Fansided

Alex Rodriguez fights back tears after 660th homer

By Nathaniel Reeves

May 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees pinch hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) heads to the dugout after hitting a home run tying Willie Mays record for most home runs during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees pinch hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) heads to the dugout after hitting a home run tying Willie Mays record for most home runs during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees star tied Willie Mays for fourth all time on the home run list Friday night.

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Even someone with a heart as cold as Alex Rodriguez’s can show a little emotion sometimes.

Rodriguez hit his 660th career home run in Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night, tying him for the fourth-most all time with the great Willie Mays. In a post game interview with WFAN’s Suzyn Waldman, Rodriguez got a little choked up reflecting on the huge moment in baseball history.

It’s certainly been quite a journey for Rodriguez, who has started surprisingly well for a 39-year-old coming off of a year-long suspension. Rodriguez recognized the few who still support him in the interview via USA Today Sports.

"“I really stink at pinch-hitting and I’ve been bad my whole career, but like I said I think I have a special relationship with Joe [Girardi], I have a lot of respect for him. I said before the game that I really respect his judgment… and I respect his judgment to pinch-hit me, so he knew better than I did…. It was emotional. I was thinking about all the folks that stuck with me, all my tough moments.”"

It looked like history would have to wait, as Rodriguez was not a part of New York’s starting lineup. Incredibly, No. 660 was the first pinch-hit home run of his career.

Most people understandably don’t think much of Rodriguez given his PED use and general behavior, but this is still a historic moment that deserves recognition. Rodriguez will go down as one of the top hitters ever, even if he is never enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Rodriguez probably won’t hear cheers for his accomplishment until the Yankees return back to New York. Red Sox fans gave him a less than warm reception following the game-winning homer.

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