, as the result of a collectively bargained union agreement,[] there was no penalty or punishment for a positive test.[][] Because more than 5% of the samples taken from players in came back positive, mandatory testing of major league baseball players began in , with penalties for violations.[]
The test results were supposed to remain anonymous and the samples destroyed.
However, a coded master list of players was seized during the BALCO investigation, turning up in a federal raid on Comprehensive Drug Testing's facility in Long Beach, California. A month later, the physical samples were seized by federal agents raiding Quest Diagnostics in Las Vegas, Nevada.[] The list of the positive-testing players was released to the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) in [6] The players' union later said that the positive samples were in the process of being destroyed when they were subpoenaed by federal authorities in November , making continued destruction "improper."[]
Although testosterone is available by prescription for some uses, Primobolan has no approved prescription use.[] Also known as methenolone or metenolone enanthate, it is the same steroid that Barry Bonds is alleged to have tested positive for in and [] A fairly weak steroid on its own, it is generally used in conjunction with other steroids.[] The drug is generally preferred in injected rather than oral form due to its cost.[] An official statement by Major League Baseball made shortly after Rodriguez's test results became public expressed "grave concern" without naming Rodriguez, noting that "because the survey testing that took place in was intended to be non-disciplinary and anonymous, we can not make any comment on the accuracy of this report as it pertains to the player named."[]
In an interview with ESPN after the report came out, citing "an enormous amount of pressure to perform", Rodriguez admitted to using banned substances from to [6] "All my years in New York have been clean," he added, saying he has not used banned substances since last taking them following a spring training injury in while playing for the Rangers.[6][7] "Back then, [baseball] was a different culture," Rodriguez said.
"It was very loose. I was young, I was stupid, I was naïve. And I wanted to prove to everyone that I was worth being one of the greatest players of all time. I did take a banned substance. And for that, I am very sorry and deeply regretful."[6][7] Rodriguez said he could not be sure of the name(s) of the substance(s) he had used.[6][7]
Rodriguez said he was never told that he was among the players who tested positive, only that a tip came in August from Gene Orza